Project Launch:

In El Cocalito, El Salvador, many young people do not continue their education after completing fifth grade. Instead, many girls start families by age 14, and boys begin working full time. Many youth cannot imagine other paths their lives could take, due to financial instability, lack of awareness of the options available, and in some cases lack of parental encouragement and support for other options. With the help of the program “The Facts of Life”, supported in 2011 with a grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program, participants were empowered to make their own choices and encouraged to imagine better futures for themselves. Through the combined efforts of the local Peace Corps Volunteer, health promoter, community development organization and school teachers, participants explored themes ranging from the importance of self-esteem, leadership, teamwork, money management, the dangers of HIV/AIDS, and planning for the future. Through games and lectures in the classroom, community service and school beautification project and an excursion to a nearby national forest, participants were given a unique opportunity to plan for the future and enjoy childhood. The four-month program helped young people in rural El Salvador discover who they are, who they want to be, how to lead and serve their community, be creative and make healthy decisions every day.