Improving the Quality of Life of Vulnerable People in Central America

This project aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people particularly women and children in Guatemala and Honduras and to increase their opportunities to contribute to the economic growth of their community and region. The project focuses on three different components: basic education health and sustainable economic growth. In Guatemala the project seeks to increase the number of students attending and successfully completing various levels of education. Some project activities include: (1) providing scholarship packages to more than 1 400 children and youth at risk; (2) renovating 31 classrooms; and (3) providing 14 schools with desks chalkboards and learning supplies. In Honduras the project seeks to improve access to quality water and sanitation facilities in communities and schools and to improve the sustainability of income for women and their families. Some project activities include: (1) installing water systems in two communities; and (2) providing community members especially women with training and support on their micro-businesses including access to micro-financing.

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to quality basic education (2) improved access to better water and sanitation facilities (latrines) and improved hygiene practices and knowledge regarding public health; and (3) increased access to affordable micro-finance for poor entrepreneurs (mostly women).