Stéphanie Trottier is an employee in at BNP Paribas (Canada) in Montreal, and has just returned from a humanitarian mission to El Salvador. Stéphanie was sponsored by the “Coup de Pouce” (“Helping Hand”) programme in Canada, and has taken the time to tell us a little more about her experience in the heart of Central America.

How did you come to take part in the El Salvador 2010 project?
A friend who had already worked with the Global Youth Network told me about the project early this year. The team needed a few more members and she asked me if I’d like to join. I was immediately interested in the project and the location. I’ve travelled a lot and was eager to do so in a different way. I didn’t want merely to see another culture – I wanted to understand it by taking part in a project like this. I liked the attitude and aims of Réseau Mondial Jeunesse, too; it’s an organisation that tries to develop leadership in young people as well as links between the people of developed countries and those of less developed ones. I soon found that the project was a great way to help them.

How did your “partnership” with the bank go? How did you go about it?
I explained the project to the Communications department and gave them a detailed letter about it, written by one of the organisation’s voluntary workers. A few weeks later, I received a reply. The procedure wasn’t very complicated and they responded fairly quickly.

What memories of the country will stay with you?
The people of El Salvador are highly resourceful. In rural areas, at least, they manage with very little and live simply. However, they have many aspirations and are increasingly influenced by American culture. They would very much like to live in North America where “everything” is possible, according to them. They know a lot about their flora and fauna and use all kinds of plants for their medical attributes. They’re friendly and welcoming. Most of all, I have fond memories of the families who welcomed me and the many things we did together.

Thanks, Stéphanie!