Plan’s work in El Salvador covers 5 key areas, all of which are rooted in the rights of the child:

• child health
• education
• promoting child protection
• promoting participation
• income generation for rural families.

Child health

Plan El Salvador works with the Ministry of Health, government and other organisations to target childhood diseases and improve nutrition, food security and sanitation within communities.

We provide education on reproductive health, sexuality and HIV and AIDS, and we are also supporting implementation of  the country’s health reform process.

Education

This programmes works to ensure that all children have access to quality education. Plan has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education to provide support in:

• early childhood and preschool education
• improvements to school infrastructure, curriculums and materials
• teacher training and school governance
• non-formal education, literacy classes and vocational training.

Promoting child protection

Child protection is at the heart of everything we do. After 20 years of war and the fragmentation of Salvadoran society due to migration and other social problems, El Salvador has become one of the most violent countries in the world, which seriously affects children and their environment. To help, we run different projects and activities to promote a ‘culture of peace’, including tolerance, understanding, self-esteem and appreciation of diversity.  For example, we help to form non-violence committees, training adolescents and adults on the ’culture of peace’ approach.

Plan El Salvador also helps communities to set up risk management committees so that they can prepare for when disasters strike.

We also work with local and national networks to advocate for child protection legislation.

Promoting participation

Children have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. We work with children and their communities to identify problems and implement solutions.

 Plan El Salvador also trains and strengthens Community Development Associations (ADESCOs) in local development management. We also advocate for policies that favour community participation, civic consciousness and a child-friendly agenda.

Income generation for rural families

This new programme increases the capabilities and opportunities for families in vulnerable situations, so that they can fulfill their basic needs and ensure the survival, development and protection of girls and boys in the rural areas of El Salvador.

 We work to ensure access to:

• financial and social services for families
• education, training and other entrepreneurial development services, such as branding and marketing
• training courses for development of entrepreneurial initiatives or employment skills.