Wilson is a crafty young man from Honduras, and his mind is full of fresh ideas to earn income for his family. With his own hands, Wilson produces ready-to-use table lamps: He prepares the electrical connection, builds the structure and decorates each piece in an interesting and unique way. And while he has the skill and creativity to make the lamps, he didn’t always know much about running a business — until he was selected to participate in entrepreneurship training.

Wilson was chosen, along with 27 other young men and women, ages 16 to 19, from different areas of the country, to attend a 64-hour training course led by ChildFund and its local partner organizations. The goal of the training was to strengthen the young people’s business entrepreneurship and leadership skills, either as individuals or collectively, to help them gain meaningful employment.

During the training, Wilson and the other participants learned how to make a business plan, manage their earnings, test products and find clients. At the end of the course, each of the participants received a tool kit to help them prepare their products and develop their brands. Perhaps most importantly, the training helped them believe in themselves, follow their passions and inspire others to achieve their dreams.