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El Salvador

Salvadorans have endured major hardships over the past 25 years. A decade-long civil war ended in 1992. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch killed hundreds and destroyed half of the nation’s crops. In early 2001, two major earthquakes and 10,000 aftershocks left an estimated 1.5 million homeless. The combined disasters brought economic and social development to a standstill in rural areas.  Close to half of the population lives in poverty.

Episcopal Relief & Development has been partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador for several years to rebuild communities devastated by the 2001 earthquakes. These programs  have transitioned to long-term, integrated community development that focuses on strengthening health care, economic stability and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, the organization coordinates with two other partners who bring specialized expertise: CREDHO (Conscience as action for the Spiritual and Economic Recuperation of Mankind) in the northern and western regions, and the Association El Mangle in the eastern region.

Promoting Health and Fighting Disease

• Medical clinics in the reconstructed villages provide diagnosis and treatment, dispense medication and provide pastoral counseling.

• Community health promoters teach prevention and treatment of common illnesses while youth promoters educate peers on reproductive health, STDs, HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy in 28 rural communities in western El Salvador.

• Association Mangle (the Mangrove Association) builds smokeless stoves, composting latrines, portable water systems and solid waste disposal systems to promote safe and healthier living conditions in communities in eastern El Salvador.

Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply

• Organic gardening workshops teach farming techniques to primary school students and their families.

• Family gardens provide high-nutrition foods that help save on food costs and create new sources of income through sale of surplus produce.
   
• In coordination with the Salvadoran Ministry of Education, CREDHO (Concientizacion para la Recuperacion Espiitual y Economica del Hombre) trains students, teachers and parents about HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health education in 6 rural municipalities.

Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities

• Training in processing and basic marketing techniques increases the value of family-grown produce and gives women access to less competitive local markets.

• Small animal husbandry and honey production provide nutritious food and create income opportunities.