One hundred and twenty-five youth graduated with technical degrees in industrial equipment maintenance and business (marketing and administration) with the support of USAID’s Enterprise and Employment Project, in conjunction with the Victoria Foundation.  Eighty-five of the graduates had received scholarships from the Enterprise and Employment project. 

 

Students who pursued the business technical track gained skills related to strategic planning, human resources, negotiation techniques, human relations and customer service.  The Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), through its Technology and Environment School, provided a course on the creation of business plans.  

 

The industrial equipment maintenance track included classes in technical and mechanical drawing, electricity, mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics. The program also covered classes in welding and the use of lathes.

 

The graduation event was presided over by the U.S. Ambassador in Nicaragua, Phyllis M. Powers, who was accompanied by Mr. Danilo Cruz-DePaula, Chief of Party of USAID’s Enterprise and Employment Program; Mr. Jaime Rosales, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Fundación Victoria; and Mrs. Berta Mayela Quintanilla, Executive Director of Fundación Victoria. 

 

The technical degree programs were co-financed by USAID and Fundación Victoria. USAID’s investment was approximately $107,000 and Fundación Victoria provided matching funds to cover the costs of educational materials such as books, uniforms, meals and wages for teachers. 

 

USAID’s Enterprise and Employment program is also providing support, through another co-investment effort with Fundación Victoria, to initiate a technical degree in food technology, which will contribute to a qualified workforce to improve food security in Nicaragua. 

 

USAID’s Enterprise and Employment program focuses on three main objectives: business development, human capital development; commercial capacity and business climate.