Highlights from Our El Salvador Learning Journey
Published on June 3, 2025 by Glasswing
One of the most meaningful ways to understand the impact of your support is to experience it in person. That’s why we created Learning Journeys. These are immersive experiences that invite Glasswing supporters, partners, and curious learners to visit the communities where we work.
Earlier this month, we hosted a Learning Journey in El Salvador, our second one after our Mexico Learning Journey. Guests spent two days visiting programs and participants in and around the capital city of San Salvador. They met with students, parents, and frontline staff and saw firsthand what community-led transformation looks like.
Schools as community centers
On Day 1, participants visited a school in the community of Las Palmas, San Salvador. Since 2010, Glasswing has worked with the school to support students through educational and mental health programming. Community members volunteer as mentors to students and run activities such as after-school clubs, sports, and even events for parents.
Learning Journey participants heard from students and teachers about their day-to-day lives, perspectives, and goals for the future. They gained insight into Glasswing’s educational programs and their tangible impact on students’ lives.
Later, they walked to the community soccer field to play a short match and meet with former after-school club participants. These amazing young people shared how their involvement in programs helped them open doors to new academic opportunities and pursue their dreams.
One of the highlights of the trip was meeting with Glasswing Fellows. Fellows are recent high school graduates who spend a year working for Glasswing to support school programs, recruit and organize volunteers, and more. A strong first job can be hard to find in any country. The Glasswing Fellows program offers young people a meaningful work experience, a good wage, and the opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
Supporting frontline workers with trauma-informed care
In the afternoon, participants visited Hospital Saldaña, a 116-year-old public hospital where Glasswing’s SanaMente program is implemented. SanaMente is Glasswing’s mental health program that equips frontline workers—such as teachers, law enforcement officers, and healthcare workers—with practical tools to care for themselves and the people they support. Rooted in science and community wisdom, SanaMente strengthens the resilience of individuals and the systems they serve.
Through round-table discussions with hospital staff, participants learned how frontline workers build their emotional well-being in ever-demanding environments, allowing them to recognize, understand, and reduce the impacts of stress on themselves and others.
Later during the Learning Journey, participants also met with police officers who have been trained in SanaMente. They shared how the training has positively impacted their service toward their communities.
Public spaces as vital gathering hubs
On Day 2, the group took advantage of the beautiful Salvadorian weather. First, they toured Parque Lincoln, where they met with local community leaders and residents. The visit underscored how renewed public spaces strengthen the social fabric of neighborhoods and offer safer, more connected environments for families and youth.
Next, the group headed to Parque Cuscatlán, a 17-acre park in the heart of San Salvador. Once considered unsafe, the park is now a vibrant, inclusive space that fosters community pride and belonging. Its revitalization took place in 2019 in partnership with The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, San Salvador’s Mayor’s office, and architect Felipe Uribe.
Participants shared a picnic lunch and took a walking tour with Glasswing Fellows and members of Girls Club. Through Girls Clubs, adolescent girls meet with peers and mentors to share experiences and learn about physical and mental well-being. Learning Journey participants learned how Girls Clubs support girls as they build confidence, grow as leaders, and access mentorship and educational opportunities.
Young people shaping the future
Later in the afternoon, the group attended a session on Glasswing’s programs in economic opportunity and innovation. They also engaged in hands-on learning at the FabLab, where young people develop their technological skills while learning about entrepreneurship and innovation.
We are deeply grateful to our El Salvador team, who brought this journey to life with incredible care, thoughtfulness, and heart. And to everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up with curiosity and commitment!
Join us
Ready to be part of the change? To learn more about Glasswing Learning Journeys—including how to participate in the next one—please email Bridget Kane, Glasswing’s Director of Engagement: [email protected].
