Tomal Ganguly, our ambassador for United Mittelstand – an initiative of German Mittelstand – in Colombia, has launched a relief initiative in collaboration with local partners to support the Chocó region, which has been severely affected by the earthquake. Following several days of intensive preparation on the ground, the „Chocó Recovery“ initiative is now officially up and running.

What the initiative aims to achieve

The aim of „Chocó Recovery“ is to provide rapid and coordinated support to people in the epicentre of the earthquake. The affected area is currently almost completely cut off from the outside world – despite all efforts, even official aid convoys are finding it extremely difficult to reach the region. This is precisely where the initiative comes in: by utilising existing local structures and networks on the ground, the actual needs of the population are to be identified directly and without delay, and then specifically met with support from the United SME Network.

A key element of this is close cooperation with the diocese in Chocó, with which we now have a direct line of communication. Church structures have long been firmly established in the area and have strong links with the affected communities – a crucial advantage when regular aid channels are blocked. Building on this, the next step is to work with local organisations to identify the initial specific recovery needs, so that support can be channelled to where it is most urgently required.

Who is AYRA?

With AYRA, the initiative has a strong partner at its side. AYRA sees itself as a „journey platform“ at the intersection of technology, culture, lifestyle and impact: The organisation is establishing so-called „Impact Zones“ in regions that are particularly close to its heart – starting in Providencia, the Colombian Caribbean island, where AYRA is implementing real-world projects in collaboration with local partners in areas including payments, education, culture and regenerative agriculture. A key feature of AYRA’s approach is its close collaboration with local stakeholders on the ground, rather than imposing external aid. With „Chocó Recovery“, AYRA is now applying this approach, together with United Mittelstand, to disaster relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken region. Further partners are already on board.

A crucial phase: funding and mobilisation

Now that the specific needs have been identified, the initiative is entering its crucial phase: securing funding and mobilising the United Mittelstand network. A specific appeal for donations via United Mittelstand will follow shortly.

Anyone who already has companies, potential sources of support or relevant contacts in mind is invited to get in touch directly. Sharing this initiative within your own network also helps to increase the reach of the relief effort.

Full details of the initiative and ways to support it are available on the AYRA support page:
https://ayra.haus/aid/

Further updates on the initiative will follow shortly.