Training and employment for people affected by poverty

The project provides young people and women in south-west Guatemala, particularly those with disabilities, with access to training courses in areas such as hairdressing, pastry-making, cooking and car mechanics. After the training, some of them are supported in starting a career or setting up a small business. Mobile training centres also enable many people in rural areas to complete a training course. During the project period, more than 2,900 people (80 per cent of whom are women) will have the opportunity to complete vocational training and earn their own regular income in the future.

Promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in training

The project focuses on comprehensive awareness-raising measures to sensitise the population and companies to the needs of people with disabilities. In addition, the teaching staff of our partner organisation FUNDAP are receiving targeted training in the area of inclusive education in order to create accessible and individual learning opportunities. A total of at least 150 people with disabilities will complete a training programme as part of the project, and 10 percent of them will be supported in setting up a small business with the help of their families.

Background

In Guatemala, women and young people are particularly affected by poverty and a lack of educational opportunities. Only 39.7 per cent of the population have completed primary school. Many people without school or vocational training work in the informal sector, often without social security, and are therefore particularly at risk of poverty. Especially in rural areas, there is a lack of technical training opportunities that could enable people to receive formal training and thus earn a regular income. People with disabilities face additional disadvantages due to structural, cultural and economic barriers that make it difficult for them to access education and work. This situation leads to dependency and prevents them from realising their potential.

Our local partner

FUNDAP has been working in western Guatemala since 1981 with the aim of combating poverty and inequality. With its vocational training and business development programmes, FUNDAP reaches around 3,000 people a year, giving them the chance to fulfil their own potential, complete a recognised vocational training course and start a small business. The Rhine-Danube Foundation has been working successfully with FUNDAP for more than 10 years.