ADRA Vocational Workshops Increase Financial Stability for Honduran Youth

August 20, 2024 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | ADRA International

As the world observes International Youth Day in August, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is proud to spotlight remarkable young people like Alejandro Flores from La Victoria, Honduras. This small rural village, known for its vibrant greenery and industrious farmers, has faced significant challenges recently. Climate change has severely impacted their financial stability, with prolonged droughts following unseasonal rains that devastated crops. For Alejandro and his family, traditional farming has become increasingly unfeasible.

Despite these difficulties, Alejandro found a beacon of hope through a new career path in digital technology, which was made possible by ADRA International in collaboration with USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). Recognizing the potential of the younger generation to drive change, ADRA offered Alejandro a chance to join a mobile phone repair workshop. This opportunity arrived at a crucial moment for Alejandro and his family.

Hosted in community centers with the assistance of Honduras’ National Institute of Vocational Training, the workshop was fully equipped with the necessary tools and technology, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience fixing numerous mobile phone models.

ADRA delivers practical solutions to global communities confronting distress. The mobile phone repair project is part of the ADRA/USAID larger Transfer Program in Honduras, which aims to promote self-sufficiency and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. The workshops teach practical skills to help young people become entrepreneurs in their community, inspiring others to explore sustainable opportunities.

ADRA’s global efforts continue to create impactful change, demonstrating that hope and progress are achievable even in the most challenging circumstances. More than 60 students have graduated from the vocational cell phone repair program.

“We are so grateful to God, we see this achievement as a contribution to Honduran society, where young people will have access to new and better opportunities, thanks to BHA for supporting these ADRA initiatives. We value the strategic support that Honduras’ National Institute of Vocational Training has provided in helping to prepare our young people in this field.,” says Josue Trochez, country director for ADRA Honduras.

Alejandro shares, “With this workshop, I was able to help my family financially, have the resources I needed, and the necessary income. We’ve had financial problems, and it is not very easy to get money. This has been a great relief.”

Alejandro’s story is a testament to ADRA’s dedication to transforming lives through emergency assistance and sustainable development. Through projects like mobile phone repair training, ADRA empowers young people like Alejandro to build resilient futures and inspire positive change in their communities.