A. M. 
A group of 181 young people from the central zone received their diplomas at the end of the vocational courses given at ITCA Fepade Santa Tecla, in the framework of the Educational Opportunities Scholarship Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
The graduation ceremony was attended by USAID Mission Director in El Salvador, Christopher Cushing; IOM Mission Chief, Nicola Graviano; and ITCA Fepade Rector, Carlos Arriola.
In 2024, a total of 218 people joined courses in key areas such as customer service, software development, warehousing and packaging, accounting administration and professional cooking. These specialties were selected based on a labor demand study that highlighted priority needs in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area (AMSS).
Thanks to this training, participants have strengthened both their employability and their entrepreneurial skills. To date, several of them have gained access to new job opportunities, while entrepreneurs report significant progress in the development of their businesses.
“This achievement is an example of the impact we can achieve when we join efforts between institutions, the private sector and the community. From IOM, we reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting opportunities that provide sustainable alternatives, reducing the risks associated with irregular migration and fostering inclusive development in the communities of El Salvador”, said Nicola Graviano, IOM Chief of Mission.
“As a cooperation of the people and government of the United States, we are proud to help more young people learn, grow and become agents of change. This is yet another demonstration of the strong bonds of friendship between our peoples, the United States and El Salvador”, said Christopher Cushing, USAID Director.
In addition to the technical modules, the students received psychosocial support, life skills sessions, professional orientation and entrepreneurship, as well as other benefits such as transportation stipends, connectivity, and technological equipment that facilitated their learning and encouraged them to take root in their communities.
To date, the project has awarded more than 6,000 scholarships and facilitated more than 1,000 effective job placements that have provided hope and stability to hundreds of salvadoran families. In order to close the gap between labor supply and demand, this initiative promotes strategic alliances that generate social impact, strengthen local economic development, and offer sustainable alternatives to mitigate irregular migration.
