2021-2024
WHY USAID/OTI WAS IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Persistent instability and insecurity in Central America have had a significant impact on U.S. national security interests. Many Central Americans, particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, have suffered from crime, corruption, gang activity, and lack of opportunities, which have compelled them to migrate. The February 2021 Executive Order on Creating a Comprehensive Regional Framework to Address the Causes of Migration laid out a comprehensive approach to managing irregular migration flows from the region consistent with U.S. values. From 2021 to 2024, OTI’s Central America Regional Initiative (CARI) supported U.S. government efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
USAID/OTI’S ROLE IN CENTRAL AMERICA
In coordination with USAID Missions and other U.S. government agencies, CARI supported local partners in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to increase community resilience in the face of significant poverty, violence, poor governance, and corruption, all of which contribute to irregular migration. In July 2024, OTI concluded the CARI program after three years of programming, exiting Honduras while continuing to program in Guatemala and El Salvador through follow-on programs.
- In El Salvador, OTI worked to (1) strengthen the ability of communities to collectively address priorities by bolstering grassroots civil society and increasing civic engagement; and (2) change behaviors and raise awareness of gender-based violence on public transportation.
- In Guatemala, OTI helped communities organize and act on their collective priorities by (1) strengthening community governance structures; and (2) increasing youth and women’s inclusion in community decision-making, mobilization, and development efforts.
- In Honduras, OTI worked in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to (1) help communities advocate for more transparent, inclusive, and high-quality government services; and (2) strengthen community systems to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
El Salvador: In communities historically controlled by gangs, OTI worked with local actors to reclaim public spaces, strengthen emerging leaders, establish support networks, and increase civic engagement. In La Presita I, decades of violence and stigma negatively impacted the use of public spaces and community cohesion even after the community saw reduced gang control. OTI supported the community development association and a local artists’ association to install streetlights and organize public events to overcome this stigma. Over 150 people from outside the community attended the opening festival, with some crossing previously opposing gang lines to do so. After the event, taxis and delivery drivers began to enter the community for the first time in ten years, which led to a renewed use of public spaces and increased community pride and interest in follow-on activities to strengthen social cohesion.
Guatemala: In underserved communities in the department of Solola, where access to services like potable water and employment opportunities were limited, OTI introduced a “co-creation process” to establish community-based governance structures, build trust, and facilitate relationships among NGOs, the municipal government, and the local population. Through these local governance structures, the community of Pacamán identified local priorities, created action plans, and built advocacy skills to improve community and municipal government partnerships. Prior to the co-creation process, government presence in Pacamán was minimal, with little NGO or community interaction. After introducing this process, the community and NGOs began actively working with the municipal government because, as one activity participant noted, “we are no longer asking for ‘favors’—the municipality has a responsibility to address problems. Before, the mayor did not answer our calls. Now he is receptive to our advocacy.”
Honduras: OTI trained 140 female volunteers to provide counseling to other women in their communities on basic women’s rights and services ranging from registering for child support to reporting domestic abuse. This significantly increased women’s awareness of, and access to, GBV support services, as many GBV survivors were reluctant to come forward without the support and guidance of a trusted community member. From November 2022 to May 2024, more than 1,620 GBV survivors accessed medical, legal, or psychological services through these volunteers.
