The government of President Nayib Bukele, through the National Integration Directorate, has initiated a novel strategy aimed at bolstering community integration and providing fresh opportunities for comprehensive development among the marginalized sectors of society.
Alejandro Gutman, the honorary president of the National Integration Directorate, emphasized that the institution’s leadership is committed to ensuring opportunities are extended to the disadvantaged segments of the population. The goal is to create spaces for active participation, fostering conditions that enable individuals to break free from poverty and embark on a journey towards holistic development.
Gutman asserted, “It means generating, through the State, a set of conducive conditions to enter into development and gradually leave poverty behind.” Central to this vision is the notion that access to education, art, entertainment, and the strengthening of mental and physical health are essential components. These efforts, coupled with active engagement in human relationships and with institutions, play a pivotal role in distancing individuals from poverty and guiding them towards a dignified life.
The initiative hinges on the effective utilization of the country’s resources, drawing strength from the Salvadoran people and building integrative relationships among various state institutions. Gutman stressed the importance of fostering connections between people and institutions, constructing bridges that were previously absent. He cited examples such as the collaboration between schools and universities, communities and schools, businesses and communities, neighbors and the media, among others, as crucial in breaking down pre-existing barriers.
Gutman explained, “It is through the relationships between people and institutions that these bridges are built, connecting individuals who were once isolated. For instance, the connections between schools and universities, communities and schools, businesses and communities, neighbors and the media—all these relationships that were once nonexistent or distorted.”
The key, according to Gutman, lies in enhancing relationships between these sectors of the state, promoting the development of each individual’s capabilities while simultaneously strengthening the involved institutions.
President Bukele’s government is channeling its efforts towards a singular objective—executing a strategy that ensures integration. This novel development model underscores the significance of participation from all sectors, marking a transformative approach towards a more inclusive and interconnected society.