By Enrique Pineda


From June 16-30, Earlham College 3rd year Sociology student, Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn, completed an internship with CoCoDA in El Salvador. In coordination with our partner CRC, she focused on learning about community organizing and environmental activities in the rural communities of Suchitoto.

Student Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn collaborating with CRC members in the delivery of plants and seeds in the community of La Haciendita, Suchitoto, El Salvador. As part of the Environmental Awareness project coordinated by CoCoDA’s partner, CRC.

As part of her interest in community and environmental work, student Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn actively participated in environmental education workshops in the context of the UNESCO Environmental Awareness Project coordinated by CRC.

“CRC is people from the communities who work to help the communities. And I think it is very important that they are people who already know the communities inside and out, and know the needs of their community… I think that is the best way to help a community”.

Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn, Earlham College Sociology Student
Angelica Gonzalez, coordinator of CRC’s Environmental Awareness Project, giving a workshop on natural resources in schools in Suchitoto.

The workshops were held in community centers with community members and in rural schools with children and adolescents. These spaces aim to strengthen the connection of younger generations with their natural environment, encourage resource care, and promote sustainable practices within their communities.

Student Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn participating in the Environmental Awareness workshop at the Aguacayo community school in Suchitoto, El Salvador.

Ashlin also explored the themes developed in the workshops by conducting a series of interviews, with questions about the community’s relationship with nature, food sovereignty techniques, and the transmission of environmental knowledge between generations.

 “I realized how the communities see nature as something to be respected and something very much alive and deserving of rights, just like humans. I think that respect for nature really caught my attention.”

Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn, Earlham College Sociology Student

Additionally, Ashlin Pfeifer-Winborn had a fully immersive experience to learn about the work and organization of local communities, as well as the role of local organizations. During her stay in El Salvador, she lived with a host family in the community of Sitio Zapotal in Suchitoto, sharing experiences, knowledge, and creating lasting memories with those who welcomed her into their home and lives.

🔍 Read more: