Projects in El Salvador

Community Economic Development (CED)

The Community Economic Development program (CED) aims to empower rural Salvadoran households and communities to achieve sustainable economic growth through the creation and strengthening of economic opportunities. ​

The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of individuals—particularly women and youth—in two key areas: ​

• Personal money management ​
• Small-scale economic activities

To increase financial literacy, the initiative supports the formation and operation of Community Savings Groups (CSGs), provides training in money management skills, and guides participants in applying these skills effectively. ​

Additionally, the project enhances entrepreneurial capacity by promoting entrepreneurship behaviors, training in basic business skills, and supporting the development of income-generating activities (IGAs) and small businesses. ​

Recognizing the importance of technology and language in today’s economy, the project also offers training in digital literacy and English for business and tourism, enabling participants to access broader markets and opportunities. Through these integrated efforts, the project seeks to foster economic resilience and inclusive growth within rural communities. ​

English language training will be offered selectively to those whose products or services target U.S. tourists, such as artisans or tourism-related businesses. Through these targeted efforts, the project seeks to foster economic resilience and inclusive growth within rural communities.​

It is expected that CED Volunteers take on the role of a facilitator or cofacilitator, working side by side with the community and work partners like Ministry of Tourism, Comisión Nacional de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (CONAMYPE), Asociaciones de Desarrollo Comunitario (ADESCOS) and local organizations. It is essential in the work that they support the community in developing capacities to promote sustainability and economic development in their communities​

Youth in Development

The Youth in Development program advances national and local youth priorities through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Local Municipalities and other key civil society stakeholders. Our model centers on partnership and sustainability, embedding youth development within existing school and community structures to ensure long-term impact.​

The goal of the Youth in Development (YD) program is to contribute to youth transitioning into confident leaders and valued partners who are actively engaged in their own development and the development of their communities. Through youth clubs, leadership camps, recreational initiatives, and life skills programming, we apply a co-training, co-facilitation, co-planning and guided learning approach that strengthens local capacity. ​

By equipping educators, community leaders, and youth-serving organizations with practical tools and methodologies, we reinforce competencies in communication, decision-making, resilience, leadership, and goal-setting—core skills for positive youth development.​

Volunteers collaborate with partners in designing, implementing and facilitating activities in the communities and public schools on a regular basis to include:​

• Strengthen life skills of youth with clubs in the community and in the public schools by co-facilitating sports, arts, music clubs, debate, life opportunities and linking these activities to youth development, life skills, and community engagement as part of clubs, camps and recreational activities,​
• Expand opportunities for youth community engagement, volunteers support the community and the schools to identify community projects in which youth can get involved and volunteer in the development of their own communities.​
• Identify and plan important events for the community (such as local holidays and other celebrations, such Youth Day), acknowledging the youth as a partner for the development of the communities.​

Beyond direct programming, we prioritize the promotion of enabling environments for youth—safe, inclusive, and participatory spaces that allow adolescents to thrive. We work with schools and community actors to strengthen youth participation mechanisms, encourage volunteerism, and promote constructive civic engagement.​

Our initiatives also support improved parent–youth communication and family involvement in life planning, recognizing that sustainable youth development requires alignment across school, home, and community systems. Through shared leadership and locally driven solutions, we contribute to resilient communities where young people are empowered to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society.​

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