Government of Canada and Cuso International work to expand economic opportunities in Peru

Global Affairs funded project will provide support to Venezuelan migrants and refugees in four host communities in Peru

Lima, Peru, January 17, 2023 – Today, the Government of Canada together with Cuso International is pleased to announce the launch of Sustainable Colombian Opportunities for Peacebuilding and Employment (SCOPE) in Peru. The $2 million project will provide soft skills training to strengthen the employability of people in vulnerable situations, support recruitment by the private sector, improve job retention and provide psychosocial support in three regions in Peru.
“The adoption of inclusive policies and practices driven by SCOPE will enable better access to employment for those who need it most, as well as boosting business performance through better use of human capital,” said Louis Marcotte, Ambassador of Canada in Peru and Bolivia.
Working with local partners, SCOPE will support Venezuelan migrants in communities of Lima/Callao, Piura and Arequipa, Peru. The project will connect directly with 3,500 individuals over the next 12 months.

BY THE END OF 2023, THE PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING:
• 1,000 people linked to formal employment and receive support for three months to reinforce their job retention
• 1,000 people linked to training to strengthen their businesses
• 1,500 immigrants provided with legal advice to obtain legal status to work in Peru

The project will also work with 15 local private sector partners to promote labour inclusion and will work with three public sector partners to develop employment policies and programs for vulnerable populations.

Funded by the Government of Canada, SCOPE is led and implemented by Cuso International in partnership with local non-governmental organizations Encuentros, SJM and Asociación Kallpa. The project is based on an employability model designed by Cuso International in Colombia in 2015.”It is a great opportunity for socio-economic integration that will benefit Venezuelan people and the Peruvian host population. It is important to consider that we are implementing a model that has been successful in Colombia, where they have managed to impact the lives of more than 10,000 people; we expect positive results in Peru.” Pilar Garcia, Country Representative, Cuso International.

About Cuso International:
Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.