USAID’s SolucionES project brings together five leading Salvadoran non-profit organizations that have formed an alliance to prevent crime and violence.  The project receives $20 million from USAID and will leverage an additional $22 million mainly from private businesses during a five-year period for a total contribution of $42 million for crime and violence prevention in El Salvador. Together, these five organizations have notable expertise in education, health, community development, economic development, research, and youth leadership and will combine their strengths to prevent crime and violence in El Salvador.

The Alliance members are: the National Foundation for Development (FUNDE), the Salvadoran Foundation for Health and Human Development (FUSAL), Glasswing International, the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES), and the Business Foundation for Educational Development (FEPADE).  FEPADE leads the Alliance and is responsible for all aspects of project administration and implementation. 

The project will reach approximately 50 communities in several high-crime municipalities, chosen from among the Salvadoran government’s list of the most violent communities.  SolucionES works closely with mayors, municipal councils and local residents on designing prevention plans tailored to the needs of each community.  Activities include training youth and families in conflict prevention, youth leadership programs, and job training and entrepreneurship.  The project provides recreational activities for youth in  after school clubs and sports leagues.  School-based prevention activities provide training to teachers in violence prevention, support to parent-teach associations and psychological counseling in schools traumatized by violence. SolucionES also provides grants for community projects.

By working with private sector leaders, SolucionES promotes corporate social investment  to have a greater impact on crime and violence prevention at the municipal level.

The SolucionES project will also produce a number of studies that will help to better understand the security problems in El Salvador and provide solutions.  These studies inlcude crime on public transportation, youth involvment in gangs, and crimes against small and medium enterprises.

SolucionES at work: 

• Helping a community come together

• SolucionES and Citi Bank provide opportunities for young girls

• A Voice Full of Hope 

• Youth Take Steps Toward Peace in San Martin 

• Painting Peace in Ciudad Arce 

• Helping Kids Start First Grade with Success

• Families United for Better Communities