Central America is facing growing uncertainty driven by declining international funding, violence, migration, and increasing pressure on public systems. In this context, strengthening the technical skills of teachers and young people alone is no longer enough. Social and emotional well-being is foundational infrastructure for sustaining learning, strengthening employability, and increasing resilience.

In Guatemala, a partnership between civil society and the country’s teacher training institution has integrated non-clinical mental health tools into teacher education. At the same time, organizations in the region are demonstrating that social and emotional skills are critical to youth employability.

This session will share lessons learned to ensure that social and emotional well-being is consolidated on the agenda of donors and decision-makers as a strategic component of investments in education and employability, strengthening human capital and the sustainability of systems.