USAID launches second phase for early education program
August 24, 2004

USAID launched the second phase of the activity known as Early Childhood and Family Education known as EDIFAM. USAID director, Mark Silverman and Ana Ligia de Saca, First Lady of El Salvador, participated in the ceremony.

The general objectives of EDIFAM are to improve education and childcare for children since childbirth to six years old in the poor rural areas of El Salvador for more effective and equal participation in school.

The EDIFAM program is funded by USAID with a total cost of $8.5 million, and it is coordinated through the Salvadoran Institute for Integrated Development of Children and Youth (ISNA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and implemented by the international institutions: Educational Development Center (EDC), Save the Children, Sesame Workshop, American Institute for Research, UNICEF and other local non government institutions.

During the week, Sesame Workshop, known as Plaza Sesamo, will film TV spots that will be part of the local campaign. The total cost is $350,000. The puppet “Lola” and some children will promote and sensitize the public in general about the importance of care, education, and health for children under seven years of age. The campaign will also use play as a learning tool in promotion of pre-literacy. The objective of the awareness campaign is part of component 4 of the EDIFAM activity, and it consists of incrementing public awareness about the importance of early childhood and preschool education.