The last few weeks have been full of meetings like usual, but this time, they have centered around one area of work. USAID in January is starting a project in Caluco to protect the natural springs, as it is rare that an area has so many and are still fairly clean, relative to the rest of the water in the country. National statistics maintain that nearly all of the water, including rain, is polluted. The main river that runs through the capital of San Salvador, is said to be the 2nd or 3rd most polluted river in the world (via my Spanish teacher). And garbage remains one of the country´s biggest problems, as this country is over populated and the people have not yet learned how to dispose of waste and the importance to the environment, and thus, their own well-being. Ultimately, it is a matter of education and obtaining money to train people and build the infrastructure. Many Peace Corps volunteers are involved in garbage disposal projects and training.

Back to the USAID project, Caluco has many beautiful views, surviving rare animals, and indigenous plants, including two nationally protected green areas, not to mention the advantage of many rivers and springs. This means that it is a great site for eco-tourism, and it is very close to cities and the main highway, and close to other famous tourist attractions. By promoting eco-tourism, the environment of Caluco can be protected, agriculturalists can learn about sustainable and more productive methods, and incomes and business can expand, bettering the lives here overall. And also bring some life and activities to the town! With this project, we have the opportunity to work with some great professionals that are enthusiastic about what Caluco has to offer. So to manage this, we have started a new tourism committee composed of community members to promote and manage the events, so that when the project ends, we have a strong, local infrastructure in place to manage the future projects. We had our first meeting last week, and it was quite successful. Although Caluco is beautiful, its best asset is its people. Although we are small, the committee members are motivated and professional, and great visionaries. It has been a pleasure working with them. As for my part, I have basically been getting people together and organizing the meetings. Since everyone on the committee is volunteering and have other jobs, I am able to help out doing the logistical and communication stuff, along with finding other resources to help us in our endeavors.

I also recently have been fortunate to get to know the NGO ADHU (Asociation for Human Development) better. They are the NGO that donated the pigs and chickens. For the next year, they are wanting to do more with the youth population here. In general, there is not much for kids to do, which makes a higher risk of delinquency, probably El Salvador´s biggest problem nationwide. I plan to collaborate more with them, so this means more meetings and planning! But considering this is the end of the year (what, almost December???), the budgets are also at the end and funding comes in January. Also, all the schools are on vacation, and soon others will be too. Christmas and New Year´s are MAJOR events here. I am excited to experience them! Anyhow, November and December are months to finish up and plan for the next year.

I am feeling very positive about the work that is developing here. Of course, there has always been tons of things to do, and that has been the struggle- where are the best areas to invest your time when there are so many needs, and also, with who do you invest your time-who is really interested and motivated?-and finding the resources (human and otherwise) to make it feasible. I feel like I have begun to be able to focus on a few areas that have great possibilities and people who are truly willing to do their part and enthusiastic. It is an interesting time, and I am looking forward to getting started!