Project Launch:

Women and Youth in Development (WYD) is an organization comprised of Peace Corps Volunteers who dedicate a part of their service to preparing Salvadoran youth for successful lives by providing high school and university scholarships to smart and motivated students who come from difficult economic backgrounds. World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program supported the WYD committee in holding a three-day leadership camp where 26 Salvadoran scholars participated in a variety of workshops and games that promoted positive personal development and taught the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment. The camp was led by the WYD Committee and the Peace Corps Volunteers who sponsored and mentored the scholarship recipients. The first half of the camp provided training in leadership and community development, team building, empowerment, and equality. The second half of the camp prepared participating young men and women for their future with workshops in resume writing, job search skills, interviewing practice, money management, and planning for the future. Skills such as personal development and work readiness are rarely taught in rural settings, but the benefits of training young, competent community leaders are endless. This leadership camp was a fun and meaningful way to support Salvadoran youth as they get ready to take on adult life.