Santa Clara University

Community: Canton El Cedro, Panchimalco

Praxis Site: Centro de Capacitacion San Vincente de Paul y Comedor la Casa del Cipote

Canton el Cedro is located 25 kilometers from San Salvador. It is a very rural area, surrounded by fincas (coffee farms). 5 year ago, work in the fincas was the main source of work and income for the community.  Now, however, with the fall of coffee prices, few people are working in this industry as many fincas have been sold or are no longer producing coffee.  

The people of Canton el Cedro are very poor and face many challenges, especially now because there is little work to offer in the area.  Now many people travel to San Salvador, costing them money in transportation and time to travel.  The farmers of the area find it difficult to encounter work in the city because many do not know how to read or write.  The families in Canton el Cedro are organized with a community directiva.  Houses are located far from one another, which makes it challenging for people to organize and work collaboratively. 

The objective of Centro de Capacitacoin San Vincente de Paul y Comedor la Casa del Cipote is to welcome, accompany, and educate children, youth and adults.  There are five projects offered at the Center.  First, there is a comedor (soup kitchen) for 105 children between the ages of 1 and 12.  They receive a glass of milk in the morning and lunch Monday through Friday.  Second is a pre-school for children between the ages of 4 and 6.  Pre-school is offered Monday through Friday from 8-11:30.  Third is a sewing workshop with 30 students.  Forth is a group of women who make artesanìa such as bags, jewelry, and a product called “Perlas de Esperanza”.  They sell their crafts in their community and in San Salvador. Lastly, is a computer workshop for 17 youth that is offered in the afternoons. Through these projects offered, those involved hope to improve their economic, social, and educational situation.  

Role of Casa Student: Students are involved in the daily activities of the comedor, computer classes, and pre-school.  Students get to know mostly women and children who participate in the center’s activities.  Students are also encouraged to express if they would be interested in getting involved in any of the other activities mentioned above. Also, students will have the opportunity to visit homes of the people involved in the Center and the surrounding communities.