Medellín, Colombia:   The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) celebrated its 50^th anniversary by showcasing one of its most successful projects promoting economic opportunities for underserved youth.  Attended by IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, the pre-assembly event highlighted entra21, a signature program of the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and the IDB’s Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF).  In its first phase, the program provided IT and employability training and job placement assistance to nearly 20,000 young people across Latin America and the Caribbean, placing more than half of them in jobs.

 

“Nearly half of the people in this region are under 30 years of age, and far too many of them can’t find jobs,” says William S. Reese, President and CEO of the International Youth Foundation.  “With critical support from IDB’s Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) over the years, the strong leadership of President Moreno, and committed NGO partners like Comfenalco Antioquia, we’ve helped thousands of these youth not only find a job – but create a better life for themselves and their communities."  Also participating in the event was Cesar Castro, Nokia’s director for Colombia and Ecuador, along with other business leaders -- underscoring  the importance of private sector involvement  to ensure that youth are well trained and fully prepared to enter the world of work.

 

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