The Government of El Salvador recently honored the Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in El Salvador, Larry Sacks, with the José Gustavo Guerrero silver medal. Deputy Minister for the Salvadorans Abroad, Liduvina Margarín, chaird the ceremony which recognized the contributions of Mr. Sacks to El Salvador during the period from 2013-2017 and highlighted USAID projects and support for the country during Mr. Sacks’ stay.
Under his leadership, USAID — aligned with the Alliance for Prosperity and Plan El Salvador Seguro — has supported the prevention of crime and violence, strengthening institutions of justice, economic growth and education. USAID has contributed to crime reduction in municipalities through the development of prevention plans, the establishment of Outreach Centers for children and youth, the recovery of public spaces and job training for young people. At the same time, USAID has supported the implementation of the Access to Public Information Act and contributed to efforts to improve transparency and reduce impunity.
More than 114,000 high school students in high-risk municipalities currently participate in USAID education programs and 9,000 young people who have left school receive alternative programs. In the last four years, 20 thousand young people have been trained for the labor market. With USAID’s cooperation, 11,000 small and medium-sized businesses have earned $153 million in sales and generated 22,000 new jobs in the last four years. USAID invested more than $1 million in the Migrant Care Directorate in order to provide dignified treatment and better services for returnees.
During the award ceremony, Mr. Sacks said: “I am deeply honored to receive the Dr. José Gustavo Guerrero medal. But, most of all, it has been a great honor to have worked with so many Salvadorans, from government officials and business leaders, to community members, parents and young people; all committed to making El Salvador a better place.”
Mr. Sacks departed El Salvador on June 22. USAID / El Salvador Deputy Director, Kim Delaney, will serve as acting Director.
Read the departing words of Larry Sacks: http://www.elsalvador.com/opinion/editoriales/366831/avancemos-en-el-otro-el-salvador/
