A friendly hand for communities in need

The project – funded mainly by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, an LWF member church – includes facilitation of vocational training for returned migrants, as well as providing seed capital to help them set up their own small-scale businesses and begin to earn a living.

On 26 October, LWF general secretary Burghardt met with some of the young adults to hear about their hopes and plans for the future.

Jeferson Emahu Valle López, a participant from the municipality of Guaimaca, spoke about the accompaniment offered by the LWF, and the importance of broadening the work to reach more people like himself.

“Thank you for providing us with this opportunity. God willing it will be a success, and I hope that you will continue the work to help many of my brothers and sisters in the future,” said Valle López, who is preparing to set up a small shop selling clothes and shoes in his community.

While migration is a widespread phenomenon across the region, few organizations engage, like the LWF, specifically in support of migrants who are not in transit, but returned to their countries of origin.

One who is reaping the fruits of her labors participating in the LWF program is Wendy Susely Cabrera, who has established a small beauty parlor in her home in Guaimaca.

While the journey has not been easy, she and her husband are today able to provide for themselves and their two daughters by both earning an income, she says.

A testimony to long-term commitment

Reflecting on the work of the Central America program, regional representative Martin Ruppenthal notes support for migrants as a key focus in the coming years, alongside prevention of gender-based violence, livelihoods, and resilience to climate change.

“In the future we see a need to dedicate our work to the so-called ‘dry corridor’ which is very much affected by climate change. We will focus on migration as well as gender justice – not just working with women but also men to help them fulfil a role that favors equality,” Ruppenthal said.

“Most importantly, the LWF’s work is one of accompaniment. We do not have endless resources, but we are there. And therefore, it is so important that we join forces with the churches, who are working with the poorest communities. This is our dedication, to be with the people, vulnerable people, poor people who otherwise have few prospects,” he added.

Reflecting on the 40 years of service in the region, Ruppenthal continued to observe that “a three-year project, for example, can be nice for three years. It’s like a fiesta. You celebrate the outcome after three years, but what happens after? As LWF we provide accompaniment much more long-term,” he concludes.

Echoing this same commitment, LWF general secretary Burghardt stressed in a meeting on 27 October with mayor of Guaimaca Nelson Chávez, that being able to restore and uphold another person’s dignity is one of the most precious things for all concerned.

“It is such a privilege to work to build hope for people in need, and as LWF through World Service, we are all part of this work,” she said.