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In May 2023, the Prosperity and Progress in Intermediate Cities project, implemented by the Inter-American Dialogue with the support of the Cities Alliance and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), began operations with the goal of providing economic and educational opportunities to vulnerable populations at risk of migration in the department of San Marcos. The project places a strong emphasis on gender equality and works closely with local stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability. Its activities focus on:
Financial Education and Inclusion to Empower Women
Financial education forms, informs, and transforms the way goals are set and financial decisions are made. The project has provided personalized financial advice to over 28,000 people, with a special emphasis on women, who have improved the management of their personal and family finances. This strategy has formalize over US$ 5 million in savings, and fostered the responsible use of more than US$ 12 million mobilized in credit products, creating a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth in these communities.
Extracurricular Education with a Pre-professional and Business Focus
Education is a fundamental pillar for human and economic development. In this context, the project has implemented the B’etil Diploma in eleven middle schools, helping over 2,000 students (53 percent of them women) develop skills in communication, financial literacy, and waste management. Using a dynamic, participatory approach that fosters creativity and innovation, the program prepares young people for the job market or entrepreneurship. B’etil, which means “to advance” or “to move forward” in Mam, a Mayan language spoken in Guatemala, reflects the diploma’s mission of promoting progress and pre-professional preparation.
Environmental Management for a Sustainable Future
Environmental management is a key component of the project, aimed at fostering a healthy and sustainable environment. Through a communication strategy focused on improving waste management habits, the project has engaged San Marcos communities in activities such as drawing contests, eco fairs, and reforestation days to promote good environmental practices. These efforts are complemented by awareness campaigns in 18 schools and door-to-door outreach, all designed to educate and inspire long-lasting, positive changes in environmental management throughout the municipality.
Promoting Dialogue and Collaboration on Migration and Remittances
One of the most pressing challenges facing the region is irregular migration. The project has focused on sharing lessons and experiences on how to mitigate this issue by creating and strengthening local economic and educational opportunities. Activities have been organized to promote dialogue and collaboration among social and political actors, discussing recent migration trends and analyzing the positive impact of remittances on development. These efforts lay the groundwork for designing effective policies that enhance the quality of life for the population and address the root causes of migration, particularly concerning unaccompanied minors.
The Prosperity and Progress in Intermediate Cities project is an excellent example of how collaboration between international organizations, local institutions, and communities drives positive and sustainable change. Through innovative approaches addressing gender equity, education, and environmental management, this initiative mitigates the causes of migration and lays the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future, creating lasting opportunities for the most vulnerable populations in the department of San Marcos.