December 2023

Welcome to USAID's Central America and Mexico (CAM) Regional Program e-newsletter! This program supports key U.S. foreign assistance objectives with a regional or global impact including citizen security, human rights protection, building effective and transparent government institutions, strengthening economies, increasing trade, creating jobs, climate change mitigation, food security, and HIV/AIDS prevention.

We are excited about sharing with you the stories, news, events, and ongoing activities that are happening in Central America and Mexico, a region of opportunities. With an estimated population of over 180 million people, Central America and Mexico have a rich history and well-preserved traditions. Today, the region is full of opportunities, provided the challenges that hinder economic and social development are addressed with support from all sectors.      

Through its CAM Program, USAID works with the governments of the region, the private sector, and local organizations to address regional challenges to economic prosperity, governance and security, and environment and health.

Region of Opportunities 

Watch this video that shows the beauty of Central America and Mexico!

News & Events

Supporting Central America to Address Root Causes of Migration

The United States, through USAID, is investing more than $450 million of Fiscal Year 2022 development funds under the U.S. Government’s Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America. Dr. Phil Gordon, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, announced these funds ahead of travel with USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman to the region.

Commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

Across Central America and the Dominican Republic, USAID supported communities, leaders, and partners to raise awareness on the importance of preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women, girls, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities, among other marginalized populations. 

Digital Feature  

William Recinos tells how beekeeping has brought economic opportunities for his community in Barra de Santiago, El Salvador. 

Traditionally, William worked in agriculture, construction, and the harvesting of crabs. With support from the USAID Regional Coastal Biodiversity Project, he became a beekeeper. As an environmental activist, he is currently the vice president of the El Mango Cooperative, one of the five beekeeping cooperatives promoted by the project. He also serves as a leader in other environmental groups.  

Beekeeping allows William and over 50 families to protect the environment and generate earnings for his community. Watch the video to learn more about their efforts.

Did You Know?

In Latin America and the Caribbean about 80-90 percent of persons with disabilities are unemployed or outside the workforce. Most of those who have jobs receive little or no monetary remuneration, according to data from the World Bank. Providing them with specific training in job readiness, job skills, job interviewing, and resume preparation can make a big difference in their lives. 

That was the case for Zoila Chacon, a 33-year-old Guatemalan woman who lost her leg at age 18 in a motorcycle accident. Six years later, she lost her job due to prosthesis complications, and no longer had a source of income.