ICS Empower El Salvador

El Salvador is one of the most densely populated countries in the Americas. Many of its problems today stem from a stark division of wealth between those in power and the majority of the population, who live in poverty. El Salvador has suffered civil war and natural disasters, and now faces high levels of violence, particularly towards women.

The focus for placements in El Salvador in October to December 2011 will be secure livelihoods and climate change. ICS Empower volunteers will be participating in environmental activities such as tree planting, creating seed banks and raising awareness of climate change with murals and events in the local community in partnership with local young people.

In January to March 2012 placements will be focusing on raising awareness of sexual and reproductive rights. ISC Empower volunteers will be based with leading local organisations which bring faith-based and gender focused approaches to development. This includes promoting human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, and raising awareness on the impact of gang culture, domestic violence and climate change. ICS Empower volunteers will work alongside Salvadoran young people to campaign for peace and violence prevention, will be involved in the support of women’s income generating projects and will be speaking at regular awareness raising workshops in the community. 

Whether you feel you have a lot or little to share, you will certainly develop new skills through varied activities and working with local people, and contribute to lasting change. There will be plenty of opportunities to be creative and use your initiative. As you will be part of a diverse group, you will all have different skills, experiences and interests which you can use as a team to have a real impact.

This is also a fantastic opportunity to learn some Spanish. If you already speak Spanish then we may ask you to use these skills to help the group communicate and engage with the local community more easily.