As part of President Nayib Bukele’s initiative to strengthen local tourism and economic development, the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) celebrated the graduation of the third class of students from the Mar y Playa School in Punta Roca, La Libertad Costa.
A total of 26 young participants completed a program focused on surfing training, personal development, and soft skills, designed to foster pride in Salvadoran culture and enhance opportunities in tourist areas.
“For the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of President Bukele, this training is important because we know we are instilling in each of you a love for surfing, pride in being Salvadoran, and pride in living in this paradise,” said Morena Valdez, head of MITUR.
Students shared their experiences of the program. Tessa Miranda described surfing as “a space for creativity, for creation, an opportunity to grow and a space free from judgment.” Meanwhile, Christopher Bautista and Steve Valle noted that surfing provides “a refuge where young people share something new every day.”
The Mar y Playa School has been operating for over a year, in collaboration with the International Surfing Association (ISA), promoting not only sports skills but also art, contemplation, and creativity as tools for personal and professional growth.
“This was the third graduation from the Sea and Beach School. We are extremely proud; one is moved when hearing the stories of all these young people from the communities of Surf City 1, La Libertad, who are learning to surf,” added Morena Valdez, highlighting the program’s impact on both youth and the broader tourism sector.