As part of the “Semillas” project, aimed at preventing irregular migration by generating training and employment opportunities, a ceremony was held on April 25 to award funds supporting six community development initiatives across five departments of El Salvador, totaling approximately €185,000.
The event was chaired by the Italian Ambassador to El Salvador, Paolo Emanuele Rozo Sordini, and the Vice Minister of the Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal. They presented the six selected organizations, which will implement projects designed to create opportunities that encourage people to remain and thrive in their communities of origin.
Through 25 workshops involving more than 200 participants—including institutions, organizations, and local associations—36 community development projects were submitted. Six of these were selected for funding, covering areas such as: training in artisanal footwear and leather goods production, renovation of a community sports center, creation of safe spaces for children, and improvements to the community water network.
The “Semillas” project supports the Salvadoran diaspora in developing initiatives in their home territories. It aims not only to encourage the use of remittances as investment capital rather than consumption but also to amplify their impact—both material and intangible—by channeling them into collective, planned initiatives that strengthen local communities and facilitate the potential return of diaspora members.
During the event, the Community Development Initiative Management Manual was also presented. This tool helps identify projects that engage the diaspora as development agents in their territories of origin, establishing a support mechanism.
“Italy recognizes the crucial role played by diasporas in the development of their home communities. Therefore, this component is particularly significant for our country, as it aims to change habits around remittance use while expanding their meaning and potential for local development,” stated Ambassador Rozo Sordini. He also highlighted key results achieved in nearly two years of the project, including the awarding of 124 technical training scholarships, funding of five environmental conservation and restoration projects in three of El Salvador’s RAMSAR sites, and seed capital grants for 88 microenterprises.
The event was attended by Paolo Gallizioli, Director of the AICS San Salvador Office, Nicola Graviano, Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in El Salvador, representatives from the Salvadoran Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), municipal authorities, and the winning organizations.
The “Semillas” project is funded by the Italian Government through the Embassy of San Salvador and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). It is implemented by El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and CONAMYPE.
