Some of our youth leaders from San Martín! *All photos from pre-COVID-19 restrictions
As we enter the sixth month of COVID-19 related regulations and restrictions here in Santiago Atitlán, each of our community members has felt the impact of lost income, health challenges, social isolation, distance learning, and restricted travel in various ways. While the impact of COVID-19 is definitely felt by all, our Youth Leadership Project Coordinator Hony explains that it has been particularly challenging for adolescents.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University explain that “the greatest impacts felt by adolescents stem from school closures, being in the house, and not getting to see friends and peers” (1). Hony echoed this sentiment, explaining that adolescents participating in the Youth Leadership program have felt isolated, discouraged, and doubtful at different points during these past few months.
Luckily for our Youth Leaders, Hony is working to find safe and meaningful ways to continue engaging with them as they reach their entrepreneurial goals!
Currently, Hony is working with two groups of Youth Leaders, one in San Martín and another in Patzilin Abaj. Both groups are in different stages of their participation in the program; the San Martín group is in their second year, while the Patzilin Abaj group is already in their third. The typical trajectory of our Youth Leadership Project is one year of capacity building and familiarizing participants with organization and leadership through management of an organic school garden. In year two, participants initiate their own project and learn more about modeling a business, drafting a budget, and monitoring and evaluating their progress. Finally, in year three, participants grow their businesses, learn about business leadership and sustainability, and practice using the CANVAS business model.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University explain that “the greatest impacts felt by adolescents stem from school closures, being in the house, and not getting to see friends and peers” (1). Hony echoed this sentiment, explaining that adolescents participating in the Youth Leadership program have felt isolated, discouraged, and doubtful at different points during these past few months.
Luckily for our Youth Leaders, Hony is working to find safe and meaningful ways to continue engaging with them as they reach their entrepreneurial goals!
Currently, Hony is working with two groups of Youth Leaders, one in San Martín and another in Patzilin Abaj. Both groups are in different stages of their participation in the program; the San Martín group is in their second year, while the Patzilin Abaj group is already in their third. The typical trajectory of our Youth Leadership Project is one year of capacity building and familiarizing participants with organization and leadership through management of an organic school garden. In year two, participants initiate their own project and learn more about modeling a business, drafting a budget, and monitoring and evaluating their progress. Finally, in year three, participants grow their businesses, learn about business leadership and sustainability, and practice using the CANVAS business model.
Interruptions due to COVID-19 have left our San Martín group without a fully defined project, and our Patzilin Abaj group (whose project is based on selling chickens) unable to sell due to local marketplace closures. Although these setbacks are challenging, Hony was recently able to meet with Youth Leaders to discuss a way forward.
For the group in San Martín, Hony plans to conduct the two workshops centered around project ideation, budget planning, and business modeling in an online format. Working with Pueblo a Pueblo to ensure that participants have access to internet and appropriate technology, Hony is very hopeful that these workshops will help get our leaders back on track. He says that although meeting in person and launching the team’s project this year is not possible, they have discussed a new start date for the beginning of 2021!
As for our Patzilin Abaj group, Hony explains that although they cannot sell in the local market right now, the group does have a small savings fund that has allowed them to keep up with their chickens during COVID-19. He spoke with this group of young entrepreneurs about restarting their project when it is safe to do so, and about potentially workshopping new chicken-related projects.
For the group in San Martín, Hony plans to conduct the two workshops centered around project ideation, budget planning, and business modeling in an online format. Working with Pueblo a Pueblo to ensure that participants have access to internet and appropriate technology, Hony is very hopeful that these workshops will help get our leaders back on track. He says that although meeting in person and launching the team’s project this year is not possible, they have discussed a new start date for the beginning of 2021!
As for our Patzilin Abaj group, Hony explains that although they cannot sell in the local market right now, the group does have a small savings fund that has allowed them to keep up with their chickens during COVID-19. He spoke with this group of young entrepreneurs about restarting their project when it is safe to do so, and about potentially workshopping new chicken-related projects.
Paztilin Abaj leaders caring for their chickens
Overall, Hony is excited to have been able to reconnect with our Youth Leaders during this challenging time. Social connection is vital to maintaining hope and supporting mental health during times of crisis, and our Youth Leadership program is working to do just that!
Pueblo a Pueblo knows that empowering young people is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty, and despite recent challenges, our Youth Leaders are well on their way to becoming young entrepreneurs.
Can you help support our Youth Leaders as they navigate this challenging time?
Pueblo a Pueblo knows that empowering young people is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty, and despite recent challenges, our Youth Leaders are well on their way to becoming young entrepreneurs.
Can you help support our Youth Leaders as they navigate this challenging time?
Students and Youth Leaders at San Martín school garden
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