I was impressed by the thoughtfulness staff members bring to working alongside outstanding local partners. Additionally, at every stage of the trip there were opportunities for respectful, authentic dialogue with community members. The Friends of CoCoDa delegation cemented in my mind that the organization’s unique approach embodies community driven development and cross-cultural learning at its very best.
One of the participants in the March delegation, wrote, “Before landing in Nicaragua, I read about North Americans that flew in, did unsustainable work and called it global health, the caped villains. These misguided heroic efforts disregard the local leaders and advocates that work - with blood, sweat and tears - to take care of their people and give them a voice. These are the unsung heroes, the heroes without capes; and in Zacataloza we met many such heroes.
My time in El Salvador has been an unforgettable experience. During this trip with CoCoDA, I have had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of El Salvador, enjoy its natural beauty, and practice Spanish, both with the Pájaro Flor Spanish School and with the people I have met along the way. Not only have I gotten to learn about the Salvadoran healthcare system through weekly clinical rotations with local physicians, but I have also gained even more experience hearing the stories of their patients and spending time with the community of La Mora. I would recommend this trip for anyone interested in traveling internationally and learning about the rich, diverse culture El Salvador has to offer.
El Salvador is a country of resilience, strength and love. The people of this country have taught me that life is not easy but that you have to always face adversity and keep your head up. The land is not only beautiful but the hearts of the Salvadorians are big and open to welcome those that want to learn. They do not shy away from their history but instead share how mistakes have been made and how they want to keep their story alive to keep themselves motivated for a better future. I thank the patients that allowed me to listen to their stories, be a part of their patient care and taught me something new everyday. I thank my host family for welcoming me into their home like if I was a family member and taking the time to get to me as we played cards at night. El Salvador is a rose that grew from concrete, and it’s roots are deep and it’s growth is limitless.
It was an honor and pleasure to spend February in the clinics and communities of Suchitoto and La Mora. From making traditional salvadoran food with my host family, to exploring the beautiful streets of Suchitoto, to touring sites of the civil war with survivors. I have learned so much about the rich, vibrant culture here as well as the violent conflict and the role of my country. I can't thank enough my host family and other community members for their time, space, and openness with their stories. I'll never forget my experience here, and I hope to be more compassionate informed citizen and doctor because of it.