Mexico, Guatemala To Implement Social Programs

Mexican and Guatemala plan to implement two social programs, "Sembrando Vidas" and "Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro," as a way to create jobs and regulate the immigration crisis in Central America.

The President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei and Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador met recently to establish the programs, Forbes informs. The agreement was signed by the Ministers of Foreign Relations of the two countries, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon and Pedro Bolo Vila.

As previously reported by MBN, "Sembrando Vidas" covers 20 states in Mexico and grants financial support between US$100 and US$250 for those who own or hold 2.5 Ha of land to be reforested. According to the Ministry of Welfare, since the project began almost two years ago, more than 420,000 jobs have been created and over 1 million trees have been planted in Chiapas, Tabasco, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. President López Obrador has stated that "Sembrando Vidas will make Mexico the largest forested area in the world. We are talking about 40,000km2."

"Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro" aims to connect citizens between 18 and 29 years, who are not currently studying or working, with companies to allow them to develop work habits and technical skills to increase their employment possibilities. Usually, these people are hired for a one-year training period where the trainee receives financial assistance and medical insurance, according to the program's website. Guatemalan Foreign Minister Brolo told Reuters that the program "Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro" is crucial for the young adult generation, serves as a platform for them to join the job market and allows them to stay in their communities so they do not have to emigrate to find opportunities.

President López Obrador announced that on June 8, he would join a meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, to discuss the migration strategy that both nationals will implement, the National News informs. Harris has stated that her objective is to offer solutions and international assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.