In Colombia, VINCI Highways to promote the socio-professional reintegration of former FARC combatants
VIA 40 Express, a subsidiary of VINCI Highways which operates the Bogota-Girardot motorway, and the Colombian National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) have set up a soldarity circular economy project, alongside the Colombian Agency for Reintegration and standardization (RNA).
This unprecedented initiative aims to allow the socio-professional reintegration of 22 former FARC combatants by offering them the manufacture of more than 1000 recycled objects (bags, cases, cases, etc.) from used clothing. These productions are then shared with the surrounding local communities, in particular within the framework of road safety promotion campaigns regularly carried out by VIA 40 Express, but also with the “Montaña Mágica” kindergarden which takes care of around fifteen children of former fighters.
In addition to its positive impact in terms of circular economy and reduction of the carbon footprint, this project is also a good illustration that social peace in Colombia requires the creation of solidary jobs that are permanently anchored in the territory.
Andrés Stapper, Director General of the RNA, underlined: “through the RNA we continue to advance in the processes of articulation with the private sector. Today, with the VÍA 40 Express Concession, we are forging links with the territories to strengthen the sustainability of the reintegration of people ”.
1,000 masks were also produced and will be distributed for the Via Esperanza humanitarian program set up by VINCI Highways in collaboration with the Colombian Red Cross for Venezuelan refugees crossing Colombia via the road corridor operated by VIA 40 Express.
