Improved water quality and sanitary facilities and equal access to water services (guaranteeing the human right to water).
81 members of community-organised water councils in seven communities: El Tempisque, Santa Lucia I, Pie de la Cuesta, El Dormilón, El Dormilón, Matazano, Los Hernández and La Loma receive intensive training. About 8,800 people in the communities benefit indirectly from the water supply improvements.
The institutional and legal framework for the provision of water services in rural areas in El Salvador is very weak and characterised by a lack of government services and technical support for communities, as well as poorly functioning and outdated water supply systems. In addition, water policies have a different impact on men and women due to traditional gender roles and economic opportunities related to water consumption and management. About half of the rural population in the department of Cabañas has insufficient water for human consumption. These communities, abandoned by the state authorities, have to look for self-sufficient alternatives to solve their problems. Many set up self-governing local water councils (Juntas de Agua), but these are often very weakly structured and the services provided often do not meet the minimum standards for a good supply.
ADES has been making important contributions to the education of children, youth and the development of the community in terms of social infrastructure, as well as in terms of the environment, community participation and organisation. It has also invested efforts in the promotion of human rights, equality between men and women, diversity and the inclusion of all people.