How we’re empowering youth to build opportunities in their home country

The risk of irregular migration is real in Central America and Mexico, even now, as the pandemic has disrupted the job market. Youth are desperate to find opportunities to enrich their education and build a career.

Children Believe, in partnership with ChildFund International in the U.S. and EDUCO in Spain — as well as local organizations and governments from Central America and Mexico — are working hard to provide hope through the Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America and Mexico (PICMCA/CONFIO) project, funded by the Government of Canada.

Within the past week, we’ve also launched a new “My nation is my heart” campaign, designed to empower youth and give them a voice, because youth like Betzy are proud of their country: “My heart is in my nation, because I’m a daughter, a mother, a sister, a friend. I’m the future and development, something for my country to be proud of, and I’m happy in Nicaragua,” she says.

The PICMCA/CONFIO project is designed to help young adults like Betzy by providing training, equipment, leadership skills and seed funds to start a business, generate income and find a good alternative to irregular migration.

Watch the video below to learn more about how this project and campaign is helping youth dream of brighter futures.

PREVENTING IRREGULAR CHILD MIGRATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA (PICMCA):

Children Believe is leading a $15.2-million regional project in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua, designed to improve the well-being of children and youth who are at risk of irregular migration. The Government of Canada is contributing $12.6 million to the four-year project. The initiative addresses a number of the root causes that fuel irregular migration — from high levels of crime and violence, limited employment and educational opportunities, to social exclusion and a lack of information on the inherent dangers of migrating without following the normal immigration procedures. For this project, Children Believe is partnering with two non-governmental organizations: ChildFund International-USA and Educo.

ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60 years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.