Social Service Projects in El Salvador
Las Vecinas de El Salvador, St. Ignatius Church Parish and Parroquia San Antonio
Because of the generosity of St. Ignatius parishioners in supporting the fundraising efforts of Las Vecinas de El Salvador, such as the Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction, Crafts Sale, and ZUMBA class, Las Vecinas has been able to fund several social service projects for or through San Antonio Parish in Soyapango, an impoverished suburb of San Salvador, over the years.
The most recent projects funded include:
Scholarships: In 2015, we again provided $1,500 to fund scholarships to help five students obtain the education they need to escape from poverty. We have been providing these five scholarships every year since 2001.
Bakery Shop: In 2014, we provided $2,500 to start a new bakery training program, including all supplies needed and the instructor’s salary. In 2015, we provided $1150 for the instructor’s salary and supplies.
Sewing Co-op: To support the establishment of a sewing cooperative at San Antonio Parish to enable participants to gain new skills and employment, in 2010 Las Vecinas provided $3,400 to pay for the sewing instructor’s salary, new sewing machines, tables, and other needed tools and supplies. From 2011 through 2015, we provided $1,200 each year to pay for the sewing instructor’s salary.
Flower-Making Workshop: From 2012 through 2015, Las Vecinas, provided $1,600 each year to pay for the instructor’s salary and supplies for a flower-making workshop. This class teaches low-income women a new skill so they can earn additional income and improve their standard of living.
Disaster Relief: In October 2011, El Salvador experienced torrential rains and flooding, and Las Vecinas raised and sent $1,600 to San Antonio Parish to support their disaster relief activities.
Equipment for Self-Esteem Classes: To combat the prevalence of gang recruitment in Soyapango, San Antonio Parish sponsors self-esteem classes taught by qualified psychologists. In 2010, Las Vecinas provided $1,400 to purchase a laptop, projector, printer and software for the church to use in these classes and other classes to promote the mental health of the people of Soyapango.
February 2015