Seventy-two leaders from El Salvador and Guatemala participated in a three day retreat in San Salvador in January 2013. The theme of the training was “Power is in the Relationship”, offering COFOA leaders an opportunity to reflect on their public…
In August 2012, COFOA leaders from El Calix in Bajo Lempa, Jiquilisco municipality, Usulutan, held a health fair that provided medical services for 200 people to meet the health needs of the residents of Calix and nearby towns. After receiving…
In September, COFOA San Pedro Nonualco leaders held a third workshop at the Canton Center Community School in rural Canton La Comunidad on ways to prevent violence, attended by 150 parents and students. The meeting was part of COFOA’s Strategy…
In San Nicolas Lemba parish, El Salvador – our newest member organization - leaders held a listening campaign in three towns, and identified garbage and water pollution as top concerns, because of problems with contaminated water. One hundred-fifty residents, including…
This June, leaders from San Pedro Nonualco opened their second store through an association they formed called the Foundation for Community Development (FUDECO), with a goal to attract and serve larger numbers of the Sanpedrana community sector. They are now…
Youth and leaders from St. Peter Nonualco, El Salvador, held a large peace march with over 600 people, and formed a broad coalition to promote cultural, educational and democratic activities that reduce violence and improve the quality of life in…
Our trip to Central America has given US organizers a lot of time to connect with Central American leaders who organize in their communities. The deep level of ownership we have seen leaders live out in their local organizations of…
Eight PICO USA staff and leaders shared an intensive two-week immersion in PICO Central America’s work in Guatemala and El Salvador from August 2-16, 2012. They met with leaders, church representatives (including bishops in both countries) and public officials, and…
I appreciate the opportunity given to me to share my experiences and challenges, first as a woman and second as a COFOA leader in ongoing training. In Guatemala, just being a woman is a challenge. Culturally we are raised to…
Martha Gomez Vda. Batres is COFOA’s coordinator at St. Peter Catholic church in San Pedro Nonualco, a small farming community of about 7000 people. Martha, who is 52 years old, is a widow who has taught kindergarten for the last…
