Gran Tierra Energy creates an alliance with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to implement a Mentorship Program in the communities of Putumayo and the Middle Magdalena Valley.

Gran Tierra had the honor of partnering with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Colombia Section, through the Women in Energy initiative, to develop the Community Mentorship Program.

This virtual Program aimed to promote personal development and skill development for 48 people, including young professionals, local leaders, and entrepreneurs from Putumayo and the Valle del Magdalena Medio, of which 70% were women.

The three-month Virtual Community Mentoring Program included professionals with diverse profiles such as technicians, technologists, social leaders, and local entrepreneurs, providing them the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain greater knowledge of industry practices, conflict resolution methods, and techniques to improve self-confidence through sessions and conferences.

“This program taught me that I must think big, that I must use my talents and set aside my fears. I find that these fears often prevent us from improving. An important conclusion from the program is that I now recognize that I can set my own limits,” said Iván David Gutiérrez Molina, a mentee from San Martin in the Valle Medio del Magdalena.

Mentees also strengthened their connections with industry professionals where they had the opportunity to learn about the role of mentors within the industry.

“As a mentor, it was my responsibility to provide mentees with support and information that helps them thrive,” said Mónica Viviana Pazmino Mora, mentor from Putumayo. Programs like the Community Mentoring Program align with Gran Tierra's philosophy of “Beyond Compliance,” which guides the company to voluntarily go beyond what is legally required to protect the environment and provide social benefits because we believe it is the right thing to do.

The President and Country Manager of Gran Tierra in Colombia, Manuel Buitrago, stated: “Gran Tierra is very pleased to be part of the Community Mentoring Program. It not only provided us the opportunity to connect with local professionals in local communities but also offered a space to exchange knowledge through learning opportunities that would otherwise not be accessible. These transparent spaces are an appropriate way for industry professionals to learn from the community and better understand their needs through programs that further develop and strengthen the skills that can contribute to the local economy.».

2020 marked the first year of the Community Mentoring Program, and due to its excellent results and positive feedback from both mentees and mentors, the Program will be offered again in 2021, providing more opportunities for young professionals, local leaders, and entrepreneurs from the communities of Putumayo and Valle del Magdalena Medio.