This project will support families in rural communities, El Salvador, supporting their livelihoods, mental health as well as long-term resilience. The project will provide families with critical agricultural inputs and support entrepreneurship initiatives. Books and other educational material will be purchased for community libraries, and a psychology specialist will be hired to help families cope with the stress and other symptoms caused by the pandemic.
Communities in El Salvador have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The communities in the Xiriualtique-Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve continue to work to improve their living conditions, however, they face serious challenges in terms of health, food, family economy, and housing. COVID-19 greatly affects rural communities and that is why we must continue to support strengthening the resilience that we already have.
The project will strengthen economic initiatives to increase family economy in Xiriualtique-Jiquilisco Biosphere. Youth will improve their incomes by implementing economic initiatives at a familiar level. Farmers will be provided with the necessary tools and supplies to keep growing food for their families and communities. Books and teaching materials will be provided to two community libraries, and psychological care will be provided to families to cope with the effects of the pandemic.
The project will help approximately 100 families produce their own food, and replicate their knowledge with their neighbors. By improving local conditions, we hope to decrease migration to other countries and families will increase their capacity to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic and its current effects.