Siloe Area Program

The program is being implemented in twelve urban territories in the municipality of Sonsonate, which has a population of 470,455, making it the fourth-largest city in the country. According to a 2023 study on the most vulnerable children in this area (WVES), 63% lack access to basic services, 29% of children live in disaster-prone areas, and 33% are orphaned or abandoned. The main economic activities of families include informal trade, temporary or seasonal employment, and agricultural work. Many people live on the outskirts of the city with limited access to essential services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, education, and recreational spaces.

The primary challenges faced by children, families, and communities in Siloe include scarce economic opportunities, limited access to quality education, access to potable water, family disintegration and abandonment, physical and psychological abuse, substance abuse (including drugs and alcohol), child labor and exploitation, as well as vulnerability to natural disasters. Children and adolescents are particularly exposed to violence, especially from criminal groups or gangs that control various neighborhoods. These gangs engage in extortion, robbery, homicides, and create an atmosphere of fear, particularly affecting children, who are often victims of criminal actions. However, this situation is gradually improving due to government policies aimed at addressing violence and insecurity.

Health
In order to maintain good health among children and youth, World Vision will:

• Work with the Ministry of Health and "Family Health Units" to coordinate action targeting the physical and psychological health of children and families
• Work with child welfare committees to strengthen the knowledge of health workers so they can effectively monitor their community's needs

Child Protection & Participation
To help children and their communities develop capacity, World Vision will:

• Help train and raise awareness through welfare committees about issues of children's rights
• Participate in the Municipal Committee for the Prevention of Violence along with the National Civil Police to integrate children in cultural activities and sports
• Work with churches of different denominations to promote Christian values with the aim of preventing violence and promoting children's rights
• Help train teachers and community volunteers to promote values that will improve family relations and community conditions

Education
To help children reach their full potential, World Vision will:

• Partner with community development associations working in schools to identify and promote implementation of projects that benefit children
• Establish a formal agreement with the Ministry of Education to implement activities and processes for the benefit of children (raising children with tenderness methodology)
• Help develop a school curriculum that includes dealing with issues including conflict resolution and gender inclusion to improve family relations and social cohesion