SalvAide Delegations are an important part of our mission and provide the opportunity for volunteers to give meaningful service to impoverished communities in El Salvador.  

Positive change is created by people who understand the problem and are committed to its solution.  By participating in a SalvAide delegation, you can become one of those agents of change. 

 

Click here to read more about the Ontario Teachers Delegation

Click here to learn more about the NB Eco-Development Delegation

Click here to read more about the Election Observer Delegation

Social Justice & Peace Studies 272a, Special Topics: FOOD SECURITY, From Ontario to Rural El Salvador Delegation to El Salvador, April 30 - May 16, 2007* Food is such an everyday element of our lives. We need it to survive, we enjoy it, and it is often at the centre of our gatherings. In the culture of capitalism, we are not encouraged to reflect much on where our food comes from. Rarely, unless we are poor, do we worry about the security of our food supply. Indeed, most of us no longer recognize how integral is our food security to our economic, ecological and social wellbeing. ...
	Food Security Delegation 2006

The Social Service Worker Program, Perth Campus  - This two-year diploma program prepares students to work with disadvantaged individuals, groups, and community members. To enhance students' learning of global social welfare issues, students may elect to participate in a study tour to visit rural community projects in El Salvador. This experience is in partnership with SalvAide. El Salvador has been ravaged by a lengthy civil war, as well as earthquakes and hurricanes, and continues to battle poverty.

Algonquin College 2007 Delegation to El Salvador

 Read about about some of the experiences of the 2007 Algonquin College Delegation to El Salvador!

Algonquin College 2006 Delegation Photos

Algonquin College 2006 Delegation to El Salvador

Learn more about this past Fair Trade delegation to El Salvador, where volunteers became acquainted with two grass-roots Salvadoran non-governmental sustainable development organizations that SalvAide supports in El Salvador, CRIPDES and CORDES. They worked with CRIPDES initiatives in San Vicente, as well as various CORDES projects such as the Coffee Fair trade and Cashews.   Fair Trade Delegaton 2006

While in El Salvador delegates have an opportunity, among many other things, to:

• Observe CORDES development projects in San Vicente, such as a cooperative bakery, organic fair trade cashew plant, and family farm plan.
• Design and run a sexual health workshop with young people in San Vicente.
• Visit CRIPDES development projects in Chalatenango and Suchitoto area, such as a women's microcredit program, a sewing and embroidery cooperative, and an appropriate technology irrigation project.
• Relax on the volcanic sand beach at Puerto de la Libertad and hike the beautiful Cerro El Pital mountain.
• Visit handicraft workshops in La Palma and get to know members of the craft persons' cooperatives.
• Participate in the Mesoamerican Forum at the University of El Salvador.
• Gain knowledge and experience in development project planning and execution.
• Attend politically and culturally significant museums and events, and learn about the history and current events in El Salvador through engaging guest speakers.
  

Each delegation also takes a little time for relaxation, like a trip to the beach or time spent in the natural surroundings of this beautiful country. This is a once in a lifetime chance to come and visit El Salvador, and is an unforgettable and life-changing experience!

Participant Benefits of SalvAide Delegations to El Salvador

• Able to make meaningful contributions.
• Perspective changing, life-enriching experience, particularly for youth.
• Better inter-cultural understanding, and clearer picture of our place in the world.
• Grateful for things previously taken for granted; greater understanding of needs versus wants.
• All participant efforts and contributions are multiplied many times over through project donations, recipient economic development and dignity, and other partnerships.
• Efforts do not end with the delegation. SalvAide's programs continue year-round. Whatever is still in progress when the delegation leaves El Salvador, will be followed up.
• Be part of the international solidarity movement.
• Participate in cultural exchange with Salvadorans.
• Able to realize rewarding "pay off," by enhancing leadership skills, working as a team, serving others, making friends, thriving outside of comfort zones, build resume and scholarship potential, and have fun!
• Tax deductible! And not your typical tourist vacation! With wonderful cultural tour add-ons (non-deductible) at a great value to round out an amazing experience!

Recipient Benefits of SalvAide Delegations

• Grateful for the new opportunities now possible.
• A life-improving, motivating, and perspective changing event, bringing hope for a bright future!
• Better inter-cultural understanding and belief that Canadians care!
• Organized in advance, prepared for the group and excited to work together to achieve goals.
• Community and individual contributions are multiplied many times over through SalvAide delegation participants, partnerships and other resources.
• Efforts don't end with the delegation. SalvAide continues to work with the communities, families and individuals on an ongoing basis.
• Able to see dreams become reality, develop new skills, work as a team, make friends, and have fun!
• Able to accomplish something that would have previously been beyond their financial and other capacities.

   A Great Win-Win Investment!   

Please join us on an inspiring journey:
Sharing with, working alongside, helping and learning from the Salvadoran people as they create a brighter future for their children and communities. Come learn and lend a hand, but more importantly, open your heart and watch hope and new opportunities come alive.

Requirements: Delegates must be between 16 and 30 years of age. It is better if they have some (even limited) knowledge of Spanish.

Cost: For participants 18-30 years of age the cost is approx $1,800. The cost covers return airfare to/from Ottawa, travel and medical insurance, tourist/airport taxes, accommodation and travel within El Salvador, and materials for the youth and conservation project.

For participants 16-18 years of age, the cost is approx: $2,100. This covers everything mentioned above, as well as the cost of having an additional leader with the responsibility for minor participants, and the cost of the necessary additional paperwork (notarized forms, letters of authorization, etc.)

Fundraising: SalvAide is dedicated to helping the delegates fundraise the cost of their experience. It will provide all assistance possible (office resources, advice, contacts, organizational support) to help bring down the cost.

Youth Delegation to El Salvador

In previous years a delegation of Canadian youth traveled to El Salvador as part of SalvAide's Youth Action Program. There, the youth became acquainted with the two Salvadorean non-governmental sustainable development organizations that SalvAide supports in El Salvador, CRIPDES and CORDES. Upon return to Canada the delegates had an opportunity to participate in SalvAide Youth Action Group activities in their local communities.

2002 Youth Delegation to El Salvador - click here to see photos from the 2002 trip

2000 Youth Delegation to El Salvador - click here to see photos from the 2000 trip

For more information, please contact: 219 Argyle Avenue, Suite 411 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H4 Phone: (613) 233-6215 Email: salvaide@web.net

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