This December, the Fabretto family proudly celebrated the graduation of 92 youth from our rural secondary education program (SAT). The graduates hail from rural communities in northern Nicaragua and on the periphery of Managua. For many, the day was extra special, as they became the first in their families to earn a high school diploma.

We are confident that the future holds great things for our graduates. In an exit survey, 96% of Fabretto senior students stated their desire to continue their education in 2017, through technical courses or university studies.

Fabretto strives to help youth find their vocation. The 2016 graduates have a diverse range of career aspirations; some of the most popular choices of majors were engineering, teaching, medicine, mechanics, English, and agronomy.

In addition to preparing youth for further studies and formal employment, Fabretto’s SAT program teaches youth enterprise skills and encourages entrepreneurship. We are proud that 84% of the 2016 graduates stated that they want to have their own business or agricultural initiative in the future. Self-employment can generate higher earnings, mitigate rural-to-urban migration, and contribute to the economic and social development of the community. Through the SAT curriculum, “learning by earning” student projects, and specials events like the Business Development Challenge, Fabretto equips youth with the skills to create their own businesses.

In Nicaragua, graduating seniors invite a family member to walk alongside them as they receive their diploma. As the youth walked hand-in-hand with mothers, fathers, and grandparents, it was clear that their accomplishments were shared by the whole community. Despite the many challenges of life in rural Nicaragua, we can confidently say that the future for these 92 graduates is bright.

This holiday season, you can make a difference for rural youth. Make a donation to support Fabretto’s Rural Secondary Education Program today. Together, we can make their futures MERRY!

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