Photo by: Siramá

Every year, the Colegio La Floresta community looks forward to the upcoming dance season for numerous reasons: shorter class periods, fun dance rehearsals, unique costumes, and, best of all, an amazing dance production where families watch their daughters perform at the Presidente Theatre stage.

But beyond all the lights and blasting music, do you know what is really behind this dance show, and where do the funds collected go? Well, in short, we dance for Sirama Foundation. This local non-profit institution, established in 1970, provides educational opportunities to low-income women in El Salvador, enabling them to access professional training programs that grant them a degree and open pathways into the workforce. In October 2026, Siramá will be celebrating 55 years of fulfilling a humanitarian initiative that perfectly aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Quality education, ending poverty and hunger, and reducing gender inequality. This project has tirelessly supported women living in extremely vulnerable conditions, helping them achieve their dreams to become economically independent and provide for their families.

But how is the dance production donation invested you might ask? We talked to Merlyn Avandaño, Commercial Director of  Siramá, and she gave The Daily some insight into the way how the foundation helps these women by offering technical courses, led by hired professionals, so they can learn a trade. These courses last a total of 8 months in areas such as: professional pastry, international cuisine, cosmetology, and fashion design. Approximately 600 women graduate from the pastry program each year, and many pursue this career path by opening their own online or physical bakeries. This is possible thanks to the business training they receive in six classes during the spam of the eight-month course, in which they learn how to execute their business ideas, such as choosing a name and logo to sales channels, costing products, learning how to sell, and obtaining the greatest profit.  

Photo by: Fundacion Siramá, cosmetology students in practices  

Siramá also receives the collaboration of international institutions like “Asociación para la Cooperación Cultural, Técnica y Educativa” (ACTEC) and Wonder, who provide financial support to their programs. With all this help, Siramá has graduated more than 55,000 women, not only with technical tools but also with an evident change as better people and women who generate income for their families with their own businesses, fulfilling the principal objective of Siramá. Merlyn Avendano, stated that, “We are very proud of the work we do, as we have changed the lives of many Salvadoran women. Many come to us because family members who have already studied with us have recommended us,” And she enthusiastically shared how “faith” is an essential pillar for their mission.

Opus Dei corporate is also a part of Siramá work as they have also become a part of their efforts and they provide spiritual guidance. In both of Sirama´s headquarters (Centro Historico, SS. And Soyapango) an oratory has been built, and Mass is held every Thursday. Everything is done with the support of volunteers or people that support this cause one way or another, and faith is demonstrated through what is done with love. “Our daily actions demonstrate God's love through what we do. We instill faith in each of our students with our love for them,” shared Ms. Avandaño. This aspect of Siramá helps with human development, as women are not only trained as capable workers but also as people that are constantly learning to become the best versions of themselves. Students are given the opportunity to discuss personal issues with older female mentors who donate their time to be counselors and listen to them. There is also a psychologist who gives her services pro-bono to the cause.  

Photo by: Fundacion Siramá. Student from professional pastry in practices

Merlyn Avandaño expressed her opinion about the impact that Floresta´s contribution has in Siramá, "The contribution that La Floresta makes through the show and donations benefits all the students who have access to these programs, because our students do not have the financial means to pay for the courses. With such contributions, they can fulfill the dreams they thought they could never achieve. It not only benefits women, but also their children and families. We are very grateful for this work and the actions taken by La Floresta to coordinate the show, and we would love you to visit us and take courses with us.”

Now, that you know more about the service mission you are supporting through the show, we need to be more enthusiastic and aware about the fact that we are truly changing the lives of hundreds of women so that they can become successful, support their families with their labor as professionals, and get closer to their dreams. For this reason, we shall all feel very grateful of the privilege of giving back and focus all our efforts to unite for such a great cause. For sure, an event that features students from grades 7th to 12th grade, can only mean that we have been united by our love for the community and our determination to take every opportunity to help those in need. So, please don´t forget to get your grandparents, cousins and extended family excited to get ticket for the upcoming show. These tickets will be available in March through students and sold on the theatre´s box office. soon so tell your family and friends about the show, so we can gather lots of support for this foundation during the dance! Keep yourself updated in the last show news in our Newsletter “The Daily” and learn more about Siramá in the links below.

Learn more about Siramá:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fundacionsirama?igsh=YWVmY2R2N2d2dmx6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BxdpxNtyn/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fundacion_sirama?_r=1&_t=ZS-93LiUGej1Qg

Website: https://fundacionsirama.org/

Donations: Banco Agrícola 508-006212-3 a nombre de Fundación Siramá.