COAR Solidarity

Hom e	Newsletter	History and Mission	Sponsor a Child	School	Projects- Solidarity	Donate	Contact Us
Service & Solidarity Home:		Parishes	Youth Groups	Participant?	Classroom	Planning a trip to El Salvador
Visiting COAR Home:		Medical?	Security ?	Legal stuff	What to pack ?	Where will I stay (and eat)?
Download Visitor Guidelines

Service

	Begin at least 3 months in advance . . .
		Arrange flights
		Apply for passports
		Identify the group leader
		Identify at least one FLUENT Spanish-speaker who will accompany the group
		Get legal releases from all travellers
		Schedule preparation meetings
		Consult your travel doctor

	What we will help you with . . .
		Lodging at COAR
		Food at COAR
		Sample itineraries (Romero's tomb, museums . . . what is reasonable to fit into each day. Call our office and we'll send you ideas)
		Local transportation (Airport pick-ups, other sights, etc.)
		Fundraising projects

	Tips . . .
		Air travel from Wednesday - Wednesday is usually cheaper
		Plan to arrive in El Salvador before 6:00 pm
		When planning your itinerary, plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack - don't leave them to spontaneous decisions as you might in the US.

	Donated Goods are Discouraged
	We discourage drives for any tangible goods that would have to be transported to El Salvador. In addition to the transport and customs expense, a mature understanding of charity requires that we respond to economic realities: it helps build El Salvador's economy if we buy "goods" there. Purchasing in El Salvador gives store-owners, truckers, and many others jobs. It signals where there is real demand for products so that sustained growth in the economy can be recognized. It helps break the cycle of dependency.

Solidarity

Preparing the group . . .
Experiencing Solidarity requires preparation. Groups are encouraged to meet at least three times as a group before travelling in order to get to know each other, set expectations, reflect on preparation materials.

Preparing the community . . .
Involving friends, family, and church members in your trip before you go will enhance the experience as well as provide support when you return. Fundraisers for a specific project that you can attest to when you return will also bring your community into your experience.

Reading and movies . . .
There are many books, movies, and documentaries about El Salvador. A list can be found on the Classroom page. We encourage members of your group to view or read these and come together for reflection before the trip.

Food, entertainment, travel, walking . . .
We encourage your group to leave electronic entertainment devices behind. The childrens' school and house routine must be respected - that means early to bed and early to rise - 5 am! The food available at COAR is healthy and wholesome but simple. Travel by bus on poor roads will be hot, dusty, and bumpy. Most sites, including COAR, require lots of walking.

Mass, prayer, worship . . .
COAR is a Catholic school run by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX. You are welcome to attend mass or organize your own prayer service or vacation Bible school with the children. Contact our office to assure time in the schedule.