Project Launch:

The Casa de la Cultura in Sesori, El Salvador, works to keep the community interested in their culture and to promote the welfare of its people. This organization focuses on activities geared towards youth to increase their appreciation of culture and education. The Casa de la Cultura holds workshops and courses for children throughout the year such as arts and crafts programming and guitar lessons. The age of the children that attend these activities generally ranges from 6 to 18 years old. A $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids program supported a five week girl’s summer camp, Camp Estrellas Por Buen Camino, that aimed to build self-esteem, an appreciation for health and fitness, and combat issues such as gossip, machismo, and lack of individuality, issues that deeply affect El Salvadoran youth. Throughout the camp session, participants were encouraged to set goals and achieve them, a skill to be applied throughout life, and project leaders noted improvements in the sportsmanship, physical endurance, and attitudes of the campers.