In a world where the global economy and security situations are deteriorating —even in countries that were once considered highly stable— stories of positive transformation, like that of El Salvador, can be quite inspiring.
Amidst this chaos, El Salvador has managed to decrease crime rates significantly, making it the safest country on the continent.
This enhanced security has encouraged many to return and invest in their homeland, bringing hope and optimism. One such inspiring story is that of Leonel Hernández, who, after 35 years in the United States, decided to return to El Salvador with his wife and daughter to start a poultry farm.
A New Beginning Inspired by Safety
Leonel Hernández, 53, originally from San Alejo, La Unión, found a neglected farm in Moncagua, San Miguel Centro. Motivated by the current safety environment and a love for animals, Leonel, along with his Spanish wife Sandra García and their daughter, decided to reclaim and revitalize this old farm.
For two years, they managed the farm remotely from the United States before choosing to move permanently to oversee their venture.
“We were motivated by the country’s situation, the security, which is paramount in any country. It inspires you to come back, and besides, being in your homeland and seeing it abandoned —it felt like such a waste,”
Leonel shared
Chasing the American Dream and Returning Home
Leonel left for the United States at 17, never imagining he would return. As years passed, the high levels of insecurity in El Salvador initially deterred him from investing in his homeland.
However, discovering the old farm and witnessing the significant improvements in national security changed his perspective and played a crucial role in his decision to come back.
“The country’s situation made us think twice (referring to the time when security levels were poor in the past), and we couldn’t find something that convinced us until we found the farm,”
Leonel recounted
The Hernández family began rebuilding the farm structures and initially raised 300 chickens, which soon grew to 400, with plans to expand to 1,000 laying hens. They later ventured into goat farming for dairy production.
Family Effort and New Ventures
The farm, named Granja El Rodeo, sells its produce —chickens, eggs, goat milk, and dairy products— through Facebook, managed by Sandra García.
“From the first time I visited this country 17 years ago, I said, ‘I want to live here.’ But it wasn’t the right time. Once we bought the farm, I couldn’t wait to move. Farm life is what we wanted; we craved this peace. We’re starting from scratch, but we hope it works out and we can live off this”
Sandra expressed
The farm also grows various citrus and fruit trees and plans to build a reservoir and diversify their agricultural activities.
Leonel’s story is a testament to the positive impacts of improving national security and stability.
It brings a sense of hope amidst global uncertainties, highlighting that people can still dream, and bring new life to their homeland. Amid the backdrop of a somewhat chaotic world where many countries struggle with growing economic and security challenges, El Salvador stands out as a beacon of hope especially in Latin America.
Source and image: diarioelsalvador
