QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT APRIL – JUNE 2016

The project's general objective is to increase protective factors for at-risk youth and former gang members in the selected municipalities. The project was signed on July 31st, 2015, and launched to the general public on September 10th, 2015. During the April-June 2016 period, four new entrepreneurships were developed, including La Fe Barbershop, Miriam Beauty Salon, Barbershop Noe, and Caleb Services (Photocopies business). Eleven new at-risk youth were employed under GENESIS technical support, with most working in service areas such as stores and restaurants. A total of 40 new volunteers got involved in supporting the activities of 25 Outreach Centers under GENESIS technical assistance, with 364 registered in the OCs database system. Additionally, 1640 new beneficiaries were served during this period in 25 Outreach Centers. The Outreach Center's diagnosis continued throughout April and was successfully conducted by ANED, an external consultant, and GENESIS, with the companion of AJH. Evaluation of Five Stars OC and Five Stars Volunteer was performed through May. GENESIS project officials participated in the annual awards ceremony of "Community Heroes" organized by USAID on May 14th. On May 26th, GENESIS officials visited OC Primero de Mayo, Armenia Bonito, and Melgar I to assess their progress and needs. A community campaign "Calles Felices" was developed in 33 communities of San Pedro Sula, La Lima, and Choloma throughout May and June, benefiting 4,536 youth. A signing of grant with CCIT on June 6th will benefit the first 29 former gang members through capacity building and 20 of these youth will receive in-kind support to start their own ventures. From June 24 to July 3rd, a stand of GENESIS was located in "Expocentro" San Pedro Sula, attracting possible allies. GENESIS officials, along with representatives of USAID, FHIS, and AJH, traveled to Puerto Lempira to visit the OCs of Asla Wapaia and Brotes Nuevos. On June 30, seven new OCs were transferred to GENESIS, located in La Ceiba. These OCs are Búfalo, Armenia Bonito, Primero de Mayo, and Melgar I. The GENESIS project continues to work towards its objectives, increasing protective factors for at-risk youth and former gang members in Honduras.