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We
are implementing a new model for funding and administering our work
beginning in 2006. The Board has identified several key projects (outlined
below) for which we will actively fundraise as we focus our community
development efforts in El Salvador. We invite you to join us as we
continue to accompany the people of El Salvador through these exciting
efforts! Center for Arts for Peace The dream of the “Centro Arte para la Paz” (Center for Arts for Peace) is to create a community-based creative education and performance center in Suchitoto, Cuscatlán where artistic and cultural classes and programs foster a culture of peace. The Center is located in a former war zone still suffering the trauma of the long war. It creates a space for continued healing and for fostering new ways of being as Salvadorans work to build their own future. The driving force behind this effort is the community of North American women religious (Franciscans and Sisters of Charity) who have been living and working in the Suchitoto area since 1986. Their work in accompanying and empowering the people of Cuscatlán has borne many fruits over the years. Project Salvador has had the honor of supporting a number of these projects, including the Community Schools network, community libraries, adult literacy work, women’s organizing and an alternative health care clinic. When the abandoned Dominican school in Suchitoto became available for use, the sisters seized the opportunity to move forward with this next step in their lifelong process of accompanying the people of El Salvador. The Center’s facilities (in the process of renovation) include a large auditorium, a school building containing a dozen classrooms, a museum, meeting halls, café and tienda justa (marketing community-produced crafts), and a delegation hostel surrounded by an acre of Peace Gardens. Currently, the hostel has been completed, and two labs have been converted for workshop space; the chapel and the halls of the school are also now accessible. In 2006, the Center will be doing art workshops and dance classes, as well as gatherings focused on conflict mediation. They hosted 35 delegations in 2005 and will continue to sponsor delegations in 2006. Their challenge now is to raise the funds for the purchase of the building. The Project Salvador Board has committed a minimum of $5000 per year for the next five years toward this effort. Any additional funds raised will be given to the Center as well. Community Organizing Fund Project Salvador is partnering with Catholic Relief Services in El Salvador to provide funding for organizing projects that emerge from leaders who participate in their 9-month community organizing school. Starting in June 2006, we will be selecting initiatives from the graduates of the 2005-06 class. Our Board believes that the role of the community organizing school in providing leaders with the skills necessary to implement their organizing plan, is what makes this opportunity for partnership so attractive. CRS' leadership development model is vital to the success of this project. The types of projects that have been developed by the graduates in the past include: Land titling for 65 families in Usulutan; Organizing women to advocate against domestic violence in Nauhizalco; cleaning up garbage and the River in 5 municipalities of the Jalpa Valley; Promoting Dialogue between Police and Gangs in Aguilares, cleaning up the river in Aguilares; Strengthening Women's Organization and getting Municipal Recognition in Tenancingo. In June, there are likely to be new initiatives related to water, waste management and the environment as well as more issues related to women and violence. Project Salvador has committed to raising $15,000 to support this fund in 2006. Participants will present proposals in June to a team of CRS and Project Salvador representatives. This will fund 3-4 projects, to be selected in June & July. The fund will be administered by our partner, Catholic Relief Services, with all monies raised going directly to the funded projects. Scholarship Project Project Salvador Board member Tony Gasbarro has spearheaded a scholarship program for middle school, high school and college students from throughout El Salvador. In 2006, over 180 students will be able to continue with their education. Scholarships cover basic expenses of tuition, uniforms, books and fees. Families are expected to cover transportation and food expenses. Students also make a commitment to volunteer in their community. Project Salvador has committed $5000 to this project.
Karen Adams Memorial Microlending Fund In 2004 Project Salvador was the recipient of an $85,000 donation from the estate of Ms. Karen Adams. Ms. Adams was a resident of Hawaii who died of breast cancer in 2004 at the age of 55. She found us on the internet as she looked for projects that worked with the very poor! Project Salvador has established the Karen Adams Memorial Microlending Fund as a long-term project to support revolving loan funds for women’s committees throughout El Salvador. We invite you to consider supporting this important effort to promote integrated community development for women in El Salvador.
Karen Adams Artisan Fund Karen Adams' bequest is also being used to support People of Hope Crafts in our fair-trade marketing of products from 15-20 community based artisan groups in El Salvador. Funding is being used to support the strengthening of the artisan groups (primarily women) in their product development, production, marketing and administration skills. See photos! Proyecto Los Ninos : Nutrition Project Proyecto Los Niños is Project Salvador's alternative to the traditional “sponsor a child” projects. Monthly donors ($25 per month) support a community-run project supporting children’s health, education or well- being. In July 2005, we "adopted" the Nutrition Project in the parish of Plan del Pino providing comprehensive nutrition & health care services for 100 children (and 150 senior citizens!) suffering from, or in danger of falling in to, a state of malnourishment. Project Salvador funding helps with food supplements, medical care, and training for families. We are looking for additional sponsors so that we can expand our support to include the costs of a dentist and psychologist, and the purchase of basic medicines.
Become a part of this grassroots effort supporting just development in El Salvador. For more information or to make a contribution, contact: Project Salvador, P.O. Box 300105, Denver, CO 80203 Please direct any questions to: Patricia Lawless, Project Coordinator, luchando@ juno.com; 720-297-7091. ***All donations to Project Salvador are tax-deductible. 
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