AL-SALEH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The project focuses on at-risk youth, alternative post-primary and high school systems, basic education and technical training curricula, and private sector alliances. MIDEH3 started operations in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in September 2010, and the project team has been working to establish the office, recruit staff, and procure goods and services. The project issued an Expression of Interest to identify local organizations working with at-risk youth, and the information requested will provide a bigger picture of the nature of the work currently being carried out with at-risk youth. The project has also contracted a team of consultants to prepare a snapshot of work being done with at-risk youth in country by obtaining the perspectives of national level experts who work with this population. The plan is to interview government, non-government, and donor representatives to obtain their perspectives on the most promising work with youth in Honduras and to identify areas which could benefit from MIDEH3 support. In terms of Result 2, the project has reviewed the two studies that were completed on Educatodos and on other alternative education programs that will serve as background for setting new goals for Result 2. The specific activities for Result 2 will be identified in the annual work plan. The project has also held informational meetings with potential partners, including CADERH, IPC, KeyTrain, WIN, and CONEANFO, to discuss the implementation of basic education and technical training curricula. The project has faced several challenges, including delays in the start-up of the project, the postponement of the project start date due to the political situation in Honduras, and the suspension of the Academy for Education Development to participate in new government business. The project team is working to overcome these challenges and make up for lost time. The project has several activities planned for the next quarter, including re-advertising the Expression of Interest, reviewing and analyzing EOI responses, carrying out the snapshot study of work with at-risk youth, preparing the Request for Applications, and issuing the RFA. The project also plans to develop a plan for Result 2 as part of the annual work plan and begin implementation of approved activities for Result 2. In terms of geographic focus, the project will focus on Honduras, with a specific emphasis on at-risk youth and alternative post-primary and high school systems. The project will also work with private sector partners to develop curricula that meet the needs of the private sector. The project has a strong focus on collaboration and partnership, working with government, non-government, and donor representatives to achieve its goals. The project also has a strong focus on research and analysis, using data and research to inform its decisions and activities. Overall, the Honduras MIDEH3 project is working to improve the impact of student achievement in Honduras by addressing the changing education and training needs of private sector employers and young people with limited access to basic education or training opportunities. The project has several activities planned for the next quarter, and the project team is working to overcome the challenges it has faced and make up for lost time.