There are seven centers around the country that offer training for carpenters, masons, metalsmiths, and seamstresses, including Trujillo, La Ceiba, and San Lorenzo. The latter offers programs to Indians and Ladinos who will probably never work for another company. These special rural training programs are available to students of both sexes who have finished sixth grade, are between 13 and 22, and single. There is no cost, although the students have to bring beans or other food from home, since they live at the school. There are also no admission exams.
Classes last two years with the students at school for one week and practice at home for two weeks.
Female students study home economics and sewing. All students study an administration course that includes how to run a small business, mathematics, how to determine costs, how to promote their products and introduction to the market. This program includes how to set personal goals, sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS, how to avoid drugs and alcohol, and how to get along with others. In El Carbon, a generator is used to permit the use of these audio-visual materials. The Peace Corps and Greenwood provide additional help in marketing and sale of the chairs.