This project seeks to contribute to the improvement of the capacities of the five Community Councils of black communities located in the municipality of López de Micay in the department of Cauca.

The project focuses on promoting capabilities that help them to manage their vision of development and the collective governance of their territories as a contribution to the construction of territorial peace. Based on the identification of thematic and organisational needs with their leaders, a training process is proposed as a strategy for capacity building and the facilitation of scenarios for dialogue and meetings that allow them to advance in their development, to construct a second level of municipal organisation. Delegations from the councils’ boards of directors are directly involved in this process and thematic and pedagogical work will be carried out with them, providing tools to socialise these contents in their territories, especially with the other members of the councils.

The proposed work methodology has been designed taking into account a territorial, ethnic and gender approach that allows for a comprehensive contribution to the strengthening of these organisations, which are considered the highest internal authorities in their territories.
Likewise, the proposal connects with the objectives of the Embassy of Ireland to create dialogue and the construction of agendas and collective proposals for Community Councils and the importance of their role in the participation and promotion of good governance.

What are the benefits for Community Councils?

• Increased advocacy and dialogue capacities of the Community Councils in López de Micay with other actors, both territorial and extraterritorial.
• Strengthening of skills through training and dialogue, which will allow Community Councils to have greater influence on decisions related to their development and needs. This will give them greater consideration in programmes and projects that benefit their development, as well as the possibility of establishing alliances with public and private entities.