Development of entrepreneurial skills boost youth entrepreneurship in Latin America

Aflatoun

Think Human Foundation

Mission & History

Aflatoun started in Mumbai, India, in 1991 as an action research project by Jeroo Billimoria who at that time was working at the Tata School of Social Studies. She began a project with schools to bring rich and poor children together to learn about each other’s lives.

In 1993, inter-ethnic riots in Mumbai prompted the programme to combat prejudice and discrimination through rights education. Expansion into rural areas was driven by the migration of entrepreneurial children to cities, leading to the incorporation of savings groups in 2001.The global era began in 2005 with Aflatoun’s incorporation in Amsterdam by Jeroo Billimoria. A campaign for Social and Financial Education, launched in 2008 by Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, exceeded its ambitious targets.

In 2011, Aflateen for young people and Aflatot for toddlers were introduced, broadening the curriculum. By 2016, Aflatoun International aimed to reach 20 million children and young people by 2020, promoting citizenship and empowerment worldwide.

Country Information

In today’s dynamic world, children encounter both challenges and opportunities, from economic instability to technological advancements. Aflatoun recognizes the importance of equipping children, especially girls and vulnerable groups, with social and financial skills to thrive in this environment.

Our tailored programs have reached over 3.8 million children and youth in 102 countries through our partners network, and 29.5 million children and youth through national integration.

The Need

The project aims to enhance employability for youth in Colombia, El Salvador, and Mexico through entrepreneurship programs. It connects youth with resources for a better future and bridges the private sector with civil organizations. In El Salvador, the Gloria de Kriete Foundation empowers youth with limited opportunities through skill-based workshops.

In Mexico, the project addresses high youth unemployment by improving participant skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and equipping young individuals with market-relevant knowledge for better employment prospects. Similarly, in Colombia, the initiative focuses on delivering entrepreneurship education to adolescents, enabling them to develop business ideas and reduce poverty through practical skills and methodologies.

The Project We Fund

The project focuses on developing entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy among youth in selected Latin American countries, empowering them to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The initiative aims to deliver tailored educational materials and workshops to foster entrepreneurial spirit among adolescents.

Contextualization involves adapting content and educational materials on entrepreneurship for adolescents, with feedback from stakeholders to ensure relevance and engagement. Workshops provide thematic instruction to over 80 youths aged 12-15 annually in three countries, fostering creativity, introducing basic entrepreneurial concepts, and guiding business plan development. Additionally, an Entrepreneurship Fair is hosted for youths to practice acquired skills and showcase entrepreneurial projects, conducted three times across the countries to empower participants through experiential learning.

The Result

“I am sure that this is an opportunity that helps to strengthen these children to face the challenges of the real world. I really consider the opportunity to be excellent, I am very grateful to the institution and to CFA, thank you very much.” Martha Palacio, Parent and Fair participant, Colegio Católico La Inmaculada, Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia

“I think the entrepreneurship programme is very good because it allows students to develop financial literacy skills and teaches them life skills so that in the future they will be able to solve financial problems that may arise in their lives.” Herlinda Méndez King, Teacher at Escuela Secundaria General No. 8 Jesús Reyes Heroles, Yucatan, Mexico

“My experience with the Aflatoun Entrepreneurship Project was extremely rewarding. Seeing how the young people managed to develop and present their projects successfully was not only a source of pride, but also a great lesson in personal and professional growth for me. Seeing some of the young people leave the project motivated to further develop their ventures was undoubtedly one of the greatest parts of this experience. This project not only transforms ideas into actions, but also inspires students to believe in their abilities and to visualize a promising future.” Jhara Carolina Ayala de Cerón, Teacher and facilitator of the Oportunidades programme of Fundacion Gloria Kriete, El Salvador