The challenge

In recent years, Ecuador has experienced increased criminal activity, flooding and earthquakes, and complications from a Venezuelan migratory crisis. Its youth population, especially, is at risk amid the growth of organized crime and low literacy rates. 

The solution

In 2017, we launched Vision for Vulnerable Youth Initiative to broaden the career prospects for young adults aged 14-29 in Ecuador. 

Using the Youth Ready curriculum, that focuses on action and reflection, we work with young people who are both in and out of school. We provide social, emotional and values-based learning together with life skills and literacy training.  This includes peer support, mentoring, internships, seed capital and scholarships.

The impact

In the past 3 years, we’ve invested in the futures of 392 young women and men, improving their access to education and connecting them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.  

The success of the initiative has led to its expansion beyond seven countries in Central and South America, and now into communities in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.