Josue chose the word “Dios” (God).
He told me that when he was younger he suffered an open-heart surgery but thanks to god he survived.
It was god’s choice to keep him alive!
He now lives in this house with 7 dogs who all look exactly the same.
Kerim chose the word “Vida” (Life).
7 years ago he suffered a terrible illness and his life was in danger. He was close enough to death to really appreciate life today.
Kerim – along with his family Sonia and Katherine – were the first people who invited us to their home when we first visited the slum a few weeks ago. Even though their wall is small, I wanted to leave something colourful for them!
Erlinda chose the word “Gatos” (cats).
She’s in love with her 2 cats and wanted this wall to be for them.
I’ve noticed that Salvadorans have many pets whether they be parrots, cats, dogs and there’s even a guy who walks his squirrel around on a lead!
Finita chose the word « Esperanza » (hope).
She has hope in the future after the rough times her country has been through. She prays for her children’s future and is confident that they will be able to live in a prosperous country.
These last few decades, many Salvadorans have immigrated to the USA due to the lack of opportunities in their homeland.
Virginia chose the word “FE” (Faith).
Religion is very important in this neighbourhood, where people are either Catholic or Protestant.
Many houses here become small churches on certain days. Virginia’s house is one of them, equipped with a dozen plastic chairs that are stacked up in a corner the rest of the time.
Gerson chose the word “Paz” (peace).
He told me that for the last 2 years, the neighbourhood has become a lot safer than it used to.
From 1979 to 1992 El Salvador went through a civil war. After the war ended, gangs started to develop and took control of the slum areas.
Colonia Las Palmas used to be extremely violent, and shootings often took place with neighbouring slums in a territorial conflicts.
These last few years, drastic anti-gang mesures by the government have significantly improved safety in the slums and in the whole country.
