Investing in education for the youth is fundamental to the development of a nation and to breaking the cycle of poverty in which they live. In Nicaragua only 20% of children who finish primary school continue with their secondary school studies, often due to poverty or the lack of access to secondary schools. In addition, many children have to work to contribute to the family economy.

Fabretto is aware of the circumstances surrounding our students. Which is why, thanks to partners like Comparte and the Barcelona City Council, Fabretto implements high-quality secondary education programs adapted to the reality of these youth. The Rural Secondary Education Program (SAT) seeks to empower young people in the most vulnerable areas through training in productive initiatives or small businesses. In this way, young men and women have the opportunity to seek an alternative that generates income for their family and improves the economic and social fabric of the community.

Young SAT beneficiaries during the annual agro-industrial community fair.

Within the framework of the project “Young Men and Women Contribute to Improving the Economic and Productive Fabric of their Locality: Learning and Doing in Managua, Nicaragua” financed by the City of Barcelona, 330 youth from San Isidro de Bolas and the Acahualinca neighborhood in Managua are receiving technical and specialized training so that they can start and manage their own business in the near future.

To date, 25 young women and men have launched their initiatives and are already selling their products in the community. Last December, student beneficiaries of the project held a community fair where they showed off and sold their products. One of the groups included Julia, Ismael, and Anielka, who have created the “É-CHALE” initiative, a small business selling spices and herbs: chili powder, ground coriander, chives, among others. Their presentation and creativity in choosing the name of their brand make them memorable. In addition, the motivation displayed by each student in their initiatives was evident throughout the fair. At each stand, the students offered tastings that were very well accepted by the entire community; jellies, jams, wines, dehydrated fruits, and pickled onions are only a portion of the exquisite variety of quality organic products that were sold at the fair.

Anielka and her “É -CHALE” initiative at the community fair.

Leonardo is the agro-industrial advisor to the project and his testimony is an inspiration to all his students. Leonardo graduated from SAT and despite growing up under the strong influence of gangs, he was always determined to obtain an education in order to get ahead in life. Now, Leonardo serves the community from which he learned so much, returning to the young SAT students that which he once received: quality education.

In addition, more than 50 women from the Acahualinca neighborhood, located near city landfill once known as “La Chureca,” have had the opportunity to access technical and business plan training. In this part of Managua, one of the worst affected by poverty, only 37% of youth between the ages of 15 and 19 have received technical or work training. That is why this project will have a significant impact on the lives of these women, as it will help improve the economic conditions of their families and improve the quality of employment through training in business initiatives.

Women from Acahualinca present their jewelry business at the agro-industrial community fair.

Education and projects like these, without a doubt, are making a more just future possible for the generations to come.

If you would like to support our secondary education programs, donate today.