When someone has a viable career in their place of origin, they are less likely to move away in search of work. 

That was the case for Eliezer Israel Cortez, a 24-year-old who participated in the Institute for Human Promotion (INPRHU)’s entrepreneurial skills initiative. In Nicaragua’s capital city of Managua, where he lives, a total of 1,896 people participated in the PWS&D-supported project from May to December 2025. 

Before they take part in the program, many people in Eliezer’s community have a one-sided view of migration: the economic opportunities are often front of mind when considering leaving their home to find a job. But migration costs so much more. It severs important social and familial roots and stands in the way of entire communities lifting themselves out of poverty. 

Through the project, participants embrace opportunities for intergenerational dialogue to provide a more nuanced understanding of migration. Meetings with families, workshops aimed at helping children and adolescents, and trainings for entrepreneurs raise awareness on the risks of migration and the importance of community roots. 

In the workshops for entrepreneurs, they also learn about legally registering their business, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law of the American University. They are encouraged to diversify their sales strategies and maintain clean working conditions. Each entrepreneur’s success is not built alone: participants also benefit from the group environment where they can offer each other support and receive support in turn. 

The program also helps young people develop characteristics like creativity, initiative, responsibility, planning, decision-making and problem-solving, to strengthen their self-esteem, autonomy and confidence in their own abilities. This makes them more resilient should an economic or other crisis arise.

Prior to participating, Eliezer was already working to do small clothing repairs with his mom, who taught him to sew when he was a teenager. But he had a dream of being more than just a tailor.

Eliezer developed a marketing strategy focused on personalization and quality, and built a strong brand named “Israel Tailoring.” He began accessing a myriad of supplies, including fabric and thread, as well as the scissors, mannequins and hangers required to do the job. Now, Eliezer uses them to design, make and sell garments that appeal to the taste of his customers and fit them just right. This makes him stand out in the market for a better chance at more income.

Entrepreneurship, especially for adolescents, is a key strategy for sustainable development. When someone feels confident to advocate and make decisions for themselves, they not only strengthen their economic capacities, but have better personal, social and civic skills.

Participating in the entrepreneurial skills program run by INPRHU transformed Eliezer’s life. No longer at risk of migrating in search of work, he is now well positioned to earn an income with clothes of his own design.