AID cooperative agreement no. 519-0411-A-00-3206-00 to the Institute for Central American Studies to support national reconciliation through the establishment of a democratic leadership training program

The Institute for Central American Studies (ICAS) will implement the project. The 8-month training program will draw a total of 60 participants from all segments of society (FMLN, military leaders, labor representatives, church and educational leaders, women, etc.) and will be developed in three stages. Stage 1 (Oct. - Dec. 1993) will focus on international events and the present situation of El Salvador (e.g., its constitution and internal dynamics). Stage 2 (Jan. - March 1994) will study specific political, social, military, and geographic problems that affect Salvadoran society; at least four different perspectives on each of these issues will be discussed. Stage 3 (April - June 1994) will be devoted to strategic studies: (1) theories and methods of strategic analysis and of strategic planning; and (2) the new world order, global political trends, and the philosophy of international cooperation. Besides carrying out the training program, ICAS will promote information exchanges and discussions among Salvadorans and between Salvadorans and staff and graduates of Centro ESTNA in an effort to build a consensus for institutionalizing Centro DEMOS as a permanent foundation. Should this consensus emerge, ICAS will provide TA to facilitate the legal incorporation of Centro DEMOS and to create a diversified financial base to sustain its existence.