After six years of intensive work, ZOA has had to end its program in Colombia. The reasons: loss of American funding, uncertainty in Dutch development policy, and a global trend of declining humanitarian and development financing. What began as a temporary pause in February became permanent just weeks later.
“It came as a surprise,” says Mike, Country Director of ZOA Colombia. “It all came tumbling down overnight. At first, we thought: this is temporary. But it quickly became clear that we really had to stop.”
Since its launch in 2019, ZOA worked in Colombia on innovative and life-changing assistance for the most vulnerable. With fourteen field offices across the country, ZOA focused on migrants, including those in transit. Remote communities were also reached.
At the time the decision to close was made, we were implementing several projects that were running in the country. For example, solar-powered water desalinization plants were installed in the northern desert areas where generations had lived without access to clean drinking water.
ZOA also provided emergency aid and shelter to migrants who sometimes walked thousands of kilometers without food or protection. “We worked in high-risk areas where our help literally saved lives,” Mike explains. “We distributed cash to those who needed it most and provided food to thousands of Colombians and Venezuelans.”
Over the past six years, ZOA reached more than 65.000 people in transit through twelve field offices along 1,600 km of migrant routes. “People knew where to find us. They came to our offices daily. We gave hope,” says Mike. “Now our offices are closed.”
Still, ZOA managed to make a lasting impact. Take the water projects in northern Colombia, for example. Mike explains: “Those communities had no access to clean water for generations. Now they do. And even though we’re gone, the water systems continue to function. We trained the communities to operate the plants themselves. That’s sustainable impact.”
Other projects were also properly concluded. “Because of natural project cycles, we ended the projects without negatively affecting the people we helped. That was very important to us,” Mike emphasizes. “Still, it was a very difficult situation: Thousands of migrants going without assistance, 120 colleagues suddenly without work and fourteen field offices closed. It was a shock. Not just for us, but for everyone. No one saw it coming.”
For Mike, and for all ZOA, the abrupt end of ZOA Colombia remains painful. Mike shares: “What impressed me most is the motivation of our colleagues. Their creativity and dedication. We solved challenges together. Our team was always ready to work hard.”
Despite the sadness, gratitude prevails. “We’re glad we were able to help. No one wins in this situation. There’s still plenty of work to be done in Colombia. But I’m glad that we could leave something behind that endures.”