El Salvadoris unique in many ways.  Although it is the smallest country in Central America , it boasts the greatest population density.  El Salvador is also the only nation that does not have a Caribbean coast.  The economy is largely dependant on coffee production and tourism, but unemployment and low wages are still very common.  Even though the country is better connected than many others in the region, there are still many families in need who desperately need support from international volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities in El Salvador exist, but more difficult to find than in other areas of Central America .  I am not sure if this is due to the countries turbulent history, or because the country is faring better than some of its neighbors.  If you can’t find any free volunteer positions, consider contacting local language schools, churches, or orphanages.  One religious organization I found works to bring better education and medical care to the poorest communities in El Salvador .

The lack of well supplied schools continues to hold new generations back from working toward a better lifestyle.  Volunteer schools provide a basic education, supplies to students who would otherwise have to do without.  The funds spent at schools support the local economy and often provides a few paid jobs for teachers, janitors, and cooks.  Exposure to foreign volunteers also helps to expand the children to other cultures and makes them less suspicious of outsiders.  As students graduate, a fund was setup to help pay for college education.  Loans can be repaid by service work, paying for a younger sibling’s college education, or making small interest free payments back to the fund for future students.  Along with traditional education programs, vocational programs have been established to teach skills that are in demand and will bring a higher wage that they could otherwise earn.  Computer skills, electrical installation, baking, sewing, and speaking English are all popular programs.

Medical care is also provided to areas where none was currently available.  Emergency and regular care is provided by for free by international volunteers.  These clinics are often the first and only gynecological visit girls may ever have.  These programs are difficult to support due to the high ongoing costs and lack of medical volunteers.