El Salvador — the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America — is situated on the Pacific Coast and is largely a Roman Catholic society. Two volcanic ranges line the landscape, and major industries include coffee, sugar, and textiles.
Social inequalities and unrest in the 1970's and a vicious civil war in the 1980's compelled many Salvadoran families to flee to the U.S. and Canada. Today, after the devestation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the two earthquakes which hit San Salvador, the capital, in January and February 2001, El Salvador is a recovering economy.
Miraflores
Located near the San Salvador International airport is a principle target village of the local NGO (non-governmental organization) Manos Amigas (Helping Hands) based in San Salvador. Manos Amigas collaborates with the US-based (NY) NGO Pediatricians for Central America's Children (PFCAC) who first contacted Water for Humanity (WFH) for help with the water situation in Miraflores.
The villagers had no water except what was brought in on a tanker truck at exorbitant prices. A community well, located next to the new clinic, was drilled by the US-based sectarian NGO Living Waters International.
Now, WFH has provided funds for the construction of a composting latrine on the other side of the clinic. This will eliminate the need to use precious water in flush latrines, and will protect the groundwater.
Summary:
Social inequalities and unrest in the 1970's and a vicious civil war in the 1980's compelled many Salvadoran families to flee to the U.S. and Canada. Today, after the devestation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the two earthquakes which hit San Salvador, the capital, in January and February 2001, El Salvador is a recovering economy.
Miraflores
Located near the San Salvador International airport is a principle target village of the local NGO (non-governmental organization) Manos Amigas (Helping Hands) based in San Salvador. Manos Amigas collaborates with the US-based (NY) NGO Pediatricians for Central America's Children (PFCAC) who first contacted Water for Humanity (WFH) for help with the water situation in Miraflores.
The villagers had no water except what was brought in on a tanker truck at exorbitant prices. A community well, located next to the new clinic, was drilled by the US-based sectarian NGO Living Waters International.
Now, WFH has provided funds for the construction of a composting latrine on the other side of the clinic. This will eliminate the need to use precious water in flush latrines, and will protect the groundwater.
Summary:
- Population of ~1,000 inhabitants
- The town contains a health clinic, one school
- NGO’s working: Manos Amigas ("hands of friendship,") & PFCAC (Pediatricians For Central America’s Children)
- Potable Water Well was built last year by PFCAC
- Manos Amigas has built a craft atelier
- Both PFCAC and Manos Amigas built the health clinic
