Salesian-run FUSALMO partners with Catholic Relief Services to launch two platforms 

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run FUSALMO, located in the municipality of Soyapango in the San Salvador department of El Salvador, and Catholic Relief Services have announced the launch of two new platforms. Transforma EDU will focus on supporting quality education for children and older youth while Transforma PRO will support training and job placement. The launch of the project was held on Oct. 19.

The primary objective is to provide the tools and opportunities for youth to access employment after graduation. Strategic partnerships with partner companies also ensure they find highly qualified candidates.

“Together with the strategic leadership of FUSALMO, we seek to promote the development of Salvadoran youth, so they can overcome obstacles in the job market,” said John Briggs, director of Catholic Relief Services in El Salvador. “We strengthen professional qualification programs and collaborate with private companies to create opportunities. By involving families, we create positive change and build a better future together.”

In addition to these services, the project will offer psychological testing and customized training to meet the needs of companies. There will be guidance provided on the requirements for each partner institution.

Nelson Cruz, executive director of FUSALMO, explained, “FUSALMO and Catholic Relief Services have more than five years of experience in the implementation of various inter-institutional initiatives and innovative projects to strengthen skills of children, adolescents and young people in conditions of social vulnerability. With this initiative, FUSALMO, thanks to the support of the Catholic Relief Services, seeks to become a leader in promoting the integral development of children and young people.”

FUSALMO has served more than 432,000 youth in its more than 20-year history. Since 2004, FUSALMO’s flagship program, Don Bosco Integral Youth Program, has helped students complete their secondary education. This program has grown stronger over time thanks to the support of national and international organizations.

Close to 22% of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12% of youth ages 15-24 unemployed and 41% underemployed.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – El Salvador – FUSALMO and CRS launch two platforms to promote the development of Salvadoran youth

FUSALMO

Salesian Missions (USA) – FUSALMO

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador