CASC Launches New Program in Guatemala
USAID LAC DAA Mileydi Guilarte, First Lady of Guatemala Dr. Lucrecia Peinado, and other CASC partners at the launch of Youth With Purpose (Jóvenes con Propósito) in Guatemala City, Guatemala on May 29, 2024.
Together, the governments of the U.S. and Guatemala are investing in the potential of thousands of Guatemalan youth who seek job and life skills to build a brighter future at home.
Through the USAID co-led Youth with Purpose (Jóvenes Con Propósito) initiative, launched in May 2024, youth in Guatemala now have more alternatives to migration. Over the next five years, the program intends to provide 25,000 participants with community service opportunities, mentorship, and job skills training to match them to potential jobs.
Youth With Purpose is part of the Central American Service Corps (CASC), an interagency initiative to reduce youth migration from targeted communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. CASC gives young people meaningful opportunities to find employment and invest in their futures at home – outcomes that USAID continues to work towards around the globe.
Watch this video from Glasswing, a CASC implementing partner, to learn more.
What CASC Volunteers in Guatemala Are Saying
A Gen Now Youth Impact Leader program participant engages with Guatemala school-aged children. In Guatemala, the Gen Now Youth Impact Leaders program laid the foundation for CASC.
CASC’s Youth Community Service Pilot in Guatemala trained 60 youth in soft skills, social-emotional learning, and the Teaching at the Right Level methodology to prepare them to tutor elementary school students in reading and math.
Here’s what three CASC volunteers from Quetzaltenango said about their experience.
Sandra, 29 years old
Participating in the Central American Service Corps was an unexpected turning point in my life. Working with children in a non-traditional setting excited me, and soon I found myself immersed in a project that not only addressed academic needs but also promoted personal and community development.
Fabio M., 22 years old
My involvement in the Central American Service Corps has been transformative, molding my attitude, fostering democratic leadership, and instilling a positive outlook. Thanks to CASC, I have strengthened community ties and actively contributed to the well-being of children in my community. The most moving part of my volunteer service is seeing how enthusiastic the children are to study with me, and it motivates me to see them so attentive and eager to learn.
Mariana Alejandra, 27 years old
Even if what I contributed is only a small grain of sand, it was fulfilling to help someone. My hope is that I planted a seed of compassion in the students. The opportunity to volunteer with the Central American Service Corps has made me more committed to making a difference in the lives of others.