Project Launch:

In this project, World Connect supported The Artistic Creations School and Workshop of La Palma, El Salvador which strives to improve the quality of life for youth by providing them with training and employment in a unique artistic tradition. The school used a grant from World Connect to invest in equipment that allows its students to use their creativity to develop new products, such as dominoes and puzzles for children or wood frames for photographs and diplomas, which are not currently sold in the town but are in high demand. The project included a training session for the youth in the use of the equipment, as well as in starting their own micro-businesses to market and sell their new products. The project benefitted all ten of the youth members, and allowed the school to incorporate new members specializing in use of the new equipment. The trained and employed kids developed increased self-esteem and creativity while generating income to support themselves and their families.