Providing opportunity for youth to keep them safe at home

Imagine believing your only option for a better life was to leave your country, alone, as a teen. That’s the case for many in Central America and Mexico who believe they don’t have enough job or educational opportunities, feel they must escape violence or want to reunite with family. Children Believe is hoping to change that.

As part of the Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America and Mexico (PICMCA/CONFIO) project funded by the Government of Canada, we’re working with youth to promote access to opportunities and give them a voice through our new “My nation is my heart” campaign.

“CONFIO trains, provides equipment, inputs and seed funds, so young people can start their businesses and generate income, so irregular migration is not the only alternative to achieve their well-being,” explains Borys Chinchilla, regional manager for the CONFIO project.

The goal is to reach more than 125,000 young people nationally and regionally (in Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua), encouraging communication and sharing information about the risks associated with irregular migration.

Children Believe is working in alliance with non-governmental organizations to make this change possible. We’ve partnered with ChildFund International-USA and Educo in Spain as well as local organizations and governments from Central America and Mexico.

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Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America (PICMCA):

Children Believe is leading a $15.2-million regional project in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua, designed to improve the well-being of children and youth who are at risk of irregular migration. The Government of Canada is contributing $12.6 million to the four-year project. The initiative addresses a number of the root causes that fuel irregular migration — from high levels of crime and violence, limited employment and educational opportunities, to social exclusion and a lack of information on the inherent dangers of migrating without following the normal immigration procedures. For this project, Children Believe is partnering with two non-governmental organizations: ChildFund International-USA and Educo.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.