In December 2022, a new social project began: the Employment and Entrepreneurship Support Program for Vulnerable Youth, in five departments of Nicaragua, in collaboration with the ”la Caixa” Foundation.

In a context where 40% of the young population in Nicaragua lacks access to stable employment, this project seeks to facilitate their labor market integration, either through entrepreneurship or access to decent work. This is achieved through training in various disciplines designed to adapt, as far as possible, to the needs of the country and the demands of the business sector. It is also worth noting that 50% of the young people participating in this project are women, with the aim of promoting equal opportunities.

To date, 140 young people have attended the first two online training sessions, which were offered on the website nicaraguadbd.net, designed and implemented specifically for the project. The project aims to train them in technical skills (administrative assistant, cashier assistant, warehouse manager) and soft skills (Knowing My Personality, Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Time Management, Teamwork, and Stress Management). All of these courses have been taught by qualified consultants, many of whom belong to the Prosperidad Association (Business Association). The project also includes work experience (Dual Training) in Prosperidad Association companies, formalized through agreements.

Furthermore, specific training is also being provided to develop business models to foster entrepreneurship. To this end, a consultant guides them in creating innovative business models with an Orange Economy approach. This refers to initiatives, for example, in the audiovisual, music, gastronomy, and digital tourism sectors, which also allows them to take advantage of the country’s cultural wealth. Once the young people have designed their business model, they will also receive training in online commerce. To this end, they are guided through the implementation of a “business Facebook” and a virtual trading space: Marketplace Prosperidad.

Throughout the program, the various activities and training are complemented by support for job placement and market access for entrepreneurs.

This project not only helps promote employment and entrepreneurship among vulnerable youth, but also strengthens the business community in the Nicaraguan departments where it is implemented. It connects committed entrepreneurs with the young people participating in the program, for whom they serve as mentors and guides. This creates connections between established and new entrepreneurs.

Jonathan Josué, who is attending the “Entrepreneurship with Purpose” training in Managua, has passed on his enthusiasm and desire to learn to his classmates:

“Many young people in this country need support, through training and information, to help them boost their self-esteem and, in turn, develop and improve their skills for employment and self-employment. In this case, I like to motivate young people to join the project so we can develop our ideas, launch our businesses, and improve our lives and our future”.