to provide opportunities for people of El Salvador to meet Canadians, discuss common issues, show their realities to raise awareness of Central America and post–civil war challenges in El Salvador
to explore links between North and South and between sectors (i.e. health, farming, labour, and community )
to provide concrete direct learning experience
to stimulate activity locally
to develop spokespeople
to test the idea of a Southern tour through Horizons Of Friendship

Diane and Charlie are to interview CIDEP participants about the success of the Municipal Council Training project, in addition make contact with MCS to discuss the youth project and bring back reports (Financial and Narrative) confirming Bank transfer # etc.

Participants on the Tour:

Joe Barnbury Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Paul Burnham Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Bruce Butter Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Sylvester Campbell Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Jim Orr Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Betty Plewes Canadian Council for International Cooperation

Phillip Haid Canadian Council for International Cooperation

Mary-Ellen McKenna Dr. Naturopath Medicine

Cam Christie Journalist

Mary-Anne Bensette Support Worker – Developmentally Challenged

Kit Redmond-Bolen Women’s Television Network

Diane Cunningham Canadian Auto Workers

Charlie Stock Canadian Auto Workers

Rick Arnold Horizons of Friendship

Minerva Hernandez Horizons of Friendship

Scott Eavenson Horizons of Friendship

Members of the group attended two orientation meetings in Cobourg on January 10th and February 1st to review the purpose of the tour and to familiarize ourselves with background information about El Salvador.

On February 9th we departed from Pearson Airport to begin our tour of El Salvador.

Upon our arrival, Minerva greeted us at the airport. The group then traveled by bus to San Salvador; the 45 minute drive was full of sights and smells of the countryside. As we approached San Salvador the poverty, pollution and security became very obvious even in the shadows of the darkness. We arrived at Alexa’s Guest House and discovered that there were not enough rooms to accommodate everyone, so the women stayed at the Guest house and the men moved one block away. We shared rooms assigning 3 people to some and two sharing the balance. Early the next morning we found that five people were sharing a small bathroom with very cold water. After quick clean up the group gathered at Alexas for a traditional breakfast consisting of fruit, beans fried bananas, eggs, toast and coffee. Sonya, the proprietor was very friendly and anxious to make everyone feel comfortable.

At 8:00 am we held a logistics meeting, Rick discussed the schedule along with Scott and Minerva informing us of what to expect during our stay. The delegation then traveled by bus to the Legislature. The pollution, poverty, in addition to the razor barbed wire and armed guards were very startling to all of us. Upon our arrival a meeting took place with Jose Roberto Larios Rodriguez an elected official of the ARENA party. Immediately we could see just how right wing this party is as this politician informed us that land reform had damaged the country by pushing the economy back 20 years. He blamed the FMLN who according to his accounts were Communist / Marxists who do not understand globalization and free enterprise. Rodriguez informed our group that his Government was pursuing community economic development projects, a healthy schools project (providing breakfast, lunch, and free health care to all children) and a program of privatization. The hydroelectric distribution was privatized on January 22nd. ASP-Telecommunications and others are being considered in the near future. We were informed that the agriculture sector at one time had 2,000 tractors and currently there are less than three hundred in the country. While the politician was painting a very rosy picture in terms of the future of El Salvador, protesters were in front of the Legislature telling the legislatures that they were opposed to the government’s position on land reforms and debt forgiveness. Rodriguez also answered a question about privatization regarding the hydro-electric distribution and the treatment of workers by stating that employees were given 20% ownership of the utility and therefore they were very satisfied. At the conclusion of our visit we returned to the guest house, after lunch, the delegation moved on to FUNSALPRODESE to meet with Horizons Of Friendship partners who each gave a presentation about their organization.

The groups included:

ASPS Salvadoran Association for the Promotion of Health

CIDEP Intersectoral Corporation for Economic Development and Social Progress

CREFAC Centre for Family and Community Re-orientation

FUNSALPRODESE Salvadoran Foundation for the Promotion of Social and Economic Development

CONCERTACION NGO Regional Umbrella Group

ADC Democratic Association of Farmers

The pride of their work and the respect for Horizons Of Friendship were very obvious in each person’s presentation. The day concluded at an Argentina restaurant with good discussion and a very enjoyable meal. Everyone turned in early, however the sound of motorcycles, dogs, cats, and the odd gun shot ensured an early rising.

The cold shower was much more refreshing this morning as our tolerance and speed improved. We met at the Alexa’s Guest House for another nourishing breakfast. Our bus arrived and the delegation traveled to the office of CIDEP. The President and Director extended greetings and gave us an overview of the organization. The instructors of the different courses explained the programs in detail. These included everything from community economic development, facing management, privatization, free trade, literacy, privatization, women’s issues and the CAW sponsored training for Municipal Politicians. The presentations were excellent and the work appeared to be similar in nature to the good work of the Metro Labour Education Centre in Toronto.

Horizons Of Friendship and the CAW were thanked for their ongoing support in El Salvador. We concluded our visit and moved back to the bus accompanied by two of the instructors from CIDEP. Charlie and Diane acquired a copy of the Municipal Training, and the Program for Women. The drive to a small town called Zaragoza was filled with excitement and disappointment. The air quality and pollution in San Salvador is terrible, most vehicles spew black as they move along the streets which are littered with garbage and broken down or smashed up cars, trucks, and buses. The roadside is filled with children and adults trying to sell fruit, softdrinks, newspapers, maps, etc. They swarm the bus at every opportunity trying to make a few colones to provide for themselves and their families. Leaving San Salvador the countryside is a contradiction in terms of what we observe. There are many families living in sheer poverty along the route, which is a mix of shacks, and new fancy homes just a few miles apart. The upper class is located in the high ground and close to the free trade zone areas. We are greeted by the Mayor of Zaragoza and are the recipients of a public reception hosted by municipal politicians and the residents of the town. The agenda included music, greetings from the Mayor and a presentation to our group of a key to the town. The CAW were recognized and thanked for their support in terms of the Municipal officials training. Charlie received the key from the Mayor and extended greetings in solidarity and friendship on behalf of the Canadian Auto Workers and Horizons Of Friendship. Following the ceremony we were given a tour of the town, which included an opportunity to talk to different people, as we were guided through the different buildings. The town had prepared a luncheon of chicken, rice, and salad, which provided another opportunity for us to experience the culture of the country. Diane and Charlie then met with two individuals who were part of the CAW sponsored training program. You could sense the value of the project as they proudly spoke of the benefits the course had provided. They achieved knowledge and confidence in terms of building their community. The music, which was performed at the reception, was a result of a training program that is intended to have people in the communities feel a strong sense of pride as the economic development continues. The CAW training provided the tools for the elected officials to access government programs. The music was the starting point, Zaragoza is opening a craft shop, which will train citizens to paint, make pottery, corncob dolls, etc. The pieces would then be sold with the profit returned to the community. Future plans will include wood and metal sculpting for the same purpose. The politicians were very proud and excited about the future as they explained how they expect the project to mature. Our visit concluded with the Mayor giving us an overview of the economic and political realities of El Salvador. The healthy schools project, which Rodriguez had told us about, is all fluff. Not one child has been a part of the non-existent program, no money has been given to the municipality for community economic development, and to make matters even more desperate Zaragoza has been without water for eight days. Imagine this reality when only a short distance from here new homes with an artificial waterfall are being constructed. As we leave Zaragoza, the contradictions of this country are intensified as we pass by the Macquilas and new homes; the countryside is a strange combination of sugar cane fields, pristine mountains, and numerous little shanties. The traffic on the highway and streets of San Salvador make the Don Valley Parkway look like a restful place to drive. Fortunately for us, Manuel our bus driver has nerves of steel and luck as we encounter many near misses along the way. Our next stop is a visit with the Power Workers Union in Santa Tecla. The first casualty of the tour is Bruce who suddenly does not feel very well. We are introduced to the President, Secretary-Treasurer and the Education Director of the Power Workers Union who informed us of their struggle against privatization, which again contradicts the ARENA version of events. We were given time before the end of the shift to meet with the workers who had many questions for us, which Charlie had the opportunity and pleasure to address with the assistance of interpreter Scott. The questions were very similar to those we face in Canada. How can we stop the government? What are others doing to change the course of privatization and globalization? Following this the group was given a tour of the oil fired hydro-electric plant. This facility was blown up during the war and is now only a source of emergency back-up power for the country. The average wage is $400 US per month, which contrasts with the minimum salary of $130 US per month. The union is clearly committed to opposing the right-wing agenda of the ARENA party. As we returned to Alexa's in San Salvador the group appears to have more questions than answers. We have more good food and discussion tonight and everyone goes to bed early.

Another early rise, breakfast is served at 5:00 a.m., I am still wondering why I brought the alarm clock. The cats, dogs, motorcycles, and gunshots ensure that no one sleeps in. The shower is still cold but knowing that most people have no running or potable water, there is no room for complaints. We leave at 6:00 a.m. to visit FUNSALPRODESE projects in San Felipe and La Bomba in the Department of Usulutan. A doctor traveled with us and everyone settles in for the long, hot bumpy bus trip. The view of the countryside and fresh air is welcomed in spite of the sweltering heat. There are 105 families living in the region and FUNSALPRODESE has a housing project which will provide each family with a small house made of bricks and mortar replacing the shacks made of bamboo sticks, wood and scrap tin. The other projects in the area include a Natural Medicine Clinic and Agriculture. We observed the making of anti-fungal ointment, cough syrup, and a cold remedy. Two years ago the ointment would cost 32 colones and the people would have to travel a long distance to San Salvador to be treated. Now the clinic provides the ointment for 2 colones in the rural area and sells it for 8 colones in San Salvador with the profit returned to the clinic. The doctor travels to the clinic to prepare the medicine one day and treat patients the following day. This is an excellent community development project. The group then toured a green pepper farm, which has a new irrigation system. The farm also produces bananas and mangos. The poverty here is much more obvious than Zaragoza. We stop for more chicken and rice and again the contrast of El Salvador leaps out. Here in the middle of nowhere is an upscale restaurant with a swimming pool in front of the building. We continued our journey back to the city with even more thoughts racing through our minds. We held a debriefing session at Alexa's and sorted out the rest of the agenda. Everyone turns in early again.

This morning we slept in until 5:30 and the shower felt good, everyone has stopped complaining about our living conditions. The more we observe, the more reality sets in about how fortunate we truly are. Sonya prepared another excellent breakfast and today Charlie left the tour to try and locate Jose Maria Amaya the Executive Director of the MOVIMENTO COMUNAL SALVADORENO. The rest of the group traveled to meet representatives from CREFAC, which is an organization that provides 18 different training programs. 78% of the participants are women between the ages of 15 to 50. The group visited Cojutepeque to observe youth vocational training including carpentry, mechanics, and dressmaking. Two small businesses, (dressmaking, shoemaking) resulting from training courses were also toured. Clarita and a driver picked up Charlie from FUNSALPRODESE who searched out the location of the youth project sponsored by the CAW. After walking down many interesting back alleys and narrow streets the correct address was located. Unfortunately we were informed that the project was completed and that Jose was not there. Clarita left the message for someone to make contact with our group back at Alexa's. Stopping at a bank to exchange money, Clarita and Charlie entered and were searched for weapons by one guard as another guard pointed an automatic weapon at their feet which certainly gives new meaning to bank security. Charlie rejoined the group and traveled to a restaurant for a traditional lunch. The menu was quite unique including, Iguana soup, Armadillo, Bull’s Balls, and Turtle eggs. Charlie and Diane decided to eat the chicken. We traveled back to the Legislature and met three members of the FMLN party. Lilian de Cuelar, Norma Guevara both members of the Education Commission and Roberto Loresma a member of the Agriculture and Land Reform Commission. The FMLN is a breath of fresh air compared to ARENA party, they understand that it will take sometime for former fighters to become good politicians. The FMLN has a platform that includes a minimum of 30% of their candidates will be women. Lilian and Norma both are part of an all-party women’s caucus, which is quite progressive. The FMLN will be unveiling their platform in March for the presidential election. They are feeling good about their chances of victory and look forward to forming the government in the future. At the conclusion of our visit we toured the FMLN offices and immediately noticed that there are no computers and that the nameplates of each cubicle are made out of paper. The elected officials give the party back 30% of their wages to fund their struggles and the pride and determination is etched on their faces as they talk about the future of El Salvador. Joe barely made it back to Alexa’s before he too feels the wrath of Montezuma. Mary Ellen and Kit invite everyone to listen to Elba Alvarado talk about the role of women as healers, how they used to be looked upon as witches and the struggles they faced. The evening disappears as everyone enjoyed a late supper before retiring for another short night.

The group appeared to require much less time to prepare for the day, breakfast was served at 6:00 am and again Sonya prepared a nice meal for us. We departed to visit an ASPS project in San Hilario. A healer traveled with the trip gave us another opportunity to observe the sights, sounds and smells of El Salvador. We were greeted at the co-op and introduced to the different providers of the services in the area. We were given a tour of the water project, physiotherapy and personal health project. The community has a salt reclamation project and also a shrimp farm. The community economic development is thriving and prosperous here and should be an excellent model for other parts of the country. We were provided with a lunch consisting of chicken, rice and salad before proceeding on to El Zamorano. This was a long, dusty, bumpy road that exhibited a sense of how rugged and enduring the people of the region must be. The purpose of visiting another health promoter clinic, which provides the community with natural healing, family planning, and other health related care was to illustrate the levels of service provided throughout the country. The community gave us a warm reception explaining the work performed at the clinic and at homes in the area. The day ended with another good meal and conversation, the group has formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Everyone enjoyed a nice sleep as the dogs, cats, and even the motorcycles were silent.

Breakfast was served at 6:30 am without complaints; everyone was excited about our trip to Cerro Verde Beach. The view was quite spectacular upon our arrival, the black sand contrasting with the sharpness of the ocean and blue sky. The group held a two hour debriefing session. The opinions expressed in the session were unanimous in summing up the feeling of success of the tour. The participants are thinking ahead of how to use their knowledge and experience to help Horizons Of Friendship and the people of El Salvador. After ordering lunch for later in the day, we had an opportunity to enjoy the beach and the ocean. We are warned not to take cameras, jewelry or wander by ourselves as we stroll the beachfront. Young children rent out their horse for $100 colones an hour. The resort also has three swimming pools, ping-pong, lots of deck chairs for our comfort to relax and enjoy the beautiful day. Our dinner arrived later in the day and everyone had a fantastic meal of seafood or meat. After a thoroughly enjoyable day we departed for San Salvador arriving at Alexa's at 5:30 p.m. We were in time for Charlie and Diane to meet with Jose Maria Amaya the Executive Director of MOVIMENTO COMUNAL SALVADORENO. Jose apologized for the confusion as he explained that there had been problems making contact with the CAW in terms of forwarding the interim reports and financial statements. He stated that a package was sent to Tony Wolfarth after the first four months including a financial report, narrative, budget for future monies, calendar of events for the upcoming training period and copies of the course materials. The program developed four booklets Human Values, How to Lead, Youth Leadership, and Relationships. There were100 kids enrolled in the program of which 67 were in gangs. The value of the program is obvious, as there was no program after the Peace Accords to sensitize the youth that had lost their social values. Jose tried to call Tony two more times failing to make contact, other than an answering machine. By September with the project running out of funds a local organization called PROCOMIZE arranged through an Italian organization to secure some money for food and training. That part of the training ended in Mid-December with the kids receiving a diploma.

Children in El Salvador have a school break from Mid-Dec. to Mid-Feb., which they call the Olympics. In reality, the children work in the sugar cane fields with their parents during the harvest. Jose informed us that this project was the first experience for MCS in carrying out a base program. He explained the office that was visited was vacated and the co-ordinators placed out in the community where the participants live. The lack of communications and money did not stop the program. MCS was very careful not to get the participants’ expectations too high. Our session ended with Jose committing to us that the balance of the documentation would be delivered before we leave El Salvador. Following a quick cleanup the evening continued as we traveled to a dinner meeting with Horizons Of Friendship partners. The restaurant specializes in popoussas, which were very good. The dinner ended much too quickly as time seemed to race by to close out an excellent day.

The farmers packed up this morning to continue their visit to the rural area for another week. Jim was the victim to be sick this today. Sonya had another good breakfast prepared for our group. After eating the farmers left by bus for Tacuba, while the rest of us traveled to a craft market to purchase some gifts for family, friends, and ourselves. The market was very colourful and the vendors quite cheerful as the group stimulated the economy purchasing hammocks, pottery, clothing, and an assortment of other small items. We then traveled back to Funsal to pick up Clarita our translator. Diane, Charlie, Mary Ann and Clarita attended a session with the director of MOVIMENTO de MUJERES, which is an organization that advocates on behalf of women’s rights in El Salvador. The work of MAM is primarily involved with the treatment of women in the Macquilas. She provided us with copies of testimonials from women who have been mistreated in the free trade factories. The group also network with seven other women’s groups in the country. They are active politically and lobby the government on many social justice issues. The director also stated MAM would be very involved with the presidential election next year supporting FMLN. This organization is performing excellent work, however their funding is only in place until the end of March.

At the conclusion of the visit we returned to Alexa's. Jose stopped by delivering the balance of the paperwork for the youth project for us to bring back for the National Union. The balance of the evening was spent revisiting the events of our visit and thinking about our return home.

Everyone gathered for our final breakfast from Sonya that was delicious as usual. We finished our packing and prepared to travel to the airport. We were driven by van to catch our flight. No problems with customs except the airport tax, which stated $22 American on the receipt however we are charged $25. Not surprising after everything we observed while staying in El Salvador. The departure and flight were on schedule and after a short stay in Houston we started the final part of our journey back to Toronto. Upon landing we collected our bags and said goodbye. As we stood outside in the cold darkness realization that it would be a long time before we would collect our thoughts of this trip set in.

Conclusion:

The CAW Social Justice Fund is being well utilized by the group projects that we have sponsored in El Salvador. The people are determined to make progress and with our continued support we can ensure that the road from civil war to social justice is traveled at a quicker pace. The relationship between Horizons Of Friendship and CAW is a perfect fit as we have similar interests and values in terms of making the world a better place for everyone. Our trip has been captured on Hi8 video and will be shown on the Women’s Television Network. We will have a shorter version available in the near future that could be used in other formats such as educational workshops and community cable television. We thank the National very much for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful experience.

As always,
In solidarity,

Charlie Stock
Diane Cunningham
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