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Empowering Rural Youth Through Entrepreneurship Education 

Rural communities face unique challenges, but Agros International and Nicolás Christian School (NCS) in the Ixil region of Guatemala sees opportunity, not obstacles. By integrating entrepreneurship and agribusiness training into education, Agros is helping Nicolás Christian School students to break the cycle of poverty and transform their communities.

Faced with poverty, lack of opportunity, and environmental stress, many young people and families view migration—either to urban centers or abroad—as their only viable option for improving their lives.

This migration leads to reduced availability of rural labor and has profound social impacts, including family separation and loss of community cohesion (Frontiers, n.d.).

Learning Beyond the Classroom


At NCS, classes go beyond textbooks. Programs like the Koala Tank business plan competition, a program created by Agros in collaboration with NCS, teach students to think critically and creatively. Students learn modern farming techniques, financial literacy, and market strategies, enabling them to become job creators and community leaders.

Partnering for Change


Through a unique collaboration with Agros International, NCS offers education tailored to rural realities. Supported by Agros’ “Path to Prosperity” model, students gain hands-on experience with tools like greenhouses and business training, turning knowledge into sustainable careers. Together, they optimize land use, focus on market-driven farming, and create viable paths to economic self-sufficiency.

Confronting Rural Challenges


Challenges like limited resources, cultural attitudes, and market access are met head-on with a holistic curriculum. Students learn sustainable farming, leadership, and technology-driven solutions, all grounded in ethical values to prepare them as forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

Educational Disparities


Approximately 90% of impoverished children in rural Guatemala do not graduate from high school, perpetuating cycles of illiteracy and limited opportunity (Guatemala Literacy Project, n.d.).

Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, high costs, language barriers (especially for indigenous youth), and the necessity for children to work to support their families (Guatemala Literacy Project, n.d.).

Agricultural Challenges


Guatemala’s rural areas, particularly the Dry Corridor, are highly susceptible to droughts and erratic weather patterns, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security (Reuters, 2022).

Smallholder farmers often lack access to modern agricultural techniques, financial services, and markets, hindering their ability to improve productivity and income (IFAD, n.d.).

Proven Impact and Vision for the Future


The Path to Prosperity model that Agros International has established is working. Nearly all families supported by Agros achieve lasting prosperity within five years, building thriving agribusinesses and breaking free from poverty. By scaling this educational model, the bold vision of NCS and Agros can reach even more Ixil communities through educating our Nicolás Christian School students.

Be Part of the Change  

When you donate to Agros International or Nicolás Fund for Education specifically designating the Agribusiness program, you fund agricultural programs, and mentorship of a young entrepreneur. You are directly contributing to breaking generational poverty and fostering growth. Join us in creating hope, opportunity, and sustainable change.  

Get involved today! Together, we can help families and communities thrive. 

Ivan España 

Nicolás Fund for Education National Director 

Want to learn even more? Watch the video and dig deeper into how Agros and Nicolás Christian School are empowering rural youth through entrepreneurship education.

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