Setting up a new service like Asili’s overnight stay means ensuring that every single patient—no matter who they are or where they’re from— has access to the highest possible standards of care. It’s a bit of a big undertaking. And before Changemakers 365 stepped in to help, the team was feeling a little stuck, like there were so many barriers. Because, they said, they needed to ensure that every single service Asili offers lives up to what’s now such a trusted brand in the Eastern Congo community. “One of the things we needed to buy was different types of medications,” said Dr. Johnny. “Most people who need an overnight stay also need fluids, and when a patient gets that treatment you need to observe them for four to five hours to see how they’re reacting. These aren’t the types of meds we usually give patients for just a regular consultation.” Today, we’re helping to remove another barrier—all the medications they need to make this not just a reality, but an … [Read more...] about The Way Forward

Amidst the hustle and bustle of street markets, motorcycle taxis, and uniformed students walking the winding hills of Eastern Congo, Asili stands apart. Launched in 2014 with the aim of bringing world-class healthcare and consistent, clean, and reliable water sources to people in the region, Asili’s social enterprise services and signature brand have quickly become beacons of hope and pride in these communities. The clinics offer primary healthcare in areas where even basic treatments and quality (i.e. unexpired) medications aren’t readily available. Their clean, white buildings catch people’s attention—but their reputation for quality keeps customers coming back. Asili has become a trusted, respected brand throughout the region. And that’s why its customers want even more. This week, with the help of Changemakers 365, we’re helping them launch a series of new initiatives that will have an even greater impact on Asili’s businesses—and the community it serves. First up, the … [Read more...] about Around the Clock

With the digital transformation of the public education system caused by the pandemic, the existing technological gap within El Salvador has increased abruptly, mainly impacting the most vulnerable communities of the country. So after a long period in quarantine, the Sisters decided to reactivate the Color Movement youth labs, places where youth would gather before the pandemic, through a Homework Club. These spaces are already equipped with computers, internet, and tools that allow the youth to create and realize their dreams, but they just needed a little something extra... In gratitude for the efforts of the students to persevere in their education virtually, despite the limited resources, we stocked the labs with webcams and school supplies! The goal is to encourage youth to continue with their online classes in order to access more and better opportunities. Their faces lit up when they tested the equipment! Sister Conchy from Apopa even mentioned how many times they have had … [Read more...] about Seeing Clearly

The Apopa and La Chacra communities in San Salvador, El Salvador face a lot of discrimination—they're often only associated with the high levels of gang presence and poverty rates. But the youth centers run by our partners, the Catholic Sisters, act as safe spaces for children, youth, and families. Sister Betty mentioned that very often, the youth come to the centers without having eaten at all that day. Sisters know full well the realities that these kids face, and they couldn’t stand idly by! So the Sisters, with the support of volunteers, gather ingredients and bring their kitchen utensils from their homes to prepare food to be shared. Tamales, pupusas, and sandwiches are some of these meals made with love! To say a big THANK YOU to the Sisters for always looking out for the young people, and their families, we got them new kitchen supplies and a microwave that will help with the preparation of the delicious meals at the youth centers! “No matter what, we always make sure that … [Read more...] about Meals Made with Love

El Salvador experienced five months of intense lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since March, the easing of restrictions has been progressive and has had a huge impact on the economy—especially in the informal economy. Adding to the shock of the national lockdown and its ripple effects, limited resources, insecurity, and poor access to opportunities during quarantine have aggravated the existing gap among the most vulnerable communities. During these difficult times, the owners of “tienditas” (convenience stores within the communities) along with other local businesses and our partners the Catholic Sisters, created a support network for those families that most needed it, providing them food and essentials. Acting as a donation center, the tienditas gathered much-needed items and distributed them to those in the community who were lacking basic needs. They truly are heroes! Continuing this season's Thank-a-Thon, and in immense gratitude to the local … [Read more...] about Thank you “Tienditas” !

Today, we continue our Thank-a-Thon in El Salvador, where we first launched the Color Movement, our partnership with Catholic Sisters, in 2018. Many of the Sisters we work with run youth centers, places of respite and calm amidst often violent neighborhoods. But many of the centers have been shut down due to COVID-19. Reopening the youth centers is something that everyone wants—Sisters, young people, and parents alike. But it's also a big responsibility for the volunteers who expose their health and safety every day to show up for the youth They’re also role models, showing kids how to follow all the preventive measures and avoid the spread of COVID-19 inside these spaces. The volunteers have been preparing themselves to become a trustful source of information and promoters of everyone’s well-being. For today, we teamed up with the volunteers and mentors from the youth centers of Apopa and La Chacra communities in El Salvador to make sure that the youth centers have the tools … [Read more...] about In Gratitude for Healthy Spaces