Obra (2009–2011)

Obra (2009–2011)_Image

From 2009 to 2011, Obra, Spanish for “work,” ensured youth at risk in Latin America and the Caribbean gained increased access to services and programs to learn, work, and lead. Funded by USAID, we developed the program in response to U.S. President Obama’s 2009 Summit of the Americas call for renewed and strengthened public-private partnerships promoting greater opportunities among the region’s youth. Building on the work of foundational IYF programs such as entra21, Obra generated concrete opportunities for youth at risk and developed mechanisms for identifying and sharing best practices. We then applied these practices in specific education and employability projects through the creation of multi-sector alliances, involving 75 public, private and nonprofit institutions. Obra established regional hubs in Jamaica, Guatemala, and Peru and also operated in Colombia and Saint Lucia.

Funding Partners