The majority of the CRECE community are immigrants, refugees and families from El Salvador who fled the war, oppressive conditions and the deep economic depression that followed. For this reason, CRECE members make annual visits to El Salvador. We bring resources to the extended families of our Oakland community members.
Most children of rural El Salvador lack basic necessities such as clothing.
This year, twelve CRECE members, including youth and adults, visited rural communities in El Salvador in April 2-14, 2009. The objective of our visit was to bring aid to four schools in rural zones: School of Cantón Milingo (Municipality of Suchitoto), School Rosario Maria (known as El Perico in the Municipality of Tenancingo), School San Jose la Ceiba (Municipality of Zacatecoluca, Department of San Vicente), School Community San Diego (Municipality of Ízalo).
At the four schools we helped a total of 705 students by providing each a school package containing supplies and uniforms. While school tuition is free for all in El Salvador, families are still responsible for purchasing school materials and uniforms, which is a tremendous financial burden to communities living on sub existent wages.
In addition to the student packages, we donated materials for the teachers, medicines, clothing, shoes, balls for soccer and basketball, and we brought three piñatas so the children could have fun. In each of the schools our delegation was received with excitement by students and teachers; the children had lovely words to share. The events generally commenced with students and teachers singing the national anthem of El Salvador, followed by traditional folklore dances. Afterwards, parents, teachers, and students surprised us by sharing fruits and their humble food, something which greatly moved us.
All the members of our delegation socialized with the communities, talking with the children and adults and playing sports and games.
In addition, the delegation visited the Divina Providencia Hospital, where there is a large number of cancer patients and others with chronic illnesses. During the visit, we were witness to the hospital’s shortage of medicines. Furthermore, many of the patients we met did not have relatives. The hospital staff asked us for help with basic necessities such as toilet paper, toothpaste, and medicine,
The CRECE delegation donated two bags of materials containing blood pressure monitors, sugar level monitors, gauze, surgical gloves and medicines.
We saw many difficult situations and this is what motivates us to work hard to bring hope to those who need it most .
Taking into account the value and importance of our solidarity, our committee proposes to organize another delegation that will visit El Salvador the first week of January 2010. Everyone is welcome. We will concentrate on donating
educational materials, medicine and shoes, especially for children.
Join us and participate in our next delegation to bring greater solidarity to those most in need. At the same time, become acquainted with historical and famous sites.
Thank you to our members who participated in our delegation:
Javier De Paz
Elena Huezo
Siobhan Waldron
John Wilkins
Lynn Wilkins
Elena Wilkins
Jose Rodolfo Zavala
Mercedes
Veena
Special thanks to those who participated with small or large donations. Your help will make a difference for our children in rural zones of El Salvador:
Ken
Isela Santana
Carolina De Roberti
Consuelo Zopelario
The Marroquin Family
Laura Pfeifer
Suzy Contreras
Mary Allen
Luisa Castro
Loli Castro
The Huezo Castillo Family
Lilian Zamorra
Dora Macias
Karina Tapia
