The Issues

El Salvador 2004 Social Work Experience

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After spending 15 days in El Salvador it was evident that there a certain systems in place that have a direct effect on the social system that I was there to observe.

El Salvadoran's are directly effected by their political, economic, and religious systems.  All of these systems work together or against one another to effect the current social system that is in place.

  • The first system that I encountered on the trip that I noticed to have a fundamental impact on life is religion. The primary religion or belief in this country is Catholicism.

The picture below is a mural that was painted by an anonymous artist. This mural is located in near Monsenor Romero's home. The mural displays a powerful message of historical oppression, which has led to modern day struggles resulting in two civil wars.  Although this mural depicts a sense of sorrow, there is also message of hope through solidarity and the belief in God.

muralofromero.jpg

  • The second system that has fundamental effects on the way of life are the economics. El Salvador is currently dollarized.
The picture on the right is a snapshot of the community of Los Pobres. This community was originally settled for the access to water, however the current situation is extreme poverty.  This picture was taken as my fellow colleagues and myself went on a tour as we followed the railroad track that runs through this community.
 
The families that live in this community are marginalized economically, politically, and socially. The homes they live in are called "microwaves", as they are made up of sheets of tin metal.
 
The community has a great resource through Padre Daniel and the volunteers that work to improve the conditions in this area of El Salvador.

lospabresrailroad.jpg

  • The third system that has an enormous effect on the daily life of Salvadoran's is the political system. 
The picture below is a comment on the current political climate in El Salvador. Recently national elections took place in March 2004. As a result of these elections, the ARENA party was elected.
 
The ARENA party is the government sponsored party. This party is closely associated with those who are wealthy and have roots with the "14 Families".
 
The picture below is of a boy who is wearing an ARENA shirt. It is ironic to note that supporters of this political party will give away free clothing with their logo, so that it will give the illusion of support. In reality this young man is more than likely, in need of clothing!

tonysacaelsalvador.jpg

The current president of El Salvador is Tony Saca. Mr. President is approximately 38 years old, an ex-sports broadcaster, and has never held political office.  He is represented on the T-shirt on the young boy above.

flmnelsalvador.jpg

The picture of above is the party, which represents the people of El Salvador. The FMLN party is closely associated to the solidarity effort of justice for all in this country.