Youth and Economic Empowerment

 

From Adversity to Action

“I am so thankful for the help that NPH gives me. If you have the opportunity to continue helping people like me, do not overthink it.” –

 

– Louise, Honduras

Our Youth and Economic Empowerment Initiative

Our Youth and Economic Empowerment initiative focuses on equipping adolescents and young adults with the tools and opportunities they need to enter productive and independent lives. Through education, skills development, and social inclusion, this initiative supports vulnerable youth in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in today’s labor market and actively participate in their communities.

Our Three-Pronged Approach

Vocational Training Program
Providing adolescents and young adults with hands-on education in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, beauty, painting, bakery, cooking, electricity, and more to enhance their employability and self-reliance.

Workforce and Social Inclusion Program
Offering access to internships, apprenticeships, and work experiences, including NPH’s internal Year of Service program. We also connect youth with external companies to support job insertion and economic inclusion.

Youth Development Program
Empowering young people through leadership programs like Chicas Poderosas and Hombres de Honor, youth conferences, and participation spaces that promote self-confidence, community engagement, leadership and rights awareness.

 

Our Work by the Numbers

Medical Consultations

Therapy Services

Vaccinations Against Childhood Diseases

 Impact on Economic Growth
 and Decent Work

 

NPH International (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goal #8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth — by providing vulnerable children and young adults in Latin America and the Caribbean with education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. Through its homes, schools, and programs, NPH equips youth with essential life skills and professional training, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and access decent work, ultimately empowering them to contribute to local economies.

Additionally, NPH supports local economic growth by creating jobs for staff, healthcare workers, and teachers, many of whom are former beneficiaries. By promoting social enterprise and sustainable agriculture, NPH strengthens local economies and fosters inclusive growth. Through these efforts, NPH aligns with SDG #8, helping marginalized youth secure opportunities for a better future.

 

What do Our Youth Empowerment Programs Provide?

At NPH, we believe that empowering youth is essential to building just and sustainable communities. Our Youth and Economic Empowerment initiative ensures that young people—especially those from vulnerable backgrounds—can access opportunities for education, employment, and participation.

Vocational and Trade Education: Teaching practical job skills and supporting the transition from school to employment through hands-on training and certifications.

Workforce Integration: Offering first-job experiences through our Year of Service program and building partnerships with local companies to offer real-world work placements.

Leadership and Life Skills: Developing personal and social competencies through mentorship, youth conferences, and gender-sensitive programs that foster responsible, empowered citizens.

    Learn About Our Projects

    Did you know?

    Find out how much you know about youth and economic empowerment in Latin America and the Caribbean—and why it matters for the region’s future.

    Discover Louise’s Inspiring Journey

    From a challenging childhood to mastering welding in a male-dominated field, Louise’s story is one of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers. Read on to see how she’s building her future—one spark at a time.

    Meet Louise

    Louise is a bright and determined girl from Honduras who joined NPH as a child. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in hands-on work and dreamed of learning skills that could shape her future.

    A New Beginning

    After a difficult early childhood, Louise found stability and opportunity at Rancho Santa Fe, where she lives with her siblings and receives both academic and vocational education.

    Welding with Purpose

    Louise chose welding for its creativity and challenge, and she now excels in techniques like measuring, cutting, and soldering. She dreams of one day opening her own workshop and using her skills to support her family.

    More Than a Workshop

    Beyond welding, Louise enjoys dancing, math, baseball, and Latin music. She’s proud to inspire other girls and grateful to NPH for helping her discover her strength, purpose, and potential.