Cultivating belonging and agency amid instability: examining youth capability formation in El Salvador

Youth in El Salvador face economic precarity and systemic violence. In an effort to support youth empowerment, some non-governmental organizations are mobilizing to increase the choices and opportunities available to Salvadoran youth as they navigate decisions about their futures. Guided by the Human Development and Capabilities Approach and Positive Youth Development, this study evaluates a capability formation programme implemented by a Salvadoran organization, using semi-structured interviews with 36 youth participants. Three capability formation pathways were identified: activating youth voices, fostering belonging and collective action, and promoting skill-building and creative exploration. Participants highlighted how the programme created safe spaces for self-expression, empowering them to articulate their thoughts, navigate public spaces confidently, and engage meaningfully with others. The programme also stressed the value of working in a team, cultivating a sense of inclusion and belonging. Finally, the programme fostered artistic and entrepreneurial skill development that could be leveraged by youth outside of the programme. In some cases, gendered differences contributed to diverse experiences and outcomes among participants. Findings underscore the importance of participatory initiatives that equip youth to make agentic choices in contexts of socio-ecological instability.