Empleando Futuros Quarterly Report

The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and operates in six cities across Honduras, including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Tela, Choloma, La Ceiba, and Villanueva. The project's main objective is to increase the number of young people with employable skills, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and vocational training. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on providing training and support to young entrepreneurs, as well as promoting the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The project's implementation is led by Banyan Global, with Education Development Center (EDC) serving as a subcontractor. The project's geographic coverage includes six cities in Honduras, with a focus on providing services to young people aged 18-30. The Empleando Futuros project has made significant progress in its second quarter of implementation, with a total of 1,200 young people receiving training and support services. The project's training programs have focused on entrepreneurship, vocational training, and life skills, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality and social inclusion. One of the project's key achievements has been the establishment of a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBCDs) across the six cities, which provide young entrepreneurs with access to business training, mentorship, and financial services. The project has also partnered with local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cortes (CCIC) and the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP), to promote the development of MSMEs and provide young entrepreneurs with access to markets and resources. The project's monitoring and evaluation system has been established, with a focus on tracking progress towards the project's objectives and outcomes. The project's data quality diagnostic has identified areas for improvement, including the need for more robust data collection and analysis systems. The Empleando Futuros project has also made significant progress in its branding and communication efforts, with the launch of a new logo and website. The project's social media platforms have been established, with a focus on promoting the project's activities and outcomes to a wider audience. In terms of sustainability and exit strategy, the project has established a plan for transitioning its services to local organizations and institutions, with a focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project's outcomes. The project's exit strategy includes the establishment of a network of local organizations and institutions that can continue to provide services to young entrepreneurs and promote the development of MSMEs. Overall, the Empleando Futuros project has made significant progress in its second quarter of implementation, with a focus on promoting the employability of Honduran youth through entrepreneurship and vocational training. The project's achievements and outcomes demonstrate its potential to contribute to the development of Honduras' economy and society.