The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently awarded $8.4 million to the Pan American Development Foundation to help address child labor and inhumane working conditions in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The project, administered by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, will coordinate with workers’ organizations, government agencies and private companies within the countries to “protect labor rights and reduce child labor and forced labor,” a DOL press release said.

“The Pan American Development Foundation works across Latin America and the Caribbean to make the region stronger,” the release said. “For nearly 60 years, PADF has served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. The organization partners with and enables civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.”

The foundation will provide training, mentorship and funding to at least 45 civil society and workers’ organizations in the countries, the release said. The project also includes the training of 1,200 people representing a range of industries and government positions on labor rights and inclusion.

“These individuals will apply their knowledge and build national and multi-country coalitions to increase collective actions to protect workers, reduce child labor and improve working conditions,” the release said.

The project will also work to advance gender and racial equity, prioritizing people of African, Garifuna and indigenous descent, the release said, which comprise a majority of the 1.4 million children in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala that are currently victims of child labor.

“These populations are often among the poorest and most marginalized groups, with limited access to education, health services and housing, the release said. “They are also more likely to work in informal jobs without social security, health benefits or other employment protections.”