A new era of peace and democracy came to El Salvador when opposing sides in a brutal 12-year civil war traded bullets for ballots in 1994. But while the country is rebuilding its infrastructure, modernizing production facilities and opening doors to foreign investment and trade through fundamental reforms, peace dividends are slow to reach all corners of this smallest of Central American nations. The worst fighting took place high in the eastern region of San Miguel, where small rural townships like La Bananera, Chilanguera, El Platanar, El Cipr s and Tierra Blanca in La Union and San Miguel Provinces, are struggling to recover.
Villagers migrate to cities in their quest for work and prosperity.
Those ex-combatants lucky enough to find jobs guarding banks, gas stations and small shops are a visible reminder of the war's long legacy. Named for its dry, white soil, Tierra Blanca is cashew producing country. Despite a nation-wide literacy program, most students leave school after grade 3 to help raise families and work in the fields. Community leaders are searching for ways to reduce alcoholism and stop domestic violence. Antonio Galdamez has reason to believe that life here is changing for the better.