Tegucigalpa, Honduras, August 28, 2023, August 28, 2023 —  In alignment with the implementation of the USAID Research in Education for Transformative Opportunities (RETO) project, the IRC calls for strengthening the involvement of the private sector in educational programs as a means to mitigate the increasing levels of violence associated with children and youth in Honduras. USAID Research in Education for Transformative Opportunities (RETO) is implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in cooperation with 12 national partners across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Within the framework of RETO, an exploratory study was conducted to identify existing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Honduras and their role in violence prevention, as the country continues to be considered one of the most dangerous in Latin America. Fifty-one entities participated in this study, including companies, foundations, NGOs and trade associations.

The study—which was implemented in collaboration with IRC’s partner Fundación Hondureña de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (FUNDAHRSE) and titled "Participation of the private sector in youth-related violence prevention through education in Honduras”—unveiled that violence prevention stands as a primary focus for investments in CSR programs in the country. Notably, at least 60% of the participating entities currently invest in programs that contribute either directly or indirectly to the prevention of violence. Moreover, 8 out of 10 entities specified their involvement in this pursuit through engagements with the education system, including actions to improve it.

Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Chief of Party of RETO, expressed:

“Responding to the longstanding humanitarian crises in northern Central American countries like Honduras requires tackling the root causes, including violence. We need to provide alternatives for people who are impacted by violence today, but we also need to focus on prevention if we want to pave the road for sustainable solutions that lead to a peaceful society. Education interventions play a pivotal role in this endeavor.

“According to a previous review of evidence funded by USAID, children and youth are more likely to avoid violent actions and behaviors if they remain safe at school and participate in recreational activities. For this reason, strengthening the education system is essential to help prevent violence. We recognize the continued contributions of the private sector towards violence prevention through educational programs and projects in Honduras. However, a more concerted and coordinated effort by both the private and public sectors is required to ensure the continuity, reach and effectiveness of such efforts."

After asking about the type of education interventions in which private sector entities invest to tackle violence, business mentorship programs were the most frequently mentioned. Youth leadership and empowerment programs ranked second, followed by projects focused on educating children, adolescents and youth in values and culture of peace.

The IRC indicated that the results obtained in this exploratory study confirmed the need to work with key stakeholders in education, including those in the private sector, to improve access, understanding and use of evidence so that the design, communication, implementation and monitoring of interventions have violence prevention through education as part of their scope and expected outcomes. The IRC, in coordination with its partners, called for addressing violence prevention from multiple perspectives and sectors, helping to increase the type of partners involved and increase the scope of possible solutions. Integration of sectors and evidence-based decision making by key actors from multiple sectors, including the private sector, are essential.

About RETO

USAID Research in Education for Transformative Opportunities (RETO) is implemented by the International Rescue Committee in cooperation with 12 national partners across northern Central America. The project seeks to create demand for sustainable solutions for the prevention of violence that impacts youth through evidence-based educational policies and programs. RETO engages key stakeholders in education, including youth, to identify gaps in their knowledge, execute evidence-seeking strategies, translate available evidence, and strengthen the use of evidence to impact decision-making in educational programming and policies designed to prevent violence affecting the youth population.

An executive summary of the exploratory study is available (in Spanish) upon request. Please reach out to [email protected] for further information.

Notes to editors:

This Press Release is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the International Rescue Committee and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.