Humana People to People Belize

Published purpose

This project aims to ensure that at-risk youth in Southern Belize can build safer, more resilient, and more productive futures by strengthening their cultural identity, leadership skills, and economic opportunities. Through arts-based empowerment, civic engagement, and practical livelihood training, the project seeks to reduce youth vulnerability to crime while equipping them with the confidence, skills, and resources needed to pursue meaningful employment or entrepreneurship. To achieve this long-term change, the project implements several concrete activities, including: 1) cultural and artistic engagement, such as the youth-led Lens on Heritage documentation initiative, intergenerational cultural exchanges, and community cultural showcases that strengthen identity and pro-social behaviour; 2) leadership development, delivered through Youth Leadership Circles, “Real Talk” peer dialogue podcast sessions, and youth-led community initiatives that build civic responsibility and emotional resilience; 3) entrepreneurship and livelihood training, including an 8-week business bootcamp, mentorship, seed funding, and the creation of 8–12 micro-enterprise clusters supported by shared Micro-Enterprise Kits; 4) accredited technical training, enrolling youth in Level 1 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs (e.g., electrical installation, carpentry, garment construction, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), agro-processing) to build marketable, job-ready skills; and 5) operation of a Community Hub, offering free Wi-Fi, printing services, cultural activities, business support sessions, and ongoing access to youth-friendly services through partnerships with local institutions.