Introduction to this Blog

Hi! My name is Wilsabel (Wilsa) Fermin. I am a graduate social work student at Grand Valley State University and I am currently working on my master's degree. The Lord in His providence blessed me with the opportunity to take a Study Abroad International Social Work class that took place in El Salvador, an impoverished country in Central America. I decided to make this blog not only as part of my project for this class, but also a place where anyone, including my friends and family, could read about my personal life-changing experience (thoughts/opinions) in El Salvador. I learned a ton and I was also able to make an impact on the people there. Despite the civil war that struck this nation about 30 years ago, they remain the most resilient, most hopeful, most positive, most friendly, and most giving, group of people I have ever met. I had the great pleasure of being part of their reality for about 17 days, and although at times it was challenging, it was worth it. I have left a piece of my heart among the people of El Salvador. I hope to never forget what I saw, what I heard, what I felt and what I know is true about social justice and the Salvadoran people. This experience went beyond and above my expectations. If you ever have the opportunity to go to El Salvador please take it. You will be challenged, but you will also come back an incredibly changed person in numerous ways. And better yet, you will be able to put into practice what you have learned abroad in your daily day-to-day living as well as in your professional career.

Our group consisted of
Grand Valley State University (top)
and
Ferris State University students (below)


The Word of God put into practice while in El Salvador

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me;

I was in prison, and you came to Me...

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine,

even to the least of them, you did it to Me"

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40

Nuevo Amanecer and Fundasil

Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) Association is a community organization that concentrates on the education of children from Pre-K through Kindergarten (ages 3-6). New Dawn is the umbrella, and underneath it there are 4 other branches.  Centro Hogar (the school) Development Center, two clinics, and a sustainability project which consists of an organic farm.  From that farm they feed the students and sell produce in order to keep the center afloat as well other products such as organic soaps and shampoo.  Our whole group visited this site, but Centro Hogar, a children's development center, was also my service site for 2 days.  Another student, Jenna and I shadowed the social worker, Anne from the United States who has volunteered at Nuevo Amanecer for 3 years.  Centro Hogar has 125 children and 86% have scholarships sponsored by Sweden in order to be able to attend.  Parents struggle with being able to pay $35.00 a month in tuition, and so their children qualify for such scholarships.

Anne's role consists of working with families whose children have behavioral problems at school. She does home visits to the child's family and tries to get to the bottom of why the child is misbehaving in school or if they are having other issues. Most of the time, it is the situation at home that is affecting their ability to learn and interact with others in a healthy manner while in their school environment.  The administrators and teachers hold workshops for the parents who need help in the realm of parenting.  Education for the parents is extremely beneficial to them since many discipline too harshly (abuse) and even more do not want to invent in education for themselves nor their children.  Anne shared that they do not have many resources like we do in the United States.  Children and adults who are living with mental and physical health issues who have no help available.  Interestingly, what social workers like Anne offer is accompaniment-solidarity. They cannot solve their problems, but they can be there for them and support them through the difficult times in their lives.  That's all they can offer. How fortunate we are here that we can offer our participants something other than a listening ear.  Although this aspect is also very important, we can also offer them resources that may help them resolve some of their negative life circumstances. 

The Digital Divide, the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all, is also a huge concern for Anne. Many agencies and organizations do not have computers that they can use; everything is on paper.  There are huge liability issues if a fire would occur because they would lose all of their documentation.  This imbalance results in many countries that do not have access to the technology that other countries like the United States have and this is a problem that is still much present like in countries such as El Salvador.

I was personally pretty impressed with Centro Hogar's educational curriculum.  I was surprised at how similar they run a classroom to that of the United States.  The fact that they incorporate the rights of the children each day is impressive.  I am so glad that they realize that even children have rights and that parents don't just "lord" over them with no regard to them as human beings.  That is very much the mentality of some Latino/Hispanic parents.  There is  thin line between discipline and abuse and many cross this line too often to the point where abuse is what occurs instead of discipline.  The teachers engage the children and the parents when needed and this is great because when the parent is involved in the education of their child, they are invested. They even have an after school program for public school age kids.  In addition, the Salvadoran government is helping with the cost of education, such as providing their books, school supplies, uniforms and shoes.  Many children do not go to school because they cannot afford the uniforms and many simply do not have shoes.  Many only make about $3.00-$6.00 a day to feed a whole family of however many members. This help gives children the opportunity to go to school since many work to help support the family.

Classroom at Centro Hogar

Arts and Crafts

Lunchroom

On one of our home visits

 Jenna, Anne, and me

Fundasil

Fundasil meaning "silent foundation" is an organization that supports children  in their education. They basically cover the needs that the educational system in El Salvador lacks to meet.  This includes educational and psychological therpy for the child as well as his/her parent (s).  They help the child raise his/her self-esteem and prepare the kids to move on to the next grade successfully.  Fundasil realizes that what is going on at home, their emotional side so to speak, affects their education.  Almost every child who attends Fundasil needs psychological services.  Many of the children who attend this program have been referred from Centro Hogar.  Fundasil offers scholarships mainly to pre-school and high school students.  This organization was funded by a woman who wanted to remain anonymous (hence "silent" in the word Fundasil).  They have a library, a play therapy room, the reading corner room, and they also have computer, and knitting/crotchet classes among other skills.  It was wonderful to go and see a place where the organization's needs do not include money.  They have the financial resource they need to keep this program running which is such a blessing. 

 Homework Help

 The Reading Corner (full of new books!!!)

Computer Training

Play Therapy Room

Monseñor Romero

"If they kill me, I will resurrect among the Salvadoran people" ~Archbishop Romero

Óscar Arnulfo Romero (August 15, 1917-March 24, 1980), known as Monseñor Romero was a priest of the Roman Catholic church in El Salvador.  During his time as an archbishop,  Monseñor Romero witnessed numerous violations of human rights and began speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of persecution.  Due to his influence among the Salvadoran people, he became a threat to the Salvadoran government and so one day in 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot while consecrating the the elements of the Holy Communion during mass.  His death brought about the country wide protest for the human rights reform in El Salvador. While we were there his picture was absolutely every where. this year, they celebrate the 30th anniversary of his death. He lives on among the Salvadoran people years later.  They have never forgotten him and how he walked among them and suffered with them and most of all fought for them to his death. 

The next is a prayer that I read regarding  Monseñor Romero which I thought adequately described what he did for his people.  He was their martyr, the one who gave up his life so that they may be free and full of hope.  Just as he sacrificed his life, so did the Lord Jesus Christ who also gave up his life to save his people from their sins.

PRAYER 

"Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen." -Wiki

Monseñor Romero

 

 The multitude of people who attended his funeral

Archbishop Romero's Funeral

"Either we serve the lives of the Salvadorans,
or we are accomplices of their deaths"

"I offer my blood for the redemption and resurrection of El Salvador.
May my blood be the seed of freedom." -Romero

University of Central America (UCA)

Overwhelming. The one word I would choose to describe my experience at the UCA.  This was the most difficult site that we visited. It was incredibly emotional and still is to this day as I take the time to think about what I learned this day and as I go back and look at the pictures and videos I took at this place. At this University we were able to visit the Museum of the Martyrs that were assassinated during the war. Their blood stained clothing hangs behind glass for all to see.  These include the 6 Jesuit priests as well as Monseñor Romero. On November 16, 1989, while the 6 Jesuit priests  and the 2 women that were also staying at the UCA slept, a knock came at their door in the middle of the night. Unbeknownst to them, it was  their killers sent by the government. They dragged the men outside on their front lawn and put a bullet in their heads.  We actually saw the albums of photographs of what the scene looked like and it was horrific. It was the most horrible scene I have ever seen. There was blood, and brain matter every where.  The killers also found the women who were sleeping in a separate room, and killed them as well, so as to leave no witnesses. Why were these men killed? They were men with power and influence and were speaking out against the social injustice occurring in the country. they were a threat, so the government took them out.

Why were they mercilessly shot in the brain? because of their "dangerous" ideas/brains-Very symbolic. These martyrs were buried at the Chapel of Archbishop Romeo located on the university's campus.  The church was very beautiful with colorful, symbolic art painted on the walls. It was an amazing experience. Funny, how this was the site that had the most impact on me, yet I did not write much about it.  The truth is that you have to be there.  I don't have the words to describe what it was like, what I felt.  Well, I think that that part of what I felt was an overwhelming sense of sadness.  Here I am weeks later, and just thinking about brings tears to my eyes.My heart aches...  It reminds me much of Jesus Christ and how He was brutally beaten, tortured and killed so that I may live, so that my sins could be forgiven. He took my punishment, what I deserved. Similarly, many of the Salvadoran people were also beaten, tortured, and killed.  They gave up their lives, so that future generations may be free, may have rights, and to this day justice has yet to be served.

Triptych in Memory of Monseñor Romero

The general theme is the "prophetic announcement of a new social order,

a new civilization rooted in the gospel, in the doctrine of the church,

and in the Salvadoran people."

 In Memoriam

The artist of this painting is Miguel Antonio Bonilla. 

His work is described as critical. The woman who appears on the bottom left with her jewelry and at prayer, represents oligarchy.  Death represents the army. The man giving the order to kill represents the government in power. Th volcano represents the land of El Salvador.  The top of the painting are the eight UCA martyrs and above them the risen Christ.  He appears with all the signs of torture.  The animal  below is called a "cadejo", impending danger to come.

Where the UCA martyrs are buried. 

The poem engraved on the left reads:

To the Martyrs of the UCA 

by  Luis Sebastian

I saw you reach port, one by one,

your ships laden with achievements

and the prizes caught in your nets

in a few years of intense labor

I saw you arrive with bouquets of carnations

red like the blood of my people,

cut at night, still fresh

I saw you reach port, one by one,

seeking rest after so much effort.

You all came tired, but happy

as you used to come from the playing field.

You cam smiling, but serious

You were leaving with death squads behind,

the bombings and midnight mountain flight.

You are free now from torture,

but the people keep on suffering.

THE PEOPLE OF EL SALVADOR, my people

chosen and loved without their knowing.

I chose El Salvador to judge the world,

to separate the bad from the good,

to kiss the poor on the forehead

and fill the mansions of my kingdom.

Ellacu, Nacho, Amando

Lolo, Segundo, Moreno.

Come blessed of my eternal Father,

martyrs for faith and for justice;

you are the red jewels of my royal robe.

Radio Victoria 92.1 FM

Radio Victoria, a community radio station in the department of Cabañas, El Salvador. They have been committed to broadcasting on crucial issues for the local community such as social justice and environmental concerns such as mining. Unfortunately, there have been threats made to many staff members, mainly journalists, of Radio Victoria. They started after the murders of two anti-mining environmentalists, Gustavo Rivera in June 2009 and legal representative of the Non Government Organization (NGO) Cabañas Environment Committee in Dec 2009.  However, according to Radio Victoria's coordinator, Oscar Beltran, the threats started since after the elections of 2006, when they would receive threats at the radio station implicating they should not continue broadcasting or else.  Families of those part of the committee are also receiving threats and some have already been carried out.  Although, Radio Victoria's staff members are in danger, they continue speak out against social injustice and other communal concerns affecting the population of El Salvador.

While we were there, we were all given the opportunity to talk live on the radio and publicly thank our host families for their hospitality as well as wish our host mothers and all the mothers in El Salvador, a Happy Mother's Day (May 10th).  We all hope our host families were listening.  Radio Victoria is doing a wonderful job of making the community members aware of the pressing issues, and most of all giving them all a voice to be able to share their thoughts and concerns regarding important issues that affect their lives daily.

 Kayla and I on the radio-LIVE!

The Studio

 Alcoholics Anonymous group in the city of Victoria

Santa Marta

Santa Marta, one of the most marginalized communities, is where we all stayed with our respective host families for 2 nights. We ended up hiking from the town of Victoria all the way to Santa Marta.  The view down the great mountain was incredible!! We could see the next country's border- Honduras. The pictures do not do the view justice- it was breathtaking!!! We also ended up hiking back up to Victoria at 6am. It was quite a workout!!!

 My great friend Julie, my wonderful professor Dr. Guevara and I; both with bamboo sticks in hand.

Hiking down the mountain en route to Santa Marta.

We also met an ex-guerrilla member who now unfortunately is suffering from major health problems, like many others. He told us his story of what it was like during the war and how people were being massacred and had to leave for Honduras because of persecution.  He also showed us the entrance to an underground hospital. Those who were wounded were brought there. Lives were saved because others risked their lives. The entrance was behind a hut that no one ever checked. The military never found them. His dream is to build a museum (historic sites around the country) so that the people of El Salvador who are not familiar with the history of the war could go to as well as foreigners like us. One of the sites that needs to be restored is pictured below along with other items.

 Entrance to the underground hospital (window looking frame that is now blocked). 

The tube sticking out on the left is how they were able to breathe underground.

Incredible.

 Items from the war that need to be restored, including weaponry. 

 HUGE piece of a bomb used during the massacres.

HUGE bullets used on people.

You can just imagine what would happen to the human body once it entered. 

Many say that the bullets would explode, like a bomb, inside of the body.

Another piece of weaponry

Exaggerated in size to kill humans.

All of the trash collected from the river

The next day in Santa Marta we partnered with their school and cleaned up their river that was polluted with garbage and laundry detergent among other things.  This is their drinking water and many go there and wash their clothes on stones along the river.  We picked up many bags of garbage and got it cleaned up as best as we could. We weren't able to get the garbage that has sunk to the bottom, but most of it.  Community members were encouraged and some even came and helped us.  One older woman got knee deep in the water and helped pull out trash that we could not reach.  This service really made me think about how blessed we are to have clean water.  Many of our bodies of water are also polluted for different reasons, but this country barely has water at all, and the bit they have is heavily polluted with trash and other toxins.  A lot of work needs to be done in this country regarding their infrastructure- it desperately needs to be rebuilt in order to have a water filtering/recycling system so that they can have running, clean water all throughout the country.  It is so unjust for the government to just sit back and let the people go without clean water.Clean water is life, but as history demonstrates, life is not considered sacred. I know that it would cost billions of dollars, but the government does not appear to have meeting basic needs as a priority. 

This country does not have a landfills or anywhere to put their garbage, trash is a huge issue as well. No trash cans anywhere. If I needed throw out a gum wrapper or anything, I had to keep it in my bag until I found a trash can somewhere, most of the time I had to wait until I got to the hotel.  The pollution in the air was horrible. So bad, that I lost my voice and suddenly out of nowhere, developed allergies. I even got  a rash due to the pollution. I couldn't believe it. I mean I lived in New York City for 15 years, there's lots of air pollution there as well, but sadly its nothing compared to that of El Salvador's.

 An older woman who was encouraged to see us cleaning up the river,

 jumped right in to help- knee deep in the murky water!

 Washing clothes by hand at the river we were cleaning

Julie and I trying to get as much of the garbage 

out of the water as we could without falling in

 It was a balancing act, 

but when we were done, it looked much, much better :)

Typical houses all throughout El Salvador, 

but especially in Santa Marta

My host family, Julia and her family, were absolutely wonderful!! They were so welcoming and hospitable. My roommate, Kayla and I stayed with them for a couple of nights.  We played with her granddaughters and gave them toys to play with and gifts for Julia as well.  I shared pictures of my family with them and thus bonded with them. It helped that I know Spanish and so I was able to interact with them.  Their house, what was named, "el palacio-the palace" because it was so big, was very nice compared to the other houses in the area. It is all because of remittances. Her sons who work in the U.S. send her money and thus she is able to support herself and the extended family. Family remittances are important for El Salvador's economy as well as to the families because they are used to meet their most basic needs. Remittance flows to El Salvador are so large that the country completely dollarized its economy in 2001. Although, Julia's house was nice and big, they had no running water at their house.  Kayla and I ended up without showers for 2 days so as to not waste their water.  Our first night, we brushed our teeth beneath the stars in the front yard with a gallon of water we brought with us. It was quite an experience.  They had no toilets, instead outhouses is where you used the bathroom. Basically, a hole in the ground and you had the rusted metal/aluminum slacks as walls with an aluminum door with a metal wire that you would tie to a nail on the other side to hold it closed.  It was an out-of-our-comfort-zone experience, but priceless nonetheless!! 

Our host family's home

Our bedroom

The view when we lay down-ceiling.

Large balcony outside our bedroom

Where Julia washes clothes by hand

View from the balcony. Front yard.

View right outside our door.

The wooden door on the left lead to our bedroom.

Kayla and I with our host mom, Julia

Julia's granddaughter and I

(Yes, it was that humid!!)

Border of Honduras hiking back to Victoria-breathtaking in person