THE NEED
In Central America more than 1 million young people age 15-25 years are out of school and unemployed. They lack the basic skills to enter the labor market. Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are among the top five countries with the highest murder rates in the world. The escalating violence is stifling investment and economic growth, further limiting opportunities for jobs. These factors are pushing young people, already discouraged by a lack of opportunity, to emigrate in record numbers. Economic opportunities are limited and most education and employment programs do not reach the most at-risk youth, nor are the programs linked to real jobs in the market.
HOW WE DO IT
CRS will reach its goals through a three-pronged strategy of:
- creating a network of service providers capable of implementing the YouthBuil model,
- building evidence of effectiveness and
- strengthening government sponsored youth workforce development programs and engaging the private sector.