Honduras Youth Program Celebrates Achievements
EDC’s Proyecto METAS in Honduras was honored during official ceremonies in Tegucigalpa, marking the conclusion of the six-year effort funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
More than 72,000 at-risk youth in and around the regions of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Choloma, La Ceiba, Comayagua, La Lima, and El Progreso received job training over the life of the project, which was launched in 2010. Other key Proyecto METAS accomplishments were:
- Approximately 56,000 youth received job skills training, 18,000 of whom obtained an international employment certification.
- More than 11,500 participants received vocational training, strengthening essential work and life skills.
- 70 strategic private-sector alliances were created, generating more than 4,000 jobs and internships.
“We are so grateful to our private sector partners who played such a critical role in Proyecto METAS,” said EDC Project Director Jessica Miranda. “We created thousands of jobs and internship opportunities with positive results in the lives of the young beneficiaries.”
Over 200 people participated in the events, including USAID Mission Director James Watson, Honduras Vice Minister of Education Elia del Cid, EDC project staff, and Chief of Party Seidda Mendoza. The day’s events also included panel discussions featuring METAS participants, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and private-sector partners. One METAS participant performed an original rap song about how the project changed his life, highlighting the power of education and opportunity.
The event culminated with a small carnival of dancers, drummers, and performers on stilts, who led attendees to a final reception.
Visit the Proyecto METAS Facebook page to see additional photos from the closing ceremonies.