Taller 22 de Abril (April 22nd Workshop)

Soyapango, San Salvador

This group was named for the community in which they have based themselves for over twenty years. Founded in 1986, they struggled through the last half of the Salvadoran Civil War to build their business. They faced challenges such as people not being able to enter or leave their community for periods of time during the war. This made sales impossible. Even when they there were no limits, sales were hard to come by. However, they persevered though these difficult times to become the successful business that they are today. Now they help provide for their community. They offer opportunities for work and development.

Their priority is to serve the youth of their community. They allow the youth in their community to work on and off, when their studies permit. However, there are also a number of older workers who have been with then for years.

Twenty year old Karla Carballo describes what the workshop has meant to her: “Our workshop and the support of CIS helps us grow.  Our products are marketed inside and outside of the country.  Many people are interested to know more about our products, to know about the process and how we work. It also helps our families because it means a higher income. For me it helps me pay for my studies.”