1. The widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to the family, which is the natural and fundamental group unit of society, particularly for its establishment and while it is responsible for the care and education of dependent children. Marriage must be entered into with the free consent of the intending spouses. 21. The introductory section of this document provides a general picture of the main strategies developed by the present Government with the aim of bringing about the necessary changes to help to improve the quality of life in the lowest income communities and regions. The overall policy which the Government of Colombia has adopted towards indigent communities for the 1986-1990 period bears on the elimination of the social, economic and environmental factors underlying absolute poverty which are reflected in the exclusion of broad sectors of the population from full political and social life. 22. The Plan for the Elimination of Absolute Poverty and for the Generation of Employment, which offers solutions to the problems faced by the family as a social unit in areas such as income, health, education, consumption and housing, is composed of the following programmes; home improvement, human settlements, basic health for all, basic education for all, supply of basic goods, job creation and comprehensive rural development. 23. In respect of family assistance, the Colombian Family Welfare Institute, a State body set up for the purpose of strengthening the family and protecting minors, is assigned an active role in the home improvement programme. This programme is designed to overcome the root causes of poverty within the family unit in low-income sectors, to further their incorporation into the social activity of the community, and to meet the needs of the most underprivileged members of the family. 24. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute provides the following forms of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the well-being of families and communities, particularly those in low-income sectors. It discusses government policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of life, eliminating absolute poverty, and providing assistance to families. The text also highlights the role of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute in promoting family well-being and overcoming the root causes of poverty.

**Category**
Health, Education, Employment, Humanitarian aid and relief