The Americas

The situation of youth in Bolivia

According to UNICEF, children and adolescents represent 33% of the population in Bolivia. Among the main issues facing  youth are endemic violence against children and a notable lack of access to the education system. The proportion of school-aged children not receiving education rose from 4% to 18% post-pandemic. 90% of rural households in Bolivia lack internet connectivity, and one in six adolescents aged 15 to 19 is already a mother or pregnant for the first time.

The impactful work we support

In Bolivia, we collaborate with four partner organizations dedicated to supporting children from diverse backgrounds across Cochabamba, Beni, and Santa Cruz. Working in both urban and rural areas, our partners tackle critical challenges in education, healthcare, and nutrition. They provide comprehensive support, including safe accommodation, quality education, healthcare services, proper nutrition, and skills development such as digital literacy and vocational training. These efforts aim to empower children, improve their well-being, and create pathways for a brighter future.

Centro Hermano Manolo

Mercado La Cancha, Cochabamba

Organization that focuses on serving working children and youth in the drop-in center where services such as tutoring, internet access, nutrition and the opportunity to learn new skills.

The situation of youth in Colombia

Colombia’s children and adolescents, 30% of the population, face significant challenges. A troubling legacy of armed conflict persists, with UNICEF reporting over 16,000 children recruited by armed groups since 1990. Alarming rates of violence and systemic issues further disadvantage for these young people, with millions lacking access to proper nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. Education, a critical path forward, is also disrupted by conflict, as evidenced by the over 12,000 children unable to attend school in 2022 (Observatory of Childhood and Armed Conflict). These realities underscore the urgent need for continued support to ensure a brighter future for Colombia’s next generation.

The impactful work we support

Our partner organizations provide critical safety and support to children and youth, ensuring access to education, nutrition, residency, and opportunities to develop technical skills. Our local partners address these foundational needs, empower young people to overcome adversity and offer them with hopeful and sustainable ways to build a brighter future.

The situation of youth in Dominican Republic

According to UNICEF report on the Dominican Republic (2023), children face significant challenges, including high levels of poverty and inequality, particularly in rural areas, which limit access to education, healthcare, and nutrition. Despite relatively high primary school enrollment, educational quality and retention rates remain problematic, especially for marginalized groups. Health issues such as stunting, anemia, and inadequate access to healthcare services persist, while violence, abuse, and exploitation, including child labor, threaten children’s safety and well-being. Migration-related issues, particularly for children of Haitian descent, exacerbate risks of statelessness and exclusion from essential services. Adolescents confront additional hurdles, such as high teenage pregnancy rates and limited access to sexual and reproductive health resources. Furthermore, the country’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters disproportionately impacts children, highlighting the urgent need for resilience-building measures. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires comprehensive policies, increased investment in social services, and targeted interventions to protect and support the most vulnerable children.

The impactful work we support

In the Dominican Republic we support a local organization that serves male children and youth from the most disadvantaged areas of San Cristóbal in Santo Domingo. This organization focuses on offering high quality educational access and vocational training to children and youth so they stay away from social problems and pursue a career path.

The situation of youth in El Salvador

According to UNICEF report on El Salvador (2023), children face significant challenges, including poverty, limited access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, and high rates of violence and insecurity. Malnutrition, teenage pregnancy, and inadequate child protection systems further exacerbate vulnerabilities, while climate change and natural disasters disproportionately impact children’s well-being. Addressing these issues requires stronger policies, increased investment in social services, and targeted interventions to protect and support vulnerable children.

The impactful work we support

In El Salvador, we partner with a local elementary and high school dedicated to providing education to children and youth from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds. Our local partner focuses on empowering youth from the most vulnerable communities by equipping them with vocational and life skills during high school. This initiative ensures they can continue their educational journeys and build a foundation for future success, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term opportunities.

The situation of youth in Guatemala

Guatemala faces significant challenges in ensuring the well-being of its youth, who comprise nearly 40% of the population. A critical issue is malnutrition, recording the highest rate in Latin America. In 2020 alone, there were over 27,000 cases–an increase of 12,000 from the previous year. Deep educational disparities with low enrollment rates in rural indigenous communities. Furthermore, illiteracy remains a challenge, with a national rate of 18.5%. The gender gap in literacy persists, with women disproportionately affected (21% illiteracy rate compared to 15% for men).

The impactful work we support

In Guatemala, we collaborate with four local organizations committed to supporting 645 children, 323 girls and 322 boys. Our partners provide residential services to children from indigenous backgrounds in both rural and urban settings. The programs ensure access to quality education, nutritional services, and the chance to acquire new skills within a secure environment. Many youth successfully undergo technical education programs in areas such as baking, welding, and carpentry.

The situation of youth in Mexico

Mexico faces a complex challenge in ensuring child well-being. Poverty grips 44% of the population, limiting access to sanitation, proper nutrition, and quality healthcare. These disadvantages disproportionately impact children, especially those from indigenous communities. Furthermore, Mexico ranks second for the number of children exposed to high-intensity conflict zones in the region.

The impactful work we support

For decades, our dedicated partners have served indigenous Tarahumara and Tepehuán children in Chihuahua. Providing essential support to youth from the region’s most deprived areas. Our collaborative efforts focus on creating a safe haven, fulfilling nutritional needs, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and fostering educational opportunities. By empowering these at-risk youth, we are paving the way for a brighter future.

Casa Hogar Betania

Guadalupe y Calvo, Chihuahua

Located in Chihuahua, this nonprofit organization serves indigenous (Tepehuán and Tarahumara) male children from ages 4 – 19. Offering them a safe space to learn skills and the necessary tools to thrive.

The situation of youth in Peru

Despite progress reported by UNICEF, significant challenges hinder educational equity for Peruvian children. Low achievement in core subjects and an 80% secondary school completion rate, particularly in poorer and rural areas, affect young people. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges. Today, 1 in 3 children are at risk of mental health issues that can impede learning.

The impactful work we support

In Peru, our four partners serve underprivileged youth, from the highlands of Apurimac and Cusco, as well as coastal regions like Piura and Ancash. These crucial programs provide comprehensive support including residential care, quality education, nutritious meals, individual counseling, and skill development. By equipping children with knowledge, emotional well-being, and practical skills, our partners break the cycle of poverty and empower them to pursue vocational studies, higher education, and long-term economic independence.

Alcanzando Nuevos Horizontes

Nuevo Chimbote, Ancash

This program enhances access to quality educational services, providing psychological support, social work services and art lessons for children in the elementary school.

The situation of youth in Venezuela

Venezuela’s children face a devastating humanitarian crisis. The collapse of healthcare

and education systems has created a precarious environment.  Malnutrition rates soared to 26% during the pandemic, further exacerbating vulnerabilities. For children fleeing the country,

the dangers of trafficking, child labor, and abuse add another layer of hardship. The lack of access to quality education and proper nutrition prevents the holistic development and well-being of children.

The impactful work we support

Our three partner organizations in Venezuela serve children across Miranda and Cojedes states. These organizations address the critical issue of child hunger by providing essential nutritional support. This ensures children maintain good health and can continue their education without interruption. By fulfilling these basic needs, our partners empower these young people to reach their full potential.

Casa Hogar Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

Tinaquillo, Cojedes

Offers at-risk girls from neighboring areas, with services of residency, nutrition, healthcare, education and a variety of workshops where they learn new skills for life.