Professional & Work Development Programs

Safe Passage believes that young adults are key figures for social change

To support students in our community as they transition into higher levels of education and life, we created Oportunidades and Próximo Paso, our half-day reinforcement and next step graduate programs.

Our Oportunidades program is for students who attend public and private high schools. The first class of Camino Seguro students will be joining the program in 2022, when they move on to Diversificado (high school).

Próximo Paso or our “Next Step” program is for students who have graduated high school – we assist these students in a variety of ways depending on their interests and needs, including with applications for university.

Oportunidades - Half Day Reinforcement Program

It began as the Educational Reinforcement Center (CRE) in 2000 and was created to help students, ages 8-20, who studied in other institutions.

With Guatemalan schools only operating for four hours a day, there is a need to keep students engaged academically, off of the streets and away from the influence of gangs. The program transitioned to Oportunidades in 2018 in an effort to give students more autonomy and responsibility in their education. Specific protocols to assist staff and volunteers were also implemented, such as physical and virtual file keeping to gain a better understanding of the skills and realities of the students.

Próximo Paso - Next Step Graduate Program

Next Step helps guide students as they leave high school and transition into either university or the workforce.

With the observation that lack of social skills and adaptation were interfering with employment opportunities, Próximo Paso was created to help students successfully navigate the next stage of their lives. What began as workshops and etiquette classes, transformed into a robust program that includes:

  • Educational and vocational orientation for students 9th grade and up
  • Academic growth opportunities and support when applying for and entering university
  • Support and placement with internships and employment opportunities
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We started the program to guide graduates through the often daunting post-graduation world by giving them:

  • Real-world experience and employment opportunities.
    We start by working closely and fostering professional relationships with nonprofit organizations and private companies. The more they understand and experience our programs, the more likely it is that they will work with our graduates. Our local Guatemalan partners provide training and employment for many of our graduates. Partner volunteers donate their time to strengthening student social skills and offering advice and encouragement.
  • Help with researching universities and applications.
    Graduates that want to continue their education after high school receive guidance and support throughout the university admissions process.
  • Knowledge to find his/her space in society and creating post-graduation goals.
    Through interview preparation workshops, alumni activities, and resources for finding employment, Next Step gives graduates the skills they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Next Step is the culmination of our comprehensive education program, and a new beginning for each of our graduates. 

Impacts

159 high school students have graduated from Safe Passage since 2007, but where are they now? To find out, we conducted a survey in fall of 2016 that was updated in 2020. Of the 75% of graduates who responded:

57% are currently employed in the formal sector

9% are currently working and enrolled in higher education

Of those who reported wages, the average monthly wage is Q3,500 ($467) The average monthly wage for a worker in the garbage dump is Q1000 ($133)

Marcia Bernbaum, PhD, an experienced applied researcher and program evaluator, visited Safe Passage in July 2024 to assess the impact of Oportunidades and Proximo Paso. Through in-depth interviews with 15 young program affiliates, staff, and stakeholders, Bernbaum published a comprehensive report inclusive of interviews, results, and recommendations.  

The findings from her research add a valuable qualitative perspective when it comes to addressing the impacts of Safe Passage in general and of Oportunidades and Proximo Paso in particular. 

 

  • Graduates are prepared for success in adulthood, In the words of Alexandra: They help us to make decisions as adults, to change from studying to formal work, exploring university”
  • Most aspire to go to university and embark on professional careers Lester comments: “I want to finish my degree and then go to university to study systems engineering. I also want to get a degree in agronomy.  
  • Participation in the two programs instills confidence and hope. Marvin observes: “I am more prepared for what may and may not come” . Melany responded, “It gives me the inspiration to keep going.”  
  • The importance of living the values upon which Save Passage is based. When asked how Proximo Paso has helped him in his life, Richard replied “It helps us develop skills, teaches us different things about employment, values, skills in different areas.”

 

  • Preparing to become future leaders. Lester reflects:  I have learned that we are all born leaders, the important thing is to develop them. A positive leader supports his colleagues, helps them to do their work better.

Alexandra’s response, when asked why donors should support Safe Passage’s programs  speaks volumes: “We are people of change.”