On March 25, 2025, the Mexican government announced a significant boost to its Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro program, incorporating 4,062 individuals into workplace training as part of the National Security Strategy. This initiative, aimed at tackling the underlying causes of violence, focuses on providing young people with viable career opportunities to deter them from engaging in criminal activities.
The announcement was made by Rosa Icela Rodríguez, the Secretary of the Interior, during the daily press conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "7 out of 10 graduates find employment or productive occupation." This statistic not only highlights the program's effectiveness but also underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that young people have a future away from crime.
The Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro program, created in 2019, is designed to place young men and women aged 18 to 29 in various workplaces for a 12-month training period. During this time, participants receive a monthly stipend that corresponds to the minimum wage, which for 2025 is set at 8,480 pesos. The program specifically targets youths who are neither studying nor working, providing them with on-the-job training and skills development.
This recent incorporation of over 4,000 young people took place across three key states—Chihuahua, Guanajuato, and Guerrero. By focusing on these areas, the government aims to alleviate local unemployment and provide young individuals with meaningful work experiences. The overarching goal is to offer alternatives to criminal involvement, aligning with the broader objectives of the National Security Strategy.
In addition to placing youth in training positions, the National Security Strategy includes a range of initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and safety. These efforts encompass various events within 17 priority municipalities, including Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Celaya, León, Salamanca, Chalco, Chimalhuacán, Centro, Chicomuselo, Frontera Comalapa, La Trinitaria, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Pantelhó, Tila, Acapulco, Chilpancingo, and Cuitzeo.
The government has reported that it has provided a total of 527,393 services to the population through 100 distinct programs available via 38 different agencies. These services range from employment assistance to healthcare initiatives, reflecting a multifaceted approach to enhancing the welfare of citizens in Mexico. By offering such a diverse array of programs, the government aims to address the unique needs of various communities across the nation.
Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro, one of the core wellness programs under the government’s purview, operates with a strict mandate to remain apolitical and strictly focused on serving the public good. The government has prohibited any use of the program for political purposes, ensuring that its drive to enhance opportunities for youth is not tainted by partisan agendas.
Moreover, the initiative aims to instill hope and a sense of purpose in young individuals, reinforcing the idea that a life free from crime is attainable and preferable. It is evident that the government sees addressing youth unemployment and disenfranchisement as crucial to its strategy for national security.
As this program continues to expand, officials remain optimistic about its potential impact on reducing crime and improving community stability. The integration of thousands of young people into constructive roles within society signifies a shift towards proactive measures against violence and an investment in the next generation of leaders and workers.
In conclusion, initiatives like Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro are pivotal in reshaping the narrative around youth involvement in crime. By offering opportunities for training and employment, the Mexican government is taking significant steps toward ensuring that the youth are empowered to build positive futures. The continued support for such programs reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering a safer, more inclusive society for all citizens.
