Second Quarterly Report for the period January 1 – March 31, 2018 for Proyecto TransformAcción

Initial start-up planning and administrative processes were detailed in the first quarterly report, which also highlighted significant efforts to revise and restructure the project's scope due to budget cuts. The second quarterly report, however, reflects concrete plans and agreements with USAID partners. Key activities and accomplishments during this quarter include the formation and induction of the Proyecto TransformAcción Youth Advisory Committee, the creation of several training modules, and the establishment of short-term learning programs for developing leaders. Proyecto TransformAcción took a thoughtful and inclusive approach to designing these activities, incorporating a youth-centered perspective and a focus on gender integration. Cross-cutting activities involved the initiation of the Proyecto TransformAcción Youth Advisory Committee, which allowed the project team to receive valuable input from active youth leaders from diverse backgrounds and across the country. This input was combined with a thoughtful approach to gender integration, which has been integrated into program activities. Objective 1: Activate Potential Leaders IREX staff worked closely with partners to develop the first modules and facilitator guides for a foundational training curriculum for young potential leaders. This curriculum aims to generate a critical understanding of Guatemalan politics and build basic leadership skills. The training will be initially implemented by Paz Joven and World Vision at the municipal level in the departments of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, and Totonicapán. Initial efforts to establish a youth political network to connect participants with others are underway. Objective 2: Strengthen and Mobilize Developing Leaders A database of developing leaders was created, including youth identified by partners and staff from other USAID projects who can benefit from short-term learning opportunities. The IREX team also completed mapping and selecting short courses, graduate courses in political education, and post-graduate opportunities. The first two youth to receive scholarships began their coursework during this quarter. Objective 3: Support Leaders in Action The Youth Leadership Committee began its significant advisory functions and started planning an assessment of opportunities and barriers for youth political engagement in the country. The IREX team also began selecting youth-led movements and organizations that will benefit from organizational strengthening activities in the next quarter. The Proyecto TransformAcción team notes that many activities are poised for launch in the coming months and looks forward to reporting on these innovative programs and results in the next quarterly report.