Young people growing up in Latin American and the Caribbean’s vulnerable communities face numerous challenges when trying to enter the formal workplace. Youth unemployment is a serious problem in these countries, particularly among those who are burdened with caring for children or other family members, face workplace discrimination or lack basic job training.
The A Ganar (Spanish for "to win") program seeks to improve the opportunities available to young people in Latin America and the Caribbean through an innovative combination of life skills coaching, vocational training and team sports such as soccer. This cutting-edge approach empowers youth between 16-24 to learn entrepreneurial trades, find jobs or reenter the formal education system. Targeting youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are highly motivated to learn and get a job, have an interest in sports, and demonstrate potential to be positive leaders in their community, the program combats youth unemployment through the integrated job training program in which young people transform lessons and intellectual skills, developed through sports, into marketable job skills.
This project funds the materials and travel grants that allow the youth to participate in the program. Thanks to this project, at-risk youth have the opportunity to use soccer and team sports to develop marketable job skills.
Your support will assist with the implementation of the program. Funds will be used in a variety of ways, including buying much needed equipment (computers, training manuals, soccer balls and program uniforms), paying teachers and staff, and supporting student organized service learning projects which benefit the overall community.
A Ganar works in some of Latin America and the Caribbean's most vulnerable communities, where young people face a number of barriers to their entrance into the formal workplace, and lack opportunities for personal and professional growth. These informal communities have little to offer young people, and without support they cannot break from a cycle of poverty. Young people face negative stereotypes, and as a result they often lack the support or self confidence to maximize their potential. A Ganar utilizes soccer as an opportunity to help youth in Latin America and the Caribbean ages 16-24, find jobs, learn entrepreneurial skills, or re-enter the formal education system which grants participants the training, support, and confidence to grow personally, establish professional goals, and become leaders in their community.
A Ganar is implemented as a four-phase integrated job training program in which youth transform lessons and intellectual skills, developed through sports, into marketable job skills. The program includes: skills training--using sport and focusing on teamwork, communication, discipline, respect, a focus on results and continual self-improvement, vocational training, practical internships/apprenticeships, and continued support through career counseling and an alumni association. The program is accompanied by mentorship from community and business leaders. A Ganar also implements a complex monitoring and evaluation plan which tracks how participants situations and attitudes changes throughout the program.
Boulder, CO
About Me: Olomomo Nut Company - founded by Justin Perkins in Boulder, CO - is an innovative artisan food startup bringing a whole new wicked good flavored nut experience to the world. As part of its commitment to giving back, Olomomo is proud to be raising money for A Ganar! Buy nuts on olomomo.com, "Like us" on Facebook, or donate directly and Olomomo will contribute a matching effort. More info olomomo.com/citizeneffect.
matt b. donated to A Ganar Soccer & Youth Employment Program! - 5 months ago visit the project
Ned B. donated to A Ganar Soccer & Youth Employment Program! - 5 months ago visit the project
New CP added to A Ganar Soccer & Youth Employment Program! - 5 months ago visit the project
New Project Added - about 1 year ago visit the project
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