The El Salvador Program
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's mission is to strategically donate orchards where the need is greatest and the harvest will best serve communities for generations. One such place is El Salvador, a country facing devastating deforestation and food insecurity, climate change, and poverty, where children have scarce access to fresh food. Fruit trees offer a sustainable, healthy solution. Families often lack the resources to gain horticultural training and our programs offer both the trees and training to ensure a fruitful future.
Program History
Since 2013, FTPF helped pave the way towards a healthier future for Salvadorans by planting and distributing fruit trees throughout the country, including with families, schools, and women’s groups. Working closely with two respected NGOs, SHARE El Salvador and CONFRAS, we have launched a ten-year plan to plant thousands of fruit trees each year. Some families are already supporting themselves through income from their orchards: “We have been able to feed ourselves, make money and have noticed a change in the environment. Thank you for all the effort you have put in towards the success of our land.” -Don Pedro Juan de Jesus Avarca (pictured) standing next to a mango tree we planted at his home.
"Seeing a child plant a tree, and knowing that tree will live to be 100 years old, is a really powerful act.
— Mark Hockley, past-volunteer
We Need You
We invite you to join us by volunteering for a week-long fruit tree planting eco-adventure every July. Activities include planting trees and interacting with schools and families, and learning about best practices from our arborists. On the last day, there is an excursion to reflect and visit some of Central America’s most important historical sites. A contribution of $1500 secures your spot, including the events listed below, as well as accommodations, local transport, and the excursion! Airfare, meals, and all other costs are the volunteer’s responsibility. To join us for this unforgettable experience, apply via the form at the following link: www.ftpf.org/elsalvador.htm. To watch a video from a previous year of the project, click here.
Itinerary
El Salvador (2024)
6/29 Arrival at San Salvador airport (SAL), greeted by our driver • Overnight in San Salvador
6/30 Orientation & travel to San Miguel • Overnight in San Miguel
7/1-7/5 Plantings & workshops with CONFRAS coops and schools • Overnights in San Miguel
7/6 or 7/7 Departure from San Salvador airport • Optional overnight in San Salvador
Cost
Tuition payment of $1000.