As the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is home to 6.3 million people. Among the Salvadoran population, 27% live below the national poverty line. Despite ranking as the 17th highest country in global crime, factors, such as poor access to education, and a recent increase in immigration also contribute to El Salvador’s high poverty rate. As the country’s economy grows, economic disparity continues to challenge El Salvador. According to the World Bank, the rate of extreme poverty rate increased by 4% in 2022. The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, Indigenous people, the LGBTQI+ community and those with disabilities, still face economic challenges that sustain the cycle of poverty. The work done by nonprofits, such as the following five charities operating in El Salvador, address poverty and strive to improve the lives of impoverished Salvadoran.

Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation

The Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF) is a Miami-based non-profit that provides humanitarian aid to Salvadorans in need. The foundation collects donations from the United States and distributes them to hospitals, clinics, orphanages, nursing homes, libraries and schools in El Salvador. In partnership with its sister organization, the Salvadoran Foundation for Health and Human Development (FUSAL), SAHF shipped more than $19 million in aid to El Salvador in 2022, directly helping 62,535 Salvadorans and 157 organizations.

FUSAL

Established in 1986, the Salvadoran Foundation for Health and Human Development (FUSAL) is the Salvadoran-based sister organization of SAHF. FUSAL is responsible for receiving the goods shipped by SAHF. They distribute items, such as medicine, medical supplies, hygienic products, clothing, food and educational goods to vulnerable Salvadorans across the nation’s 14 states. Since its conception, FUSAL has distributed about $850 million of donations to 630 beneficiaries, including hospitals, schools, care and community centers, and other Salvadoran NGOs.

The Poma Foundation

The Poma Foundation is a Salvadoran organization that aims to promote the social, economic and personal development of the impoverished. Through various educational, cultural and wellness programs, such as FUSAL and the Higher School of Economic and Business (ESEN), the Poma Foundation creates opportunities for vulnerable Salvadorans to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1984, the organization has granted more than 1,300 scholarships, donated $1 million dedicated to the distribution of COVID tests and produced over 329 national theater shows.

Americares

Americares is a global nonprofit that provides relief and health care to developing countries. Their presence in El Salvador began in 1984 and increased following the 1986 earthquake. Americares works alongside FUSAL to provide medicine and medical supplies to Salvadorans in need. In 2003, the organization built the Americares Family Clinic. The clinic, located in Usultan, sees about 30,000 patients yearly and offers low-cost, high-quality medical care to local families in El Salvador.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Since 1999, the Salvadoran chapter of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) continues to provide support to vulnerable Salvadoran youth. NPH’s main house, Casa Sagrada Familia, offers shelter, education and food for 373 children emancipating from difficult environments. In addition to its internal programs, NPH’s external programs provide educational tools, such as primary education and scholarships, to low-income Salvadoran students. 

Despite a third of the country’s population living in poverty, these charities operating in El Salvador are dedicated to improving the lives of poverty-ridden Salvadorans. According to a study conducted by the World Bank Group, the national poverty rate decreased from about 40% in 2009 to 26.6% in 2022. Through various educational programs, cultural opportunities and humanitarian aid provided by non-profits, El Salvador is advancing in the fight against poverty.

– Naima Rasheed
Photo: Flickr