Excerpts of Remarks by USAID Mission Director, Mark Silverman
February 18, 2005
Tejutla, Chalatenango
Translated by PADF staff

“It is a pleasure to be here today to distribute 530 mini scholarships donated as part of Programa ALCANCE, which is financed by the United States community through the International Development Agency of the United States (USAID)… 

We are aware that the mere fact that there is a school near by does not mean that all children will be able to attend.  This is why USAID, in partnership with Salvadorans living abroad, members of the private sector like Banco Agrícola… are making an effort to benefit about 2,500 children with mini scholarships in 58 schools in different departments of the country in an attempt to improve the quality of education…

As government of the United States, we are pleased that these mini scholarships will reach the hands of Salvadoran children…

I want to highlight the important role that is being played by the associations of Salvadorans living in the United States.  As a result of their constant support, many of their communities of origin now have potable water, energy, and new infrastructure.  On behalf of USAID, we thank them for having joined Programa ALCANCE.  These are the efforts that contribute to the development of rural communities…

To the principals, teachers, and parents, I encourage you to take part in this compromise so that the boys and girls who receive their mini scholarships today can complete their school year successfully, and so that they can continue their education so as to have all opportunities that they deserve available.”

Read the complete text here (Spanish).