LACT Partners

EMpower – The Emerging Markets Foundation

Participants in the “Valientes” programme gather in a community meeting room during a wellness session focused on the theme of Everyday Life. Young people sit and stand together in a large group, taking part in an activity designed to encourage reflection, discussion and connection with peers.
About the partner

Who they are

EMpower works with local organisations across emerging markets to support young people to thrive, strengthening education, wellbeing and life opportunities through long-term partnerships and targeted programmatic and institutional strengthening support.

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Overview of our partnership

A partnership focussed on young people's future

We began supporting EMpower in 2025, contributing to their work with marginalised young people in Cali, Colombia. This partnership brings together EMpower’s global experience and strong local delivery through Fundación Ser para Ser, creating opportunities for young people to strengthen their education, confidence and life skills.

Together, we support approaches that go beyond academic achievement, focusing on the whole person, from socio-emotional wellbeing to decision-making, leadership and future planning. We are proud to support a partnership that is helping young people navigate complex environments and build pathways towards more stable and fulfilling futures.

Empower-portrait-resized
A completed bee and insect hotel stands in a community garden. The wooden structure is filled with bamboo tubes, straw and pinecones that provide habitat for pollinators and other insects. The front displays the names “Fundación Ser Para Ser” and “Soroca.” The hotel was created as part of a community project with the Mi Terracita garden.
Participants in the Tribu Programme stand on a sports field in Colombia during a training session involving the “Valientes” from the Soroca Programme and students from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. A rugby ball lies on the grass in the foreground while groups prepare for activities in Ultimate and rugby.
Participants in the Romper programme sit in a circle in a classroom at Universidad San Buenaventura in Colombia while one participant speaks during a simulated trial on environmental dilemmas. The activity encourages discussion and debate about environmental challenges and possible responses.
Young participants sit in a large circle during the first regular session of the Soñar level at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. Facilitators stand in the centre of the room while participants take part in a group activity designed to encourage dialogue, participation and peer learning.
Active projects

What we are working on together

Empowering marginalised youth in Cali, Colombia

This initiative supports young people aged 14 to 18 to improve their academic performance, life skills and overall wellbeing through a holistic development programme delivered by Fundación Ser para Ser.

At the heart of the programme is SOROCA, a multi-year model that supports young people through different stages of their development, from self-discovery to career planning and transition into further education or employment. Participants engage in intensive training, mentorship and community-based activities that strengthen leadership, communication and critical thinking skills.

During the first phase of the programme, 112 young people took part, strengthening their academic performance, life skills and emotional wellbeing through structured sessions, mentoring and socio-emotional support.

The programme also strengthens organisational capacity and learning for the local partner. Ser para Ser actively participates in an existing Colombia Community of Practice, where organisations learn from one another and access targeted support in areas such as mental health and communications.

Local partners

Local partners leading the work on the ground

Fundación Ser para Ser (Colombia)

They work with young people to strengthen their potential and support the development of authentic life projects, helping them grow both personally and as agents of change in their communities. Through its SOROCA programme, it supports young people in their final years of school to build life plans, develop confidence and leadership skills, and transition into further education or employment.

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