In a recent visit to El Salvador, the Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Yanhui, and the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Diego Recalde, lauded the positive outcomes of the Urban Centers for Well-being and Opportunities (CUBO) in the country. Both officials emphasized that CUBO has become a hub that connects and organizes communities, providing improved opportunities for those who have endured the challenges posed by gang violence.
The visionary inclusion of CUBO in the Phase II of El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan, known as “Opportunities,” by President Nayib Bukele continues to receive recognition from various countries and international organizations. The impact of CUBO on communities previously plagued by terrorist groups is acknowledged globally.
Ambassador Zhang Yanhui, while touring the CUBO in the IVU neighborhood, expressed his delight at witnessing the positive community engagement facilitated by these centers. He commended President Nayib Bukele for the initiative, stating, “This is a magnificent idea that is bearing fruit, helping communities by fostering cultural events and providing education for children.”
Highlighting China’s substantial support for El Salvador, Ambassador Zhang emphasized the importance of communities utilizing spaces like CUBO for training and skill development. China has been a crucial partner for El Salvador, contributing to various projects that have enhanced the overall security and well-being of the Salvadoran population.
The FAO representative in El Salvador, Diego Recalde, echoed the positive sentiments, emphasizing the role of CUBO in helping communities reintegrate, particularly those affected by decades of violence. Recalde stated, “These centers have allowed communities to engage in productive projects, ensuring food security and transforming lives, turning residents into productive contributors.”
Delegations from several countries, including Chile, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Luxembourg, have visited the 12 constructed CUBO centers. They have expressed interest in replicating this model in their nations, emphasizing the adaptability of CUBO to the specific needs of each community, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
International organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have also joined the initiative. Laura Almirall, the UNHCR representative in El Salvador, highlighted how CUBO provides opportunities for individuals who may have considered irregular migration to other countries.
“[CUBO] helps people restore shattered pasts and build promising futures,” said Almirall. She stressed the collaborative efforts with the government, communities, private sector, and academia to find solutions for forced displacement.
With 12 CUBO centers already built, the government aims to extend these centers to historically gang-affected communities, offering opportunities for young people. Each center, like the one in Zacamil, features unique elements such as a “skate park,” contributing to breaking stereotypes associated with arts and sports.
The CUBO initiative continues to serve as a beacon of hope, not only for El Salvador but also as a potential model for other nations facing similar challenges.