Quarter 3 FY 2019 Quarterly Report: Technical Vocational Education and Training Strengthening for At-Risk Youth (TVET SAY)

The project, which began in 2015 and is set to conclude in 2019, is funded by USAID/Nicaragua and is implemented by Creative Associates International. The project has four components, with the primary goal of improving the livelihoods of at-risk youth through new employment opportunities and technical education that is matched with market demand. Component 1 focuses on improving collaboration and information-sharing among centers to establish and strengthen networks of training centers. Component 2 builds the capacity of selected technical vocational education and training centers (TVET) and merges an alliance between these organizations and private sector partners. Component 3 aims to increase interest and improve perception of TVET programs through public awareness campaigns, especially along the Caribbean Coast. Component 4 seeks to improve the economic status of at-risk youth from the Caribbean Coast. Despite the ongoing socio-political crisis in Nicaragua, the TVET SAY team continues to make progress toward the project goals. During the third quarter of 2019, the TVET SAY team provided technical assistance to the Nicaraguan Network for Technical Education (RENET), particularly on the review of its strategic and financial sustainability plans. RENET completed its plans this quarter, which include continuing to function as an information clearinghouse and disseminator for topics related to technical education, offering consultancy services on fostering private sector alliances, new learning methodologies, and other specialized training. RENET also started providing capacity training to its members, including training on the Operational Capacity Assessment (OCA) Tool methodology. Additionally, RENET members were trained on Public and Media Communication through a workshop, focusing on non-verbal language and successful media communications. The RENET general assembly meeting this quarter launched the "Technical Labor Demand in Times of Crisis" study, which covered eight departments and provided key findings on the demand for youth with technical education. The study found that many youth see technical education as a viable alternative to improve their ability to obtain jobs, and there is demand for youth with technical education, particularly in areas such as administration, sales, and information technology. Employers are optimistic about the availability of 4,000 technical jobs in the coming years, which can increase if Nicaragua's sociopolitical crisis is resolved. RENET also implemented a strong media campaign on technical education, producing more than a dozen stories through the "Financial Impact" TV show presented in Canal Vos TV. RENET's influence is expanding in Nicaragua, with institutional members establishing a RENET chapter in the city of Leon. This effort could have impactful consequences in forming alliances with private companies and expanding technical education's visibility in the region.