ALCANCE, as part of the transnational development initiative, is an innovative alliance, originated and funded by the USAID Mission in El Salvador. This alliance brings together Salvadoran Hometown Associations in the United States with PADF, World Vision, Banco Agrícola, and others. Together, these partners have established innovative and sustainable mechanisms to increase opportunities for poor rural children in El Salvador to complete their primary education.
ALCANCE provides a variety of assistance packages help complete a comprehensive and positive educational environment for students in dozens of rural schools throughout El Salvador. The alliance is providing thousands of students assistance for better educational opportunities, giving teachers training and supplies, and distributing educational packets to students most in need in selected communities.
ALCANCE is a one year pilot program which started in July 2004. During the first six months, PADF completed a needs assessment (download here ) of the educational environment in the target communities and a viability study (download here)to determine long-term sustainability of the initiative. The identification of schools and students was finalized in January 2005, and the partners distributed books, uniforms, shoes, and other materials to students shortly thereafter.
A final report will be released in June 2005.
The following hometown associations are participating in ALCANCE:
-Asociación Migueleña Siglo XXI
-Club Amigos de Sesori
-Comité Amigos de Santa Elena
-Comité Benéfico a Canton Santa Elena
-Comité Pro-Guatajiagua
-Comité Pro-Mejoramiento Amigos de Chiquirín
-Comité Pro-Mejoramiento Canton Piedras Blancas
-Comité Pro-Mejoramiento de Chapeltique
-Comité Pro-Tejutla
-Comité Salvadoreño en Los Angeles - COSALA
-Comité San José Los Lagartos
-Comité Santa Marta
-Comunidad del Esteron, Intipuca
-Comunidad Unida de Chinameca
-Fundación Salvadoreña de Florida
-Ilobasco Foundation in Los Angeles - IFLA
-Manos de Esperanza
-Pro-Chapeltique 2002
-Salvadoreños Asociados en Maryland - SAMD
-Sonsontate 2000