A group of eight professionals from El Salvador’s public institutions has been selected to pursue postgraduate studies in Spain for an 11-month period, thanks to the strong ties of friendship and collaboration between both nations. The opportunity is made possible through the scholarship program of Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation (MAEUEC/AECID), designed to strengthen the skills of Salvadoran civil servants to improve policies, projects, and services that benefit the population.

“With Spain we have a very important relationship. There is an association framework that has been managed and negotiated between both governments, and this is a true example of joint work with a partner that extends its hand to improve institutional capacities for the benefit of the Salvadoran people,” said Karla de Palma, director of the Salvadoran Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), during a symbolic farewell held at the Spanish Cooperation Office (OCE) in San Salvador.

The selected participants come from the Ministries of Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock, the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers (ANDA), the National Council for Early Childhood and Adolescence (CONAPINA), and the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDDH). Their academic programs will be aligned with the functions of their respective institutions.

Alfonso Pérez-Hernández, minister counselor at the Spanish Embassy, emphasized the significance of the program, stating that it “will allow participants to expand their training so that, upon returning, they can apply and share the knowledge acquired, while enriching both their professional and personal experience.” The ceremony also included the participation of OCE coordinator Fernando Rey Yébenes and Tourism Minister Morena Valdez.