“We work in communities of extreme poverty in Oakland and in rural communities in El Salvador,” writes Tulio Serrano, Director of the Central American Refugee Committee (CRECE). “Our organization brings hope to those in need by providing immediate needs such as food, clothing and friendship. We have created and expanded opportunities for children and youth. We have also expanded our work with youth by developing alternative positive venues to the streets and gangs.”
When Serrano and his dedicated group are not working to help people in Oakland, they are preparing for their annual trip to El Salvador, where much of the population is in need. Seven CRECE members recently visited two rural villages and one hospital in El Salvador. In his report on the trip, Serrano writes:
“The delegation greatly enjoyed its stay in each community, despite the poor conditions of the roads leading to the communities, the pouring rain, and enduring mosquito bites. All of our members embraced these challenging conditions with great hearts, taking into account the suffering of these communities. Delegation members also interviewed 7 students and will select two of them for a scholarship so that they can continue their studies at a university or trade school. The delegation attended meetings with youth and community residents, participated in socio-cultural events, and helped build a kitchen. On this visit we were able to donate a large amount of clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school materials.
We left a great donation of medicines at the Hospital Divina Providencia, a hospital for poor terminal cancer patients that relies on private donations and operates without government assistance. The communities were very thankful and motivated by our presence and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. They always made sure we had enough to eat, and they took care of us day and night.
People throughout the country expressed to us their daily fears of dying poor, social violence, extortions and robbery. Salvadorans are suffering from an economic and political crisis; one can see that the future of the Salvadoran youth is uncertain and without the possibility of formal educational opportunities, jobs, and programs that make them feel included in society. The year has been one of the most irregular school years due to a lot of extortions of the schools by gangs (maras), teacher and student killings, recruitment of students to participate in the gangs. This situation threatens the stability of and confidence in the schools.”
CRECE will soon start working on the project “Let’s Visit El Salvador 2011”, through which they hope to bring a large delegation to stay in both communities and bring substantial donations of medicines, clothes, and general school supplies. To donate or get involved, call CRECE at 510-393-9546 or visit www.eastbaycrece.org.