Youth and Economic Empowerment

“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, 19

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 Unique 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

NPH International supports children’s emotional well-being through counseling, therapy, and trauma-informed care, helping them heal, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills.

OUR WORK BY THE NUMBERS

Workshops

625 young adults participated in employability and workforce development programs

Programs

748 children and youth participated in empowerment programs that foster confidence, life skills, and personal development.

Schools

191 children in empowerment schools that promote leadership, self-confidence, and essential life skills.

SUPPORTING THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Impact on Economic Growth and Decent Work

NPH International (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) advances SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing vulnerable children and youth in Latin America and the Caribbean with education, vocational training, and employment opportunities to develop skills and break the cycle of poverty.

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

High Youth Unemployment Rates

Youth unemployment in Latin America remains significantly higher than the general population. In 2023, the regional average for youth unemployment was 14.55%, with countries like Haiti experiencing rates as high as 36.8%.

Significant NEET Population

Approximately 21% of young people in Latin America are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), a rate higher than the OECD average. Women are particularly affected, comprising 76% of the NEET population in the region.

Barriers to Youth Entrepreneurship

While many young people in Latin America aspire to entrepreneurship, access to resources and support is limited. Approximately 26% of young entrepreneurs start businesses out of necessity, and barriers to entrepreneurship are 59% higher in Latin America compared to the OECD average.

Gender Disparities in Vocational Training

Women in Latin America face significant barriers to entering vocational and technical fields. They are underrepresented in sectors such as STEM and renewable energy, and continue to be overrepresented in lower-wage, informal jobs.

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.

EXPLORE OUR PROJECTS

Bakery Workshops

Bakery workshops at NPH Guatemala.

Carpentry Workshops

Carpentry workshops at NPH Guatemala.

Computer Classes

Computer classes teaching children programming and software engineering at NPH Mexico