Submission ID 116906
| Issue/Objective | Youth in El Salvador face the compounding crises of economic precarity, systemic violence, and climate change that undermine their well-being, as well as their ability to plan for their future. As a consequence, some youth are unable to envision a future for themselves in their home communities, and high levels of youth out-migration are observed across the country. In an effort to support youth empowerment, some non-governmental organizations are mobilizing to increase the choices and opportunities available to Salvadoran youth as they navigate decisions about their futures. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate one youth-centred community development program in El Salvador and consider the ways in which this program may contribute to youth empowerment and well-being. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Guided by a collaboration with Asociación Nuevo Amanecer de El Salvador (ANADES), we evaluated ANADES' longstanding youth program which includes participatory and youth-led initiatives focused on well-being, rights, the environment, gender equality, and building a culture of peace. Between June-July 2024, we conducted 36 semi-structured interviews with current youth participants across rural and urban settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using the Human Development and Capabilities Approach (HDCA) and principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD) to organize youth experiences of the program. |
| Results | Three impact pathways were identified that supported youth empowerment through ANADES' youth-centred program: activating youth voices, belonging and collective action, and skill-building and creative exploration. ANADES' program created safe spaces for self-expression, empowering participants to articulate their thoughts, navigate public spaces confidently, and engage meaningfully with others. The program also stressed the value of working in a team, cultivating a sense of inclusion and belonging. Finally, the program fostered artistic and entrepreneurial skill development that could be leveraged by youth outside of the program. In some cases, gendered differences contributed to diverse experiences and outcomes among participants. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Findings from this evaluation demonstrate how ANADES' youth-centred program created outlets for youth to positively contribute to their own development and rights. These results underscore the importance of participatory initiatives that empower youth to become active participants in their futures, particularly in the context of compounding crises. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Warren Dodd University of Waterloo Joshua Garcia-Barrios University of Waterloo Emily Kocsis University of Waterloo |
