El Salvador map

El Salvador is a small Central American country where Plan has worked for more than 30 years.  It is also home to 13 girls that are part of the Because I am a Girl study (following 140 girls from birth to age nine in several countries around the world to see how the fact that they are girls impacts their lives).

The main problems faced by children in El Salvador are:

  • Infant mortality and disease
  • poor education
  • violence against children and women
  • environmental, economic and social vulnerability
  • limited participation of children and their families in the development process.

One of Plan Canada’s projects in El Salvador is focused on preventing violence against children.  Because it is considered normal to use physical methods for discipline in El Salvador, Plan is working with children to help them know their rights through drama, performances and workshops.  Youth that are involved are then taking their message and educating other kids in their communities about their rights as well.

Plan also works to help communities become better prepared to resist environmental emergencies. To learn more about Plan’s roll in mitigating a recent flooding emergency in El Salvador, check out this video:

Stay tuned for more posts about different places around the world, and the unique issues faced by girls in those countries!