YouthRISE in action: Young people in Jamaica and Mexico are building their future with confidence

In Jamaica, 20-year-old Ronaldo is pursuing his dream of becoming a certified plumber while gaining experience as a chef. He highlights how financial literacy and career training through SOS Children's Villages have given him the skills to manage money, build savings and prepare for business ownership. With continued support, including internships, mentorship, and training, Ronaldo has grown more confident about his future.

As he explains, this support has not only provided him with opportunities but also taught him responsibility and financial discipline: "It is not just about receiving funds but also about building financial knowledge and helping to manage them wisely. It helps me focus on what truly matters, avoid unnecessary spending, and build the skills to create a stronger future for myself."

In Mexico, 18-year-old María del Carmen is pursuing her dream of becoming a pharmaceutical chemist. "I've had the great opportunity to participate in YouthRISE twice. The first time, I received tutoring that helped me pass the university entrance exam, and more recently, I began English classes, where I'm now studying at level A2," she shared.

María del Carmen completed her preparatory tutoring in Tuxtla and now attends English classes on Saturdays. "It's amazing that the program offers this kind of support," she said. "Without it, passing my university exam would have been much harder, and studying English will help me in the future because it's essential for my career. I'm very grateful for all the support I've received."

In Jamaica, 17-year-old Devontae has participated in sessions focused on financial literacy, career development, and digital skills.

As Devontae shares, "I learned about debt management and budgeting, and I liked how the Scotiabank team answered all our questions and made it interactive. I now understand the difference between secured and unsecured debt and how stocks can help build wealth."

He further developed his interest in coding and website development through a two-day digital literacy workshop with the Mona Geo-Informatics Institute. Devontae is currently building his own website and continues to develop his skills through ongoing mentorship.

In Mexico, 12-year-old Carlos has discovered a passion for caring for the environment through a community garden.

"I like participating in the garden activities because we've learned how to take care of plants and avoid polluting, so we don't harm the environment or get sick. I really enjoy the classes because it's fun to grow plants that we can also use at home," he shared.

Carlos and his peers are not only learning about sustainability and environmental protection but also developing teamwork and responsibility as they contribute to a healthier community.

In Mexico, 22-year-old Lizeth has gained the confidence and skills to strengthen her small business and develop a new product through an entrepreneurship program offered through YouthRISE. Inspired by her family's shop and the support she received from SOS Children's Villages Mexico, she is determined to grow her business, create jobs for others, and build a stable future for herself and her community.

"SOS Children's Villages is an organization that genuinely cares about supporting young people. They offer more than just financial assistance; they create a safe space for youth to express themselves, view life positively, and fight for a better future while developing a support network," she says.