EL SALVADOR

WHY EL SALVADOR?

Youth in El Salvador face a range of significant challenges, including:

Poverty and Economic Hardship

A large segment of the Salvadoran population lives in poverty. Limited economic opportunities, high unemployment rates, and low wages make it difficult for young people to find stable, well-paying jobs.
Limited Educational Opportunities

Access to quality education is a challenge, especially in rural areas.
Gender-Based Violence

Young women in El Salvador face high rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault.
Family Disruption

Youth who experience abandonment, abuse, or mistreatment at home often feel drawn to a life on the street because gangs can make them feel like they finally belong somewhere.
Migration Pressures

Due to the above factors, many young Salvadorans see migration, often to the United States, as their best chance for a better life. This journey is fraught with risks, including exploitation and abuse.

Ministry Locations

El Espino

El Espino is a juvenile detention center for boys located outside the city of Ahuachapán, near the border of Guatemala. El Espino houses approximately 290 teens, most of whom are members of street gangs. The Success Academy at El Espino currently has 80 boys enrolled. Counteract, in partnership with the Rotary Club, has installed a computer lab and a library at El Espino.

Sendero

“Sendero de Libertad” (Path of Freedom) houses around 550 teen boys, of which 85 are participating in the Success Academy. With Counteract’s sponsorship of a library and computer lab, college classes are currently available at Sendero.

CISF

The Female Social Integration Center (CISF) is a detention center housing about 230 teen girls. Currently, 52 girls are studying in the Success Academy.

Tonacatepeque

The Tonacatepeque Juvenile Detention Center houses nearly 340 teen boys. Many of these young offenders are associated with street gangs. Currently, 85 boys are attending the Success Academy.