During my stay in Santa Catarina Masahuat, my host family owned a dairy farm, with 12 cows, providing their income. My host father tended to the cows, milking them and bringing milk home every morning for my host mother to cook down into a soft, salty cheese. She, and many other female family members then went on to sell the cheese, out around in the town and also inside the house during the day.
When we first came here (back in July) we really could sense and point out the cultural differences between the UK and El Salvador. It is fascinating how a different part of the world has completely different ways of doing things, from hanging off the back of trucks to saying “Buenas” to anyone and everyone. While everyone in England wouldn’t even think about it, neither would they walk along the street and smile saying hello to everyone - it’s practically unheard of.
I think many people, including myself, who live in the developing world are secluded from the reality we face worldwide regarding education and literacy. Although I am aware of the huge educational inequalities worldwide, it is difficult to apprehend the extent to which this affects so many lives. So let’s outline the situation currently.
This week is the local festival of Arcatao, celebrating their patron’s day, Saint Bartholomew Apostle - Fiestas Patronales del Municipio de Arcatao. This has been going on since last week and the town has really come alive during the activities. These have ranged from an event focusing on the elderly people of Arcatao, a live show of traditional El Salvadorian music, a community dance and a firework display.
One of the first things you notice when you come to El Salvador is how important the history of this country is to its people. Even those who were not alive during the war, like the national volunteers we are working with, hold their history close to heart. During our first week in Arcatao they portrayed the civil war with a short drama. They were very enthusiastic and keen to share this history with us, and to help us understand the tragedies their people have suffered through drama.
Día uno: Bio-construcción
En la cuarta semana de julio, comenzó la bio-construccion con el emparejamiento de suelo, escavando zanjas para los muros de contención de la caseta. Este ciclo, vamos a construir una caseta de información, un descansadero, dos carteleras para mejorar el Sendero de la Paz, que termina en la comunidad El Portillo. Todo esto con el apoyo de Ana María. Todo el grupo muestra buena aptitud a pesar de lo duro que es estar trabajando, sobre todo en los bio-bloques.
Having spent four weeks in Arcatao now, we have settled into our surroundings. The weather is still very hot and sunburn has become a taboo word amongst the paler members of our group. My favourite part of the day is the end, where we have a couple of hours in the evening to sit down with our host family and talk.
Hola guapos! Friday 12 August 2016 was International Youth Day. This was designated by the UN General Assembly and had twelve main priorities. This year the main focus is ‘the road to 2030; eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable production and consumption.'
The existence of indigenous people in El Salvador in the 21st century is a largely over-looked issue. In academic studies, they are almost exclusively referred to in the past tense. This is because the persecution of indigenous people in EL Salvador has been continuing since the 16th century. Despite a ten-year struggle against the conquistadores by the Pipil people, the Spaniards claimed victory over the territory in 1528. This set off a chain of events in El Salvadorian history, which has largely led to acculturation of indigenous peoples.
This week, we started building the structures on the Path to Peace. On Monday and Tuesday, we were lucky to have Ana Maria (the bio-construction expert) advising and teaching us. The structures we are building are: a bench/rest area, a small house for storing amenities and three signposts. So far, we have levelled out the ground for the house, filling holes with rocks and concrete to secure the foundations of the building. The house is near the bottom of the Path to Peace so is relatively easy to walk to.
