Centro de Desarollo Humano

Public Statement 2017

Organization

The Centro de Desarollo Humano (CDH) is a civil society organization founded in 1985 to promote comprehensive human development and a more democratic society through strengthening grassroots organizations. It supports the social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural empowerment of traditionally excluded actors in social movements, with a particular emphasis on children, youth and women.

CDH is governed by a general assembly composed of 21 representatives, and six member board of directors, with individuals selected for their contribution to economic, social and cultural development of the country, as well as for their recognized integrity. Membership includes leaders of rural cooperatives, associations and unions, representatives of local and international development organizations, academics and former public servants (from human rights, agriculture, and economic development sectors).

CDH is led by an executive director who is responsible for managing the institution, with a coordinating council representing the leadership of each programming area and regional office. CDH also has an Advisors group constituted of leaders in different fields with social sector expertise, to provide ongoing support to the organization, and specifically to support their civic engagement efforts at multiple levels.

CDH has received funding from national and international donors such as Swiss Contact, Fundación Ayuda en Acción, and the European Union.

Development Objective

 To strengthen the capacity of organized youth as actors in social change, through leadership development, organizing, budget monitoring and advocacy in the promotion of comprehensive youth development and the prevention of social violence in seven municipalities in southern and central Honduras.

Project Description

The Centro de Desarollo Humano (CDH) will strengthen and expand networks of youth organizations for active civic participation and leadership in the prevention of social violence and promotion of the fundamental rights of youth. Grant activities include training young people on leadership and organizational development, and monitoring and promotion of public policy. CDH will also establish local youth-managed centers providing recreational, artistic and economic opportunities. The project will be carried out in six municipalities in southern Honduras and in Tegucigalpa, directly benefiting 1,200 young people and over 5,000 indirectly.

Rationale for Funding

Young people in Honduras face high rates of violence, unemployment and social and political marginalization. These factors have contributed to significant migration, and sustained opportunities for youth to influence local decision-making and resource allocation remain low. The project focuses on organized youth as social change agents to engage the public and private sectors directly on issues impacting their lives and communities. By building on locally organized youth groups as a starting point, CDH will strengthen civic engagement, and encourage good governance at the local level for the prevention of violence and creation of opportunities for young people.

This grant is part of a broader IAF initiative focused on supporting economic prosperity, democracy, and governance consistent with the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America.

Learning Opportunity

This opportunity will foster understanding of youth leadership development for civic engagement and replication, effective representation of grassroots youth organizations and their aspirations with public and private institutions at multiple levels. It will also provide insight on development and promotion of public policy recommendations, and social oversight mechanisms by youth networks.