The lack of economic opportunity, coupled with ongoing violence, continues to drive migration from El Salvador. COFOA leaders met over the past two months to hold workshops and plan a job and micro lending fair as a small step toward…
PICO-Rwanda has supported the plans and work of the poorest women in Nyange for the past six years. It has been a long journey as they struggle to gain their voice and demand attention from local government authorities. During that…
In the past two months, leaders have organized communities to repair the road to the hospital in Vallieres and clean the public markets in Grand Bassin and Terrier Rouge. Why do OPODNE leaders do public improvements without pay or public…
At the invitation of Fort Liberte Bishop, Alphonse Quesnel, OPODNE founder Francois Pierre Louis held a workshop for 30 clergy at the annual diocesan retreat. His training focused on the necessity for clergy to organize their parishes for the common…
Anglican Bishop David Alvarado convened ten priests from across the country to explore faith based community organizing as a tool to serve their families and communities. Through training provided by Alberto Velazquez, Executive Director of COFOA, clergy engaged in a…
Clergy and lay leaders from Haiti, Rwanda and El Salvador joined more than 600 grassroots popular movement leaders from across the United States in February for the First US Regional Meeting of Popular Movements held in Modesto, California. They were…
Like everyone, Florice Tyrell and other leaders in Terrier Rouge are facing significant challenges. Their plans to start a restaurant were put on hold last year. Political instability and elections marred by violence in their town prevented leaders from securing…
Rwanda is held up as a model of economic development and empowerment. That is true. It is also critiqued for its top-down approach, where falling in line is the norm. PICO Rwanda embodies a different, bottom-up approach that demands space…
Rusumo is the newest member of the PICO-Rwanda family. A year ago, leaders were just clearing the ground for their health clinic. By year’s end, it was completed through the generous support of the Taggart family and thousands of hours…
The people of El Salvador struggle with the legacy of war – violence, extortion, and fear. Political polarization results in continued repression, patronage, and corruption. Many people respond by hiding or fleeing. COFOA leaders are choosing another path - organizing…
