MESCLA (Monitoring and Evaluation Support for Collaborative Learning and Adapting) Honduras, Performance Evaluation Final Report

This report evaluates the performance of the Empleando Futuros workforce development (WFD) Activity in Honduras. The WFD Activity aimed to increase citizen security for vulnerable populations in urban, high-crime areas in Honduras by supporting workforce development to increase income-generating opportunities for youth who are the most at risk of being perpetrators of violence. The performance evaluation examines two questions:

• To what extent are quality WFD services increased, and to what extent do quality WFD services protect against violence?

• To what extent do WFD actions produce a workforce with relevant skills to support country development?

Evaluators collected participant data using surveys at program intake and upon completion, followed up with program deserters, and conducted key informant interviews with participants, implementing partners, and employers. The evaluation found that adjustments made during the course of the WFD Activity resulted in greater participant retention in the program. Important in the journey to self-reliance, implementing partners are incorporating components of the WFD Activity into other programs. Two thirds of youth participants reported receiving job placement services, but only a small fraction of those resulted in (mostly temporary) employment. Participants did note that the training they received aided them in their own job search. The key outcomes of the WFD Activity for participants are increases in employability, job search skills, “soft skills,” and protective factors (resilience, emotional regulation, positive attitude/confidence, and interpersonal skills).