What We Do
Our mission is to implement and scale the most cost-effective solutions against violence and crime. ACTRA is the first organization attempting to scale cognitive behavioral therapy-informed programs for at-risk populations across Latin America.
Our Program
We are developing a powerful group program grounded in the best available evidence. In early 2025, we will join forces with our target participants to co-design a curriculum that truly meets their needs and resonates with Colombia's unique cultural and socio-economic context.
Why Latin America and why Colombia?
Latin America is the world’s most violent region, and Colombia emerged as our ideal starting point because:
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High-Impact Need: Colombia, in the world's most violent region, presents a critical need for intervention due to its high crime rates.
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Local Expertise: With a co-founder based in Colombia, we harness local insights, connections and cultural understanding.
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Data Availability: Colombia's robust administrative data opens an opportunity to more easily monitor and refine our program.
Theory of Change
This diagram outlines the Theory of Change for our program: We identify at-risk individuals through local outreach partners. In-house facilitators help participants build self-control and adopt non-criminal identities, reducing crime long-term. This generates health, economic, and wellbeing benefits for participants and society.
