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By Deborah PayneThe “Santa Marta Water Defenders” have long stood for the protection of El Salvador’s natural resources. These individuals, however, have faced political persecution and jail time in an effort to suppress their voices. ADES, a partner of CoCoDA, continues to fight for justice for these individuals while leaning into the work of a safer, healthier El Salvador.In June of 2023, a small team of CoCoDA delegates visited with the staff of ADES at their offices in Cabañas, El...

By Jim MulhollandJason Burk is an Indianapolis architect, a husband, and a father of two.  There are millions of men with similar biographies.  However, Jason is also a champion of projects in rural communities in Nicaragua and El Salvador – something far more rare in Indianapolis or even in the United States.   He has taken both his son and his father to visit these communities.  He has shared his experiences with family, friends and his peers, both giving and...

By Karilyn VidesIn 1993, one of CoCoDA’s first projects was the rebuilding of the school in Las Delicias, El Salvador.  That relationship has continued for over thirty years, largely inspired by the commitment of Teresa Batto.  Faced with possible closure and with only two remaining teachers, 2024 was the beginning of a renaissance at Las Delicias. The School in Las Delicias, a community in Suchitoto, El Salvador, is celebrating the arrival of Professor Emilio Mejía, their new mathematics teacher. This...

By Richard SanchezEvery summer, CoCoDA invites North Americans to travel for one week in El Salvador or Nicaragua. This trip introduces North Americans to the history and culture of this country as well as allows participants to get an intimate view of CoCoDA projects and initiatives.  In this article, Richard Sanchez explains what makes these trips so amazing.“When we started the Friends of CoCoDA trips in 2015, I had no idea how important these trips would become to CoCoDA.  Many of...

By Enrique PinedaOn February 24 to 27, CoCoDA held a new edition of its highly anticipated annual fundraising event: Febrero Fiesta. The 4 nights of virtual Fiesta featured a series of videos and interviews that took the audience on a journey through the projects, leaders, team members and legacy of the more than 30 years of CoCoDA’s work in Central America.The theme of this edition of Febrero Fiesta was: The Times They Are A Changing — Looking back at the...

By Richard SanchezA natural leader from a young ageEpifanio Perez Ruiz was born in 1991 in the community of San Antonio, Mosonte, Nueva Segovia Nicaragua. From the early stages of his life Epifanio has always been characterized as a very sociable person. Since he was 18 years old, his commitment to help the communities of Mosonte was noticeable, managing multiple projects for the development of the members of the communities.Epifanio Perez RuizSports as a place for youth recreation.Epifanio is a...

By Karilyn VidesA visit to Central America may fill your mind with images of beaches, volcanoes, Mayan ruins, and friendly, smiling locals. You wouldn’t be wrong. The scenery is breathtaking, and the experience is unique. What may not come to mind are the exquisite aromas of delicious cuisine such as pupusas, the smell of firewood, flowers, and wet soil in the countryside, and the curious gazes of people who, while welcoming to foreigners, are ready to share a resilient story...

Welcome to Febrero Fiesta 2022 through this link!Febrero Fiesta is CoCoDA’s annual virtual friend and fundraiser.  It is an opportunity for us to celebrate with longtime supporters as well as curious new friends with a goal of learning, inspiring, and raising $25,000 for projects in Central America.  Each night’s 45-minute segment will begin at 8:00 p.m. EST and focus on a different theme.  The program will include live interviews, powerful videos, and voices from both Central America and North America. ...