Here's an update of where we're at, we essentially began the first water project in Nov 2008, the first funding came through in March 2009, so am counting it from 1st Jan 2009 to now...
We now have 330 Families asking for help with drinking water in this region.
They are in 18 different communities that we are now engaged with, from the initial project in Los Torres. All of these communities have come to us, they have seen the results proven & want to be part of the solution.
Following are the statistics:
Water Projects completed from 1st Jan 2009 - Jan 2011
Los torres 52 $21,700 + 12,200 + smcf 1 $2468 smcf 2 2235,
Montecillo de Nieto 30 $16700
Vivienda de Arriba 17
Cruz del Palmar 28 combined $24700
Capaderillo 40 $21850
Palencia 21 $7k (+ balance of excess from other projects)
Total 188 cisterns
More than 1500 people have safe drinking water now & for generations to come!!!
funding
Rotary$81,800
SMCF$4,703
Eco Verde$21,850
Skymed $500
total funding = USD $108,853
A BIG THANK YOU to all the hardworking men & women belonging to the Rotary Clubs & Districts who have been part of this solution:
Tallahassee RC
Trail BC RC
Sechelt BC RC
Tyron RC
Ann Arbor RC
Paso Robles RC
West U RC TX
Richmond RC TX
San Miguel Midday RC Mexico
Districts 4160, 6940, 7670
Current upcoming water projects
Capaderillo II approx $14k (Rotary funding secured)
to commence end of January.
Pipeline projects
Global Grant for $33,500 (Baton Rouge Capitol City RC & District(s)
Pending approval from TRF.
Quantified Need:
Current applications in hand from Families in need 309 from 18 different communities.(excluding the upcoming project of 21 cisterns)
Interested in helping fund the simple solution to this need, please email me... Lauramex@gmail.com
Showing posts with label Capaderillo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capaderillo. Show all posts
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saul's testimonial in Atencion
Check out the wonderful centrefold spread in Atencion (San Miguel's premium local newspaper) it appeared in the 22nd October 2010 edition - view it here
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo Soccer grounds beside the Primary School
When: Friday 22nd Oct 2010 11am – 3pm
Who: Communities represented: More than 250 Adults from:
Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba, Capaderillo, Tierra Blanca,
Vivienda de Abajo/Urbana/Viviendilla, La Aurora, Guerrero, Presita Santa Rosa, San Lorenzo,
Cinco Señores, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, San Isidro Capadero, Correlejo de Abajo, Nuevo
Rancho Villa de Guadalupe
Government officials
Presidencia (Vinculacion con ONGs) – Irma Rosado
Fondo Verde – Ignacio Soto
Ecologia – Julio Bernal, Helio Bastien
Desarrollo Social – Miguel Gil
Ayuntamiento (Regidor) – Jaime Martínez
NGOs
CEDESA (Graciela Martínez, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui, Abel)
Club Rotario Midday (Gary Peterson, Walter Scott, Liz Powell, Enrique
Orvañanos, Miguel Gil, David Bossman, Laura Stewart)
(Rotary Volunteers/guests Patricia Stewart (Laura’s mum), Gary Reid – photographer)
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship – Cliff DuRand
GAIA – Grupo de Acción Interdisciplinaria Ambiental – Citlali Caldera (and her partner, Mario)
Purpose: Inaugurate/celebrate the closure of the 40 cistern project funded by Ecologia’s Fondo Verde, & to have a regional meeting of all the communities who have been attending assemblies & asking for guidance on how to create a water project to construct water cisterns in their communities.
The Event was originally planned for 11am but was moved to a later start time to accommodate the Fondo Verde people who had a time clash.
The communities met at 11am to register, plan & prepare for the presentation.
We arrived at 10.50 to find Capaderillo a hive of activity. There were balloons strung around all the visible cisterns on the way into Capaderillo, many tarpaulins had been strung up from the goal posts to supports on the soccer “field”. There were chairs, tables, posters, women carrying buckets full of food topped with brightly embroidered cloths, people running hither & thither, & Saul was in the thick of it, speaking with all the communities as their representatives arrived.
Holly began passing out cardboard & pens for communities to write up their community signs, Chela arranged the seating in a semi circle – league of nations style, with people holding up their community signs & their representatives clustered behind them, tables for the food were arranged in an outer layer.
All the while the blue tarps & balloons were flapping in the breeze, the kids were running around & the dogs were trying to find their place…
I collected the completed forms 1, for each community, & 1 for each family wishing to participate in each community. We now have requests from more than 300 families for cisterns in their communities.
Irma Rosado arrived with Jesus & viewed the photos of the cisterns arranged on a poster. Chela began working with the communities, explaining they would get a few minutes to explain their water situation & history with the projects, & their request for assistance.
Chela explained the program for the day, listing & elaborating on each item on the agenda, she spoke about the water situation in the area, she asked those who had completed projects or phases of projects, to give a description/summary, ie how many cisterns, when they began & when they finished.
The agenda/ order of events was:
1. Welcome & introduction of communities & guests
2. Description of the issues of the Watershed
3. Closing ceremony of the Capaderillo project – popping balloons of the school cistern
4. Testimonies of the project participants in Capaderillo
5. Issues of concern of the communities in the region
6. Response by the govt/municipal reps
7. Conclusion follow up plan
8. Lunch
Chela described the evolution of the projects, from the first one in Los Torres – first visited in November 2008 to the Capaderillo 40 cistern project just completed. The funding from Rotary & now the Fondo Verde, & that we are all working together to seek more resources to resolve this issue for all that would like to participate.
“you are here to work on this, & we will all work towards a resolution, our goal is that ll of our families will have a cistern for safe drinking water”
She explained that logistically we can’t continue to meet in each community each month, there are just too many, the issue is too big, she suggested we combine communities & meet with several at once, taking turns in each community.
Irma spoke, she introduced herself, representing the Municipality, & said they are wanting to work on a resolution to this issue too, they are planning how to solve this & other issues, she thanked all for their participation including Cedesa, Rotary Midday & especially the communitites.
The day continued with community representatives stating their cases to the the audience including the govt. officials who had by then arrived. They articulately described their current water situations, & the projects they had completed (if they were project communities).
Liz Powell commented it was incredible to see these young women stand & speak to the municipality reps, but also a crowd of more than 250 of fellow community members in their region. Some were a little shy or embarrassed, but all overcame this & spoke well. The cisterns are one (very important) thing, but to see the difference it is making to the lives of these people is pretty amazing.
Members of the municipality & Rotary each spoke & thanked all involved, congratulating them on their achievements & assuring they were there to help.
Jesus eventually wound up the day with a commitment to create a citizens water committee, with representatives of each of the communities represented today, attending, to work on the resolution to this issue together…
After discussion it was decided the first of these working planning meetings will be held in:
Cruz del Palmar on 19/11/10 at 12 midday.
The meeting was closed, & the eating began! We all headed home with full stomachs & overflowing hearts!
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo Soccer grounds beside the Primary School
When: Friday 22nd Oct 2010 11am – 3pm
Who: Communities represented: More than 250 Adults from:
Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba, Capaderillo, Tierra Blanca,
Vivienda de Abajo/Urbana/Viviendilla, La Aurora, Guerrero, Presita Santa Rosa, San Lorenzo,
Cinco Señores, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, San Isidro Capadero, Correlejo de Abajo, Nuevo
Rancho Villa de Guadalupe
Government officials
Presidencia (Vinculacion con ONGs) – Irma Rosado
Fondo Verde – Ignacio Soto
Ecologia – Julio Bernal, Helio Bastien
Desarrollo Social – Miguel Gil
Ayuntamiento (Regidor) – Jaime Martínez
NGOs
CEDESA (Graciela Martínez, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui, Abel)
Club Rotario Midday (Gary Peterson, Walter Scott, Liz Powell, Enrique
Orvañanos, Miguel Gil, David Bossman, Laura Stewart)
(Rotary Volunteers/guests Patricia Stewart (Laura’s mum), Gary Reid – photographer)
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship – Cliff DuRand
GAIA – Grupo de Acción Interdisciplinaria Ambiental – Citlali Caldera (and her partner, Mario)
Purpose: Inaugurate/celebrate the closure of the 40 cistern project funded by Ecologia’s Fondo Verde, & to have a regional meeting of all the communities who have been attending assemblies & asking for guidance on how to create a water project to construct water cisterns in their communities.
The Event was originally planned for 11am but was moved to a later start time to accommodate the Fondo Verde people who had a time clash.
The communities met at 11am to register, plan & prepare for the presentation.
We arrived at 10.50 to find Capaderillo a hive of activity. There were balloons strung around all the visible cisterns on the way into Capaderillo, many tarpaulins had been strung up from the goal posts to supports on the soccer “field”. There were chairs, tables, posters, women carrying buckets full of food topped with brightly embroidered cloths, people running hither & thither, & Saul was in the thick of it, speaking with all the communities as their representatives arrived.
Holly began passing out cardboard & pens for communities to write up their community signs, Chela arranged the seating in a semi circle – league of nations style, with people holding up their community signs & their representatives clustered behind them, tables for the food were arranged in an outer layer.
All the while the blue tarps & balloons were flapping in the breeze, the kids were running around & the dogs were trying to find their place…
I collected the completed forms 1, for each community, & 1 for each family wishing to participate in each community. We now have requests from more than 300 families for cisterns in their communities.
Irma Rosado arrived with Jesus & viewed the photos of the cisterns arranged on a poster. Chela began working with the communities, explaining they would get a few minutes to explain their water situation & history with the projects, & their request for assistance.
Chela explained the program for the day, listing & elaborating on each item on the agenda, she spoke about the water situation in the area, she asked those who had completed projects or phases of projects, to give a description/summary, ie how many cisterns, when they began & when they finished.
The agenda/ order of events was:
1. Welcome & introduction of communities & guests
2. Description of the issues of the Watershed
3. Closing ceremony of the Capaderillo project – popping balloons of the school cistern
4. Testimonies of the project participants in Capaderillo
5. Issues of concern of the communities in the region
6. Response by the govt/municipal reps
7. Conclusion follow up plan
8. Lunch
Chela described the evolution of the projects, from the first one in Los Torres – first visited in November 2008 to the Capaderillo 40 cistern project just completed. The funding from Rotary & now the Fondo Verde, & that we are all working together to seek more resources to resolve this issue for all that would like to participate.
“you are here to work on this, & we will all work towards a resolution, our goal is that ll of our families will have a cistern for safe drinking water”
She explained that logistically we can’t continue to meet in each community each month, there are just too many, the issue is too big, she suggested we combine communities & meet with several at once, taking turns in each community.
Irma spoke, she introduced herself, representing the Municipality, & said they are wanting to work on a resolution to this issue too, they are planning how to solve this & other issues, she thanked all for their participation including Cedesa, Rotary Midday & especially the communitites.
The day continued with community representatives stating their cases to the the audience including the govt. officials who had by then arrived. They articulately described their current water situations, & the projects they had completed (if they were project communities).
Liz Powell commented it was incredible to see these young women stand & speak to the municipality reps, but also a crowd of more than 250 of fellow community members in their region. Some were a little shy or embarrassed, but all overcame this & spoke well. The cisterns are one (very important) thing, but to see the difference it is making to the lives of these people is pretty amazing.
Members of the municipality & Rotary each spoke & thanked all involved, congratulating them on their achievements & assuring they were there to help.
Jesus eventually wound up the day with a commitment to create a citizens water committee, with representatives of each of the communities represented today, attending, to work on the resolution to this issue together…
After discussion it was decided the first of these working planning meetings will be held in:
Cruz del Palmar on 19/11/10 at 12 midday.
The meeting was closed, & the eating began! We all headed home with full stomachs & overflowing hearts!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo House beside the church
When: Wed 13th Oct 2010 3.15 – 5.00pm
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 61 people incl 5 men + 5 kids & 5 dogs
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
Many people were gathered inside the grounds of the house & outside, when we arrived.
Saul asked one of the women to call the roll. Of the list of 38, 29 were present 8 were missing.
There were additional people attending from other communities & the 2nd phase of the project.
The phase II people called the roll too – 25 present, 12 missing.
There were also 7 people attending from the community Presita de Santa Rosa.
The people were reminded that representatives can attend for missing people, but only 1 for 1.
Saul reminded everyone we need a co-ordinator & a person to take notes. He also described the role of the co-ordinator, to keep order, when people wish to speak they raise their hands & the co-ordinator “gives them the word”. Some people are shy to do it, but it is good to practice to be able to run your own meetings in the future said Saul.
It was decided Alma would co-ordinate, & Lupe will take notes for Phase I.
Holly reminded Alma to ask the meeting for points for the agenda today.
Alma was a little shy to do so, but repeated Holly’s words, points for the agenda were
1. Inauguration,
2. How the commission presenting the invites to the Presidencia went
3. Who is planning the program/logistics for the inauguration/regional meeting
4. Reflection on the completion of the cisterns project
5. Presita Santa Rosa’s report on their visit to Cedesa
6. Description of the cistern (for a new person attending for first time)
Item 1. Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am.
Holly asked how they wanted to arrange the day, eg inaugurate the school only or personal cisterns. One woman suggested they could visit each cistern, Holly pointed out this could take a very long time as there are 38 family cisterns a long way from eachother.
There was discussion/debate re school only or house by house, someone suggested inaugurate the school & do a tour of the others.
Saul pointed out this could be complicated as in reality the authorities/invited guests will only come for approx. 2 hrs & we need to fit in the regional meeting too, could be a bit crammed trying to fit in a tour+inauguration+speeches+ food…
Holly suggested maybe an idea to take photos of each of the cisterns & put them on a mural for the visitors to see, a picture paints a 1000 words…
Laura volunteered to take the photos.
Alma asked for a vote who would like photos of all the cisterns & families – all agreed.
There was discussion about the best time & finally agreed Saturday at 10am, all would be ready & families should be present if possible.
Subsequently Laura & her mum Trish, met with Saul & Hermelinda & toured the community taking photos from 10am to 2pm on Saturday… those photos were printed at Office Depot & given to Saul to give to the community for presentation at the Event.
Photos can be viewed on the blog www.02h2o.blogspot.com under the caption Capaderillo.
As an aside, this photo taking event was a big deal, all of the children were in their best clothes, hair brushed, waiting for photos, most people don’t have easy access to photos here in the countryside of Mexico. There was much laughter & it was a fun day…The extra incentive to be in the photos was that they get to keep them after the event…
Item 1 cont.d
Food was mentioned, & asked if there were any doubts, no… everyone knows what they need to do & bring… Many people thought it would be good to have the food first since it will be difficult to keep it hot, but after much debate it was decided food should be at the end, or people will leave before the important speaking parts.
The delegado of Presita de Santa Rosa said “he felt the business should be concluded before the food, as the primary function of the day is to celebrate the conclusion of this project & explain the community needs to the authorities, if we have the food later people are more likely to stay the distance.”
“officials may only stay ½ hr, so we need to present info urgently”
The debate continued, food first or later…
Saul raised the other potential points for discussion, food,dance, speaking, introductions, requests.
One woman mentioned they had discounted having children dancing at previous meeting & therefore have not asked the teacher.
We confirmed the teacher has been informed about the event.
After much discussion the general order of the day was decided as
1. Welcome communities & authorities
2. School balloons & inauguration
3. Experience review
4. Community requests
5. Authority speeches
6. Food
There was a vote to make Saul MC for the day.
Holly will create a program handout for the day.
A question was raised about how many other communities are coming – potentially 20 in total, & how many would speak & for how long. It was suggested a commission be created to represent clusters of communities with the same water issues.
A comment was made by one woman that only the ones who have their cisterns should provide food. Someone responded that it is not just a party but also a working meeting.
Item 2 - commission to the Presidencia – review
A commission went to the Presidencia to present invitation to Inauguration.
They spoke to Lucy’s assistant & invite was received, no confirmation.
Ecologia & Desarollo Social were invited.
Sapasma was invited separately by Jesus.
Item 3 – Logistics of Inauguration event/commission
Things needed, chairs, tables, tarps, how to arrange the tables, where to place food etc,
Any doubts? No…
Item 4 Reflection of the process of making cisterns (cisterns project)
One woman has only a little water, she didn’t get her pipes connected in time & has only a small roof. It was suggested she could extend her roof before the next rains.
“I’m very happy – my water is delicious, I want to drink even more water more often!”
“when I open the tap, I’m always very conscious of how much water I use”
“I have water only a little above my tap, I didn’t finish very much before the rains ended”
“mine is ½ full”
Item 5 – Presita de Santa Rosa community visit to Cedesa
The community of PdSR had been invited to visit Cedesa, Holly arranged transport & they all contributed to the gas. They were asked to talk about their experience, they very bravely stood in front of the Capaderillo Community, who were all seated in a circle & spoke about what they learned/saw.
They said they were lucky to visit as they did not have much of an idea of what Cedesa was. “It was so beautiful & lush, with no rubbish, we looked at the Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets). Cedesa has spent a lot of time building rich soil, & growing lots of vegetables, fruit trees, worms etc If you get a chance to go I would really recommend it.”
A young man spoke “we were invited to eat, everyone washed their own dishes, they separated the grey water, I was impressed that the men were washing their own dishes too, in my house only women wash dishes”
Questions about Cedesa
Is it a community or a family or what?
It’s an association civil, not for profit, people living nearby working on producing their own food, milk, bees, an Ecoaldea.
How can we learn more? They have workshops re nopal tunnels, health, etc
Holly described it as a non profit organization, with training of campesinos as it’s mission.
Traspatios (back yard production workshops) are happening at Cruz del Palmar already & people can attend these workshops on soil conditioning, natural production, with worms etc.
Another option is a workshop on building ovens out of adobe to cook your own bread & biscuits.
There are many workshops available, if you want to visit we really need to ask Chela about that possibility, maybe followup with her on the 22nd Oct.
Item 6 – explanation of the project for a new person
How did you hear about this?
“I tried water from a cistern in Los Torres & I really like it, it’s better than the bottled water & I’d like to know how to get a cistern”
Saul read the description from the family form, it has information on it about what is required of the participants of the projects.
Additional Item 7 – description of Lions Clinic & Patronato Pro Nino services
Saul explained there are free glasses clinics on Thursdays from 9-11am, at Correo #63
They provide diagnoses & then free glasses depending on the prescription.
It is completely free.
PPN offers medical services to children under 17 years.
Saul gave the ph numbers for both services.
The next event will be Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am
Next assembly (normally 2nd Wednesday, will this time be 3rd Wednesday since the 2nd Wed in Nov is saints day… Next assembly therefore 17/11/10 3pm
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo House beside the church
When: Wed 13th Oct 2010 3.15 – 5.00pm
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 61 people incl 5 men + 5 kids & 5 dogs
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
Many people were gathered inside the grounds of the house & outside, when we arrived.
Saul asked one of the women to call the roll. Of the list of 38, 29 were present 8 were missing.
There were additional people attending from other communities & the 2nd phase of the project.
The phase II people called the roll too – 25 present, 12 missing.
There were also 7 people attending from the community Presita de Santa Rosa.
The people were reminded that representatives can attend for missing people, but only 1 for 1.
Saul reminded everyone we need a co-ordinator & a person to take notes. He also described the role of the co-ordinator, to keep order, when people wish to speak they raise their hands & the co-ordinator “gives them the word”. Some people are shy to do it, but it is good to practice to be able to run your own meetings in the future said Saul.
It was decided Alma would co-ordinate, & Lupe will take notes for Phase I.
Holly reminded Alma to ask the meeting for points for the agenda today.
Alma was a little shy to do so, but repeated Holly’s words, points for the agenda were
1. Inauguration,
2. How the commission presenting the invites to the Presidencia went
3. Who is planning the program/logistics for the inauguration/regional meeting
4. Reflection on the completion of the cisterns project
5. Presita Santa Rosa’s report on their visit to Cedesa
6. Description of the cistern (for a new person attending for first time)
Item 1. Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am.
Holly asked how they wanted to arrange the day, eg inaugurate the school only or personal cisterns. One woman suggested they could visit each cistern, Holly pointed out this could take a very long time as there are 38 family cisterns a long way from eachother.
There was discussion/debate re school only or house by house, someone suggested inaugurate the school & do a tour of the others.
Saul pointed out this could be complicated as in reality the authorities/invited guests will only come for approx. 2 hrs & we need to fit in the regional meeting too, could be a bit crammed trying to fit in a tour+inauguration+speeches+ food…
Holly suggested maybe an idea to take photos of each of the cisterns & put them on a mural for the visitors to see, a picture paints a 1000 words…
Laura volunteered to take the photos.
Alma asked for a vote who would like photos of all the cisterns & families – all agreed.
There was discussion about the best time & finally agreed Saturday at 10am, all would be ready & families should be present if possible.
Subsequently Laura & her mum Trish, met with Saul & Hermelinda & toured the community taking photos from 10am to 2pm on Saturday… those photos were printed at Office Depot & given to Saul to give to the community for presentation at the Event.
Photos can be viewed on the blog www.02h2o.blogspot.com under the caption Capaderillo.
As an aside, this photo taking event was a big deal, all of the children were in their best clothes, hair brushed, waiting for photos, most people don’t have easy access to photos here in the countryside of Mexico. There was much laughter & it was a fun day…The extra incentive to be in the photos was that they get to keep them after the event…
Item 1 cont.d
Food was mentioned, & asked if there were any doubts, no… everyone knows what they need to do & bring… Many people thought it would be good to have the food first since it will be difficult to keep it hot, but after much debate it was decided food should be at the end, or people will leave before the important speaking parts.
The delegado of Presita de Santa Rosa said “he felt the business should be concluded before the food, as the primary function of the day is to celebrate the conclusion of this project & explain the community needs to the authorities, if we have the food later people are more likely to stay the distance.”
“officials may only stay ½ hr, so we need to present info urgently”
The debate continued, food first or later…
Saul raised the other potential points for discussion, food,dance, speaking, introductions, requests.
One woman mentioned they had discounted having children dancing at previous meeting & therefore have not asked the teacher.
We confirmed the teacher has been informed about the event.
After much discussion the general order of the day was decided as
1. Welcome communities & authorities
2. School balloons & inauguration
3. Experience review
4. Community requests
5. Authority speeches
6. Food
There was a vote to make Saul MC for the day.
Holly will create a program handout for the day.
A question was raised about how many other communities are coming – potentially 20 in total, & how many would speak & for how long. It was suggested a commission be created to represent clusters of communities with the same water issues.
A comment was made by one woman that only the ones who have their cisterns should provide food. Someone responded that it is not just a party but also a working meeting.
Item 2 - commission to the Presidencia – review
A commission went to the Presidencia to present invitation to Inauguration.
They spoke to Lucy’s assistant & invite was received, no confirmation.
Ecologia & Desarollo Social were invited.
Sapasma was invited separately by Jesus.
Item 3 – Logistics of Inauguration event/commission
Things needed, chairs, tables, tarps, how to arrange the tables, where to place food etc,
Any doubts? No…
Item 4 Reflection of the process of making cisterns (cisterns project)
One woman has only a little water, she didn’t get her pipes connected in time & has only a small roof. It was suggested she could extend her roof before the next rains.
“I’m very happy – my water is delicious, I want to drink even more water more often!”
“when I open the tap, I’m always very conscious of how much water I use”
“I have water only a little above my tap, I didn’t finish very much before the rains ended”
“mine is ½ full”
Item 5 – Presita de Santa Rosa community visit to Cedesa
The community of PdSR had been invited to visit Cedesa, Holly arranged transport & they all contributed to the gas. They were asked to talk about their experience, they very bravely stood in front of the Capaderillo Community, who were all seated in a circle & spoke about what they learned/saw.
They said they were lucky to visit as they did not have much of an idea of what Cedesa was. “It was so beautiful & lush, with no rubbish, we looked at the Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets). Cedesa has spent a lot of time building rich soil, & growing lots of vegetables, fruit trees, worms etc If you get a chance to go I would really recommend it.”
A young man spoke “we were invited to eat, everyone washed their own dishes, they separated the grey water, I was impressed that the men were washing their own dishes too, in my house only women wash dishes”
Questions about Cedesa
Is it a community or a family or what?
It’s an association civil, not for profit, people living nearby working on producing their own food, milk, bees, an Ecoaldea.
How can we learn more? They have workshops re nopal tunnels, health, etc
Holly described it as a non profit organization, with training of campesinos as it’s mission.
Traspatios (back yard production workshops) are happening at Cruz del Palmar already & people can attend these workshops on soil conditioning, natural production, with worms etc.
Another option is a workshop on building ovens out of adobe to cook your own bread & biscuits.
There are many workshops available, if you want to visit we really need to ask Chela about that possibility, maybe followup with her on the 22nd Oct.
Item 6 – explanation of the project for a new person
How did you hear about this?
“I tried water from a cistern in Los Torres & I really like it, it’s better than the bottled water & I’d like to know how to get a cistern”
Saul read the description from the family form, it has information on it about what is required of the participants of the projects.
Additional Item 7 – description of Lions Clinic & Patronato Pro Nino services
Saul explained there are free glasses clinics on Thursdays from 9-11am, at Correo #63
They provide diagnoses & then free glasses depending on the prescription.
It is completely free.
PPN offers medical services to children under 17 years.
Saul gave the ph numbers for both services.
The next event will be Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am
Next assembly (normally 2nd Wednesday, will this time be 3rd Wednesday since the 2nd Wed in Nov is saints day… Next assembly therefore 17/11/10 3pm
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Reflections on my work - Saul Juarez
Introducion: Saul is a young man who we first met when he attended community assemblies in Los Torres, 45mins bicycle ride from his community Capaderillo.
Saul attended monthly meetings & with passion, participation & persistence managed to get a project in his community - Capaderillo.
He has since gone on to "apprentice" as an outreach worker with Cedesa & co-ordinate a 40 cistern project in Capaderillo. He is a natural leader, whom we are lucky found us! He has already done great things for his community & I am sure there are more to come... here is his testimony...
SAUL JUÁREZ: Reflections upon my work with CEDESA
(translation by Holly Yasui, original by Saul Juárez in Spanish available upon request)
The work that I have been doing up to now as a CEDESA “promotor” (outreach worker) has been for me the most satisfying.
Now that I have found a way to give meaning to my life, knowing that I am helping to provide solutions to some of the many problems that Mexican families are facing today, above all in the most marginalized communities, which makes me feel ever more committed to my people, to the people with whom I identify or whom I identify with my family, the people who work hard to have a better quality of life, but don’t have the resources necessary to achieve it.
Every day that passes that we are unable to accomplish much to help, I feel impotence, anger and even resentment toward those in power whose actions show that they are opposed to the self-improvement of the people most in need, instead greedily seeking benefits for only themselves and their cronies.
Although sometimes it has made me wonder if it makes sense to struggle against such obstacles, when I go to a community and see so many people gathered in assembly, their faces reflecting their dreams and hope, it is knowing that they are putting their confidence in us, that CEDESA will support them – that fills me with the energy and courage to carry on and to defend my ideals and convictions.
To say that one day I will stop doing this work that I love is not true, because I believe that in one way or another I will continue to do it for the rest of my life.
It is something I have inside of me, and even if they don’t know it, I appreciate very much the people who have helped me to discover this path that I must follow: working to give life to that which makes us what we are - the earth, the water, the air and all of nature, and the fight to live and help others to live dignified lives, in which the human element is the most important.
I think that nothing can compare with this, and that is why I am sure that it is worth it to do everything humanly possible to achieve it.
Saúl Juárez Cabrera
Saul attended monthly meetings & with passion, participation & persistence managed to get a project in his community - Capaderillo.
He has since gone on to "apprentice" as an outreach worker with Cedesa & co-ordinate a 40 cistern project in Capaderillo. He is a natural leader, whom we are lucky found us! He has already done great things for his community & I am sure there are more to come... here is his testimony...
SAUL JUÁREZ: Reflections upon my work with CEDESA
(translation by Holly Yasui, original by Saul Juárez in Spanish available upon request)
The work that I have been doing up to now as a CEDESA “promotor” (outreach worker) has been for me the most satisfying.
Now that I have found a way to give meaning to my life, knowing that I am helping to provide solutions to some of the many problems that Mexican families are facing today, above all in the most marginalized communities, which makes me feel ever more committed to my people, to the people with whom I identify or whom I identify with my family, the people who work hard to have a better quality of life, but don’t have the resources necessary to achieve it.
Every day that passes that we are unable to accomplish much to help, I feel impotence, anger and even resentment toward those in power whose actions show that they are opposed to the self-improvement of the people most in need, instead greedily seeking benefits for only themselves and their cronies.
Although sometimes it has made me wonder if it makes sense to struggle against such obstacles, when I go to a community and see so many people gathered in assembly, their faces reflecting their dreams and hope, it is knowing that they are putting their confidence in us, that CEDESA will support them – that fills me with the energy and courage to carry on and to defend my ideals and convictions.
To say that one day I will stop doing this work that I love is not true, because I believe that in one way or another I will continue to do it for the rest of my life.
It is something I have inside of me, and even if they don’t know it, I appreciate very much the people who have helped me to discover this path that I must follow: working to give life to that which makes us what we are - the earth, the water, the air and all of nature, and the fight to live and help others to live dignified lives, in which the human element is the most important.
I think that nothing can compare with this, and that is why I am sure that it is worth it to do everything humanly possible to achieve it.
Saúl Juárez Cabrera
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree” & inside the church.
When: Wed 9th Sept 2010 3.15 – 5.50
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 44 people incl 5 men inside the church (more waiting outside for other communities)
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
When we arrived there were many people gathered & they continued to arrive. We decided there were too many people to fit under the tree & there was a grader working so very noisy. We asked for access to the church, although not ideal as we normally like to sit in a circle to encourage participation.
Saul made a quick introduction & welcome
We discussed the agenda for today
1. who has finished – what are they missing?
2. the date of the inauguration/fiesta
3. the replacement roofs
1. revision of the project
We asked who had finished &/or what was missing…
Group 1 – all 6 cisterns finished, Dona Reynaldo is waiting on roof replacement, & Miguel just needs to connect the pipes (he will do that in the next 2 days)
Group 2 – all 6 cisterns finished.
Group 3 – 5 finished, 1 is missing a pvc t & codo (I said they cost approx 5 pesos each & asked them to arrange it themselves, as it would take hours of our time to do it)
Group 4 – Carolina needs to finish plastering & pipe connection, will finish on Saturday. All others then mentioned they need to finish their internal plastering too.
Group 5 – 6 finished, 1 (Salud) needs to connect the pipes after they have changed their roof.
Group 6 – all 6 finished.
2. Planning the inauguration
Capaderillo community has been chosen as the regional meeting place, ie for all the communities requesting projects to come & meet the municipality representatives & begin the process of seeking resources for their projects.
Cruz del Palmar was another possibility but decided against since Capaderillo is the first Municipally funded project.
Other Communities will be advised of the day to attend & will be asked to bring food & drink as contribution to the fiesta/inauguration.
It was decided that 22 Oct at 11am is a good time for all.
One of the woman from another community stood & stated they would of course bring what they can to contribute.
A question was asked “can we bring only 5 people to represent our community?” Saul responded they can bring as many as they can provide food for, & everyone laughed!
Saul asked for volunteers for a commission to organize the event. Eg balloons for the kids to pop, chairs & tables, shade etc…
Inauguration planning Commission volunteers are:
Lucia Aguilar, Reynalda Ramirez, Marina Nedi, Juana Valdez, Alicia Ariega
Holly gave an example/explained what other communities have done, eg:
• Los Torres had balloons & the kids popped them with “espina’s” ,
• each group could give a representative talk about the experience of the project, what it has meant for them personally & the impact it will have on their lives to have safe drinking water (not having to carry water, not having fluoride poisoning etc).
• kids could give a little performance/dance
• they will need to create an agenda for the day
• have an MC to announce the next item on the agenda
Action: Laura will ask Gary Reid for a copy of the cd with the photos on it to give to Saul, to organize prints of photos for the inauguration.
Saul then called for another commission to make the invitation
Invitation to Inauguration Commission:
These will be the same people that went as representatives to the Presidencia to ask why the delay of funding for the project, before the funding was released.
Ramedios, Margarita, Juana, Ermelinda, Elvia
Holly will ask Chela or Jesus to help with the process of invitation & advise (ie the protocol). The invitation should be made after 16th Sept (once the bicentennial celebrations are over).
Q&A session
One woman from Guerrero asked about the cistern for the primary school, Saul explained it will be the most likely site for the pilot training session for that community.
Is asbestos roofing ok to collect water from – Saul explained that it would need to be sealed, but that the best option is to have lamina roofing.
Holly & Saul handed out Maintenance sheets to the people who have finished their cisterns. These sheets detail what needs to be done annually to maintain the cisterns, eg cleaning the roof with the first rains after the dry season, repairing cracks with cement, resealing the outside, & roof if necessary. It also details the SODIS solar disinfection, www.sodis.ch method of water purification.
There was a general discussion about continuing assemblies after the project has been completed, as a good way to keep the community working together to resolve it’s issues. Working on projects to benefit the community for example dry toilets & back yard gardens.
Someone asked how we all feel about using the church for public meetings. No-one was prepared to comment, & agreed to keep meeting, then another woman volunteered to use her house again & everyone was animatedly in agreement to use her house (not the church).
The phase I Capaderillo people left at this point.
People from the visiting communities stayed behind, as did the 2 women who’s roofs will be replaced.
Saul explained that right now we don’t have the resources guaranteed for the projects, that we need to do a regional application for all of the communities combined, they will have the opportunity to present their requests at the Inauguration on the 22nd Oct. This will amount to more than 100 cisterns being requested.
He also explained – since resources are limited, people must live in the communities they are applying in full time…
At this announcement one woman who had been attending meetings but doesn’t live here full time was annoyed & said she wish she knew this in advance. We hadn’t thought to specify this as we had thought it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.
The communities represented at today’s meeting were:
Rincon de Canal (3 people attended) – they were given a copy of the community form & the family form, they agreed to collect the information & attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct to present the info
Action: Saul to advise Rincon de Canal people of the date 22 Oct 11am)
Presita de Santa Rosa
(they will be visiting Cedesa on Friday 24th Sept, they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Capaderillo Phase II (Vivienda de urbano)
(they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Guerrero
We have an assembly with them. Aurora & Don Juan on the 29th Sept. Some have completed forms, & they will attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct.
Don Juan (See Guerrero above)
A new person from Cabras (on the Salida Celaya) attended, her father is from Capaderillo, & she is interested to know more, she estimated they have approx 300 families, they have a Sapasma well, but the pump is not powerful enough & upper parts of the community often don’t have water.
To her knowledge they have not had their water tested.
The general meeting finished at this point & discussion continued with the 2 families to be recipients of replacement roofing. 5.20pm
Saul discussed the order/requirements for the roofing & Laura advanced the money.
Meeting finished at 5.50
The next assembly is 13th October at 3pm at the casa we first met at.
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree” & inside the church.
When: Wed 9th Sept 2010 3.15 – 5.50
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 44 people incl 5 men inside the church (more waiting outside for other communities)
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
When we arrived there were many people gathered & they continued to arrive. We decided there were too many people to fit under the tree & there was a grader working so very noisy. We asked for access to the church, although not ideal as we normally like to sit in a circle to encourage participation.
Saul made a quick introduction & welcome
We discussed the agenda for today
1. who has finished – what are they missing?
2. the date of the inauguration/fiesta
3. the replacement roofs
1. revision of the project
We asked who had finished &/or what was missing…
Group 1 – all 6 cisterns finished, Dona Reynaldo is waiting on roof replacement, & Miguel just needs to connect the pipes (he will do that in the next 2 days)
Group 2 – all 6 cisterns finished.
Group 3 – 5 finished, 1 is missing a pvc t & codo (I said they cost approx 5 pesos each & asked them to arrange it themselves, as it would take hours of our time to do it)
Group 4 – Carolina needs to finish plastering & pipe connection, will finish on Saturday. All others then mentioned they need to finish their internal plastering too.
Group 5 – 6 finished, 1 (Salud) needs to connect the pipes after they have changed their roof.
Group 6 – all 6 finished.
2. Planning the inauguration
Capaderillo community has been chosen as the regional meeting place, ie for all the communities requesting projects to come & meet the municipality representatives & begin the process of seeking resources for their projects.
Cruz del Palmar was another possibility but decided against since Capaderillo is the first Municipally funded project.
Other Communities will be advised of the day to attend & will be asked to bring food & drink as contribution to the fiesta/inauguration.
It was decided that 22 Oct at 11am is a good time for all.
One of the woman from another community stood & stated they would of course bring what they can to contribute.
A question was asked “can we bring only 5 people to represent our community?” Saul responded they can bring as many as they can provide food for, & everyone laughed!
Saul asked for volunteers for a commission to organize the event. Eg balloons for the kids to pop, chairs & tables, shade etc…
Inauguration planning Commission volunteers are:
Lucia Aguilar, Reynalda Ramirez, Marina Nedi, Juana Valdez, Alicia Ariega
Holly gave an example/explained what other communities have done, eg:
• Los Torres had balloons & the kids popped them with “espina’s” ,
• each group could give a representative talk about the experience of the project, what it has meant for them personally & the impact it will have on their lives to have safe drinking water (not having to carry water, not having fluoride poisoning etc).
• kids could give a little performance/dance
• they will need to create an agenda for the day
• have an MC to announce the next item on the agenda
Action: Laura will ask Gary Reid for a copy of the cd with the photos on it to give to Saul, to organize prints of photos for the inauguration.
Saul then called for another commission to make the invitation
Invitation to Inauguration Commission:
These will be the same people that went as representatives to the Presidencia to ask why the delay of funding for the project, before the funding was released.
Ramedios, Margarita, Juana, Ermelinda, Elvia
Holly will ask Chela or Jesus to help with the process of invitation & advise (ie the protocol). The invitation should be made after 16th Sept (once the bicentennial celebrations are over).
Q&A session
One woman from Guerrero asked about the cistern for the primary school, Saul explained it will be the most likely site for the pilot training session for that community.
Is asbestos roofing ok to collect water from – Saul explained that it would need to be sealed, but that the best option is to have lamina roofing.
Holly & Saul handed out Maintenance sheets to the people who have finished their cisterns. These sheets detail what needs to be done annually to maintain the cisterns, eg cleaning the roof with the first rains after the dry season, repairing cracks with cement, resealing the outside, & roof if necessary. It also details the SODIS solar disinfection, www.sodis.ch method of water purification.
There was a general discussion about continuing assemblies after the project has been completed, as a good way to keep the community working together to resolve it’s issues. Working on projects to benefit the community for example dry toilets & back yard gardens.
Someone asked how we all feel about using the church for public meetings. No-one was prepared to comment, & agreed to keep meeting, then another woman volunteered to use her house again & everyone was animatedly in agreement to use her house (not the church).
The phase I Capaderillo people left at this point.
People from the visiting communities stayed behind, as did the 2 women who’s roofs will be replaced.
Saul explained that right now we don’t have the resources guaranteed for the projects, that we need to do a regional application for all of the communities combined, they will have the opportunity to present their requests at the Inauguration on the 22nd Oct. This will amount to more than 100 cisterns being requested.
He also explained – since resources are limited, people must live in the communities they are applying in full time…
At this announcement one woman who had been attending meetings but doesn’t live here full time was annoyed & said she wish she knew this in advance. We hadn’t thought to specify this as we had thought it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.
The communities represented at today’s meeting were:
Rincon de Canal (3 people attended) – they were given a copy of the community form & the family form, they agreed to collect the information & attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct to present the info
Action: Saul to advise Rincon de Canal people of the date 22 Oct 11am)
Presita de Santa Rosa
(they will be visiting Cedesa on Friday 24th Sept, they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Capaderillo Phase II (Vivienda de urbano)
(they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Guerrero
We have an assembly with them. Aurora & Don Juan on the 29th Sept. Some have completed forms, & they will attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct.
Don Juan (See Guerrero above)
A new person from Cabras (on the Salida Celaya) attended, her father is from Capaderillo, & she is interested to know more, she estimated they have approx 300 families, they have a Sapasma well, but the pump is not powerful enough & upper parts of the community often don’t have water.
To her knowledge they have not had their water tested.
The general meeting finished at this point & discussion continued with the 2 families to be recipients of replacement roofing. 5.20pm
Saul discussed the order/requirements for the roofing & Laura advanced the money.
Meeting finished at 5.50
The next assembly is 13th October at 3pm at the casa we first met at.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree, beside the church”
When: Wed 11th August 2010 2.40- 4.30
Who: Chela, Saul (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), more than 80 adults (including 8 men) (too many kids to count)
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
We arrived early (supposed to start at 3pm) as we needed to leave early for another planning meeting after this assembly).
We parked under the meeting tree & within 10 mins there was a very large group gathered. More than 80 people!
The people meeting were from the current work phase I, of the Capaderillo project, as well as people wishing to be part of the Phase II project (in planning), & there were 7 other communities represented!!!
We spoke with the visitors first:
Presita de Santa Rosa
• (previously attended Vivienda de Arriba Assembly in July)
• On the “Palenque” road – straight on past on that road.
• 5 representatives attended today’s meeting
• Approx. 40 families in their community
• In Rancho Nuevo they have a Pozo, but it is fluoride contaminated.
• Contact Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez 415 155 9453 / Roselia Ramirez 415 149 3920
• Action: speak with Saul about details, & come to next assembly with a list of who would like to participate/commit.
Vivienda de Abajo – additional representatives
• 2 new women attended from this community (some from Vd Abajo are already on phase II list)
• Approx. 60 families (not sure)
• They have only family wells – fluoride contaminated
• Contact – Erica Sanchez Vasquez 415 107 0236
• Action: come to the next meeting & see how we can begin with the rest of the people in this region
Rincon de Canal
• (in front of Los Frailes, on the road to Celaya)
• No water, no pozos (nada!!)
• Approx. 20-25 families, with around 10 families interested in participating
• Contact Jose Angelo Alvarado 415 119 0072
Don Juan
• (Close to Guerrero & La Aurora)
• This was their 3rd visit, we had canceled planned visit there after the fair when Chela was sick & the road was too muddy.
• Approx. 20 families
• Contact Manuel Cazares Rodriguez 415 117 9675 & Elvira Argote 415 119 1300
• (Manuel is a worm farmer, he sells worms & fertilizer (through a group re a govt program)
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Guerrero
• (close to Don Juan & La Aurora)
• Approx. 45 families
• Has the highest measured level of fluoride
• 6 representatives attending today’s meeting
• Contact Gloria Ramirez 415 111 0721, Maria Angelica Ramirez, Peru Silvia (no phone)
• They are here again showing their interest & we will meet next month with more info re planning
San Gerardo
• Approx. 4 families
• Contact Guadalupe Hernandez 415 8420
La Aurora
• Visiting again (we cancelled planned visit re Chela sick)
• Approx. 10 families
• Contact Olivia Juarez, Angela 415 114 3024
All visitors were thanked for showing their initiative & representing their communities & invited to return to the next assembly, where we will discuss further the plan to advance the projects in all of these communities.
At this point many of the people stayed & moved to other trees nearby, to have mini meetings, they “branched out”… Chela moved to the other meetings & discussed more details about the water project with them.
Capaderillo phase II planning
The roll was called of the Phase II list. (a copy of that list was given to Laura)
It was explained that priority must be given to people who have houses & live here full time.
10 new people were added to the list. (now 45 people on this list). It was explained funding still being worked on (re the Future Vision “challenge”) but their continued participation & motivation to resolve their own issues was assisting the process of securing funding. They will need to be patient.
Capaderillo Phase I revision
The roll was called, everyone was represented.
In group 5 2 cisterns are already completed.
In Group 2 2 cisterns are already completed
The 2 cisterns at the school have been completed.
A question was asked about glue, & it was explained that glue is only needed at the school as it is more likely to be knocked, & is easy to re-attach & relocate in private house situation.
Group 6 mentioned they were missing 2 doors but before the end of the meeting Erik (the door manufacturer) drove up with the doors & distributed them.
Group 4, 1 person is missing the length of transparent hose (they will sort this)
Cement is being ordered as required (note the cement has since all been delivered).
They have the PVC order to place – Saul will give the info to Laura. (note the PVC has since been delivered – on Friday 13th).
How are the groups working together?
Group 1 – all working well
Group 2 – mostly all working, but 2 not co-operating fully – Chela reiterated that it was a requirement for all to work in groups, or they could return their materials & buy their own if they choose to work individually.
Group 3 – all working well
Group 4 – all working well
Group 5 – all working well
Group 6 – problem, not working as a group
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Discussion continued with Group 6 as to how to resolve the issues, apparently there had been confusion as to start & finish times, & some people not showing up, or showing up at the wrong time.
Chela – When there are problems with a group, you need to meet as a group to resolve the issues, & you can resolve them together. It is essential you work in a group, if you don’t wish to participate, no problem , just detach from the group, return the materials & go your own way.
There was continued discussion as to how to resolve the issue of 3 people not pulling their weight… others said they were all working hard so the “splitters” need to work hard to. One woman was in trouble from the group as although she was working & prepared to continue doing so, her husband (an abanile/mason) was working on a job & not able to work in the group. Laura pointed out it was up to the group to resolve this, as it was not the fault of the woman that the group didn’t have an abanile. We talked about Vivienda de Arriba, where they got together to pay an abanile since there wasn’t one in their group.
It was agreed Group 6 would need to meet to resolve this themselves.
Group 2 also had an issue with someone who had not worked enough, it was suggested this guy could make up for it by helping group 6.
At this point the Teacher spoke.
He was angry at what he described as a lack of respect from the people building the cisterns for the school. He talked of missing buckets, a broken window & missing peaches off the tree & toilets were dirty.
One woman spoke back & said it would have been nice to be congratulated for the hard work many had put in to construct the 2 cisterns.
He angrily responded that the cisterns were for the kids not for him.
Chela pointed out that all of the kids at the school would benefit from the cistern, not just the kids of the parents who built it, & maybe the other parents could contribute.
Saul asked who would replace the buckets, 5 people volunteered.
Saul said he would measure the glass that needed replacing (we viewed it later, & a support put in place to hold the piping while the glue was drying had fallen sideways & broken the window (an accident!).
A parent volunteered to bring a rose plant, but all steadfastly stayed silent when volunteers to clean the toilet were called for. I am sure they thought the toilets were dirty to begin with & were refusing out of principal.
This was unusual, as all of the other teachers we have encountered have been very positive & supportive. This teacher also appeared so, but must have had a bad day.
Meeting concluded at 4.30
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
Mini meeting at Cienegita Mariscos Stand
Who: Holly, Chela, Saul, Laura
When: 5pm – 6.30
Purpose: to discuss plans for expansion of the project, how, who, funding…
We immediately decided to schedule a ½ day planning session at Cedesa, with Jesus, Chela, Holly, Saul & myself.
We discussed how to expand the Project into new communities at the same time as continuing the “process” in the communities we are currently engaged with.
Chela suggested, if we had community promoters in place, they could continue to work within their communities & we could cut back meeting with them to 2 monthly…
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
At each of the communities, the young leaders have been obvious.
Anamaria Torres & Humberto Ramirez in Vivienda de Arriba
Concha & Juan in Los Torres
Eva & Enedina in Montecillo de Nieto
Saul in Capaderillo
Veronica & Maribel in Tierra Blanca
The issue is how to retain this leadership as there is no funding for general community development, & people like Juan for example, have found jobs in other places (Juan at the new golf course)
It would be ideal to be able to offer a stipend for these young people to work in other communities, if they commit to working in their own communities for free.
To reduce the number of visits to communities & maintain the links & quality of information transfer, Chela suggested the Traspatio (back yard production) courses could be offered as 3 separate intensive workshops, instead of monthly meetings (with sporadic attendance).
Work teams were discussed, ie dividing up the region, as there are clusters of communities interested.
The subject of excess funds re the water projects was raised, if we don’t use them for the beneficiary communities the funds must be returned to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). There was discussion about using this funding as seed funding for the eco stove project which we would like to roll out in these communities. (after a pilot, needs analysis, etc)… It has since been decided (& authorized by TRF) to spend these funds ($7k)to put together with a generous direct grant from Tallahassee Club of $7k, to build 21 cisterns in a community with the highest level of fluoride & arsenic in the area.
Mini Meeting concluded at 6.30 (next meeting planning session 17.8.10)
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree, beside the church”
When: Wed 11th August 2010 2.40- 4.30
Who: Chela, Saul (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), more than 80 adults (including 8 men) (too many kids to count)
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
We arrived early (supposed to start at 3pm) as we needed to leave early for another planning meeting after this assembly).
We parked under the meeting tree & within 10 mins there was a very large group gathered. More than 80 people!
The people meeting were from the current work phase I, of the Capaderillo project, as well as people wishing to be part of the Phase II project (in planning), & there were 7 other communities represented!!!
We spoke with the visitors first:
Presita de Santa Rosa
• (previously attended Vivienda de Arriba Assembly in July)
• On the “Palenque” road – straight on past on that road.
• 5 representatives attended today’s meeting
• Approx. 40 families in their community
• In Rancho Nuevo they have a Pozo, but it is fluoride contaminated.
• Contact Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez 415 155 9453 / Roselia Ramirez 415 149 3920
• Action: speak with Saul about details, & come to next assembly with a list of who would like to participate/commit.
Vivienda de Abajo – additional representatives
• 2 new women attended from this community (some from Vd Abajo are already on phase II list)
• Approx. 60 families (not sure)
• They have only family wells – fluoride contaminated
• Contact – Erica Sanchez Vasquez 415 107 0236
• Action: come to the next meeting & see how we can begin with the rest of the people in this region
Rincon de Canal
• (in front of Los Frailes, on the road to Celaya)
• No water, no pozos (nada!!)
• Approx. 20-25 families, with around 10 families interested in participating
• Contact Jose Angelo Alvarado 415 119 0072
Don Juan
• (Close to Guerrero & La Aurora)
• This was their 3rd visit, we had canceled planned visit there after the fair when Chela was sick & the road was too muddy.
• Approx. 20 families
• Contact Manuel Cazares Rodriguez 415 117 9675 & Elvira Argote 415 119 1300
• (Manuel is a worm farmer, he sells worms & fertilizer (through a group re a govt program)
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Guerrero
• (close to Don Juan & La Aurora)
• Approx. 45 families
• Has the highest measured level of fluoride
• 6 representatives attending today’s meeting
• Contact Gloria Ramirez 415 111 0721, Maria Angelica Ramirez, Peru Silvia (no phone)
• They are here again showing their interest & we will meet next month with more info re planning
San Gerardo
• Approx. 4 families
• Contact Guadalupe Hernandez 415 8420
La Aurora
• Visiting again (we cancelled planned visit re Chela sick)
• Approx. 10 families
• Contact Olivia Juarez, Angela 415 114 3024
All visitors were thanked for showing their initiative & representing their communities & invited to return to the next assembly, where we will discuss further the plan to advance the projects in all of these communities.
At this point many of the people stayed & moved to other trees nearby, to have mini meetings, they “branched out”… Chela moved to the other meetings & discussed more details about the water project with them.
Capaderillo phase II planning
The roll was called of the Phase II list. (a copy of that list was given to Laura)
It was explained that priority must be given to people who have houses & live here full time.
10 new people were added to the list. (now 45 people on this list). It was explained funding still being worked on (re the Future Vision “challenge”) but their continued participation & motivation to resolve their own issues was assisting the process of securing funding. They will need to be patient.
Capaderillo Phase I revision
The roll was called, everyone was represented.
In group 5 2 cisterns are already completed.
In Group 2 2 cisterns are already completed
The 2 cisterns at the school have been completed.
A question was asked about glue, & it was explained that glue is only needed at the school as it is more likely to be knocked, & is easy to re-attach & relocate in private house situation.
Group 6 mentioned they were missing 2 doors but before the end of the meeting Erik (the door manufacturer) drove up with the doors & distributed them.
Group 4, 1 person is missing the length of transparent hose (they will sort this)
Cement is being ordered as required (note the cement has since all been delivered).
They have the PVC order to place – Saul will give the info to Laura. (note the PVC has since been delivered – on Friday 13th).
How are the groups working together?
Group 1 – all working well
Group 2 – mostly all working, but 2 not co-operating fully – Chela reiterated that it was a requirement for all to work in groups, or they could return their materials & buy their own if they choose to work individually.
Group 3 – all working well
Group 4 – all working well
Group 5 – all working well
Group 6 – problem, not working as a group
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Discussion continued with Group 6 as to how to resolve the issues, apparently there had been confusion as to start & finish times, & some people not showing up, or showing up at the wrong time.
Chela – When there are problems with a group, you need to meet as a group to resolve the issues, & you can resolve them together. It is essential you work in a group, if you don’t wish to participate, no problem , just detach from the group, return the materials & go your own way.
There was continued discussion as to how to resolve the issue of 3 people not pulling their weight… others said they were all working hard so the “splitters” need to work hard to. One woman was in trouble from the group as although she was working & prepared to continue doing so, her husband (an abanile/mason) was working on a job & not able to work in the group. Laura pointed out it was up to the group to resolve this, as it was not the fault of the woman that the group didn’t have an abanile. We talked about Vivienda de Arriba, where they got together to pay an abanile since there wasn’t one in their group.
It was agreed Group 6 would need to meet to resolve this themselves.
Group 2 also had an issue with someone who had not worked enough, it was suggested this guy could make up for it by helping group 6.
At this point the Teacher spoke.
He was angry at what he described as a lack of respect from the people building the cisterns for the school. He talked of missing buckets, a broken window & missing peaches off the tree & toilets were dirty.
One woman spoke back & said it would have been nice to be congratulated for the hard work many had put in to construct the 2 cisterns.
He angrily responded that the cisterns were for the kids not for him.
Chela pointed out that all of the kids at the school would benefit from the cistern, not just the kids of the parents who built it, & maybe the other parents could contribute.
Saul asked who would replace the buckets, 5 people volunteered.
Saul said he would measure the glass that needed replacing (we viewed it later, & a support put in place to hold the piping while the glue was drying had fallen sideways & broken the window (an accident!).
A parent volunteered to bring a rose plant, but all steadfastly stayed silent when volunteers to clean the toilet were called for. I am sure they thought the toilets were dirty to begin with & were refusing out of principal.
This was unusual, as all of the other teachers we have encountered have been very positive & supportive. This teacher also appeared so, but must have had a bad day.
Meeting concluded at 4.30
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
Mini meeting at Cienegita Mariscos Stand
Who: Holly, Chela, Saul, Laura
When: 5pm – 6.30
Purpose: to discuss plans for expansion of the project, how, who, funding…
We immediately decided to schedule a ½ day planning session at Cedesa, with Jesus, Chela, Holly, Saul & myself.
We discussed how to expand the Project into new communities at the same time as continuing the “process” in the communities we are currently engaged with.
Chela suggested, if we had community promoters in place, they could continue to work within their communities & we could cut back meeting with them to 2 monthly…
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
At each of the communities, the young leaders have been obvious.
Anamaria Torres & Humberto Ramirez in Vivienda de Arriba
Concha & Juan in Los Torres
Eva & Enedina in Montecillo de Nieto
Saul in Capaderillo
Veronica & Maribel in Tierra Blanca
The issue is how to retain this leadership as there is no funding for general community development, & people like Juan for example, have found jobs in other places (Juan at the new golf course)
It would be ideal to be able to offer a stipend for these young people to work in other communities, if they commit to working in their own communities for free.
To reduce the number of visits to communities & maintain the links & quality of information transfer, Chela suggested the Traspatio (back yard production) courses could be offered as 3 separate intensive workshops, instead of monthly meetings (with sporadic attendance).
Work teams were discussed, ie dividing up the region, as there are clusters of communities interested.
The subject of excess funds re the water projects was raised, if we don’t use them for the beneficiary communities the funds must be returned to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). There was discussion about using this funding as seed funding for the eco stove project which we would like to roll out in these communities. (after a pilot, needs analysis, etc)… It has since been decided (& authorized by TRF) to spend these funds ($7k)to put together with a generous direct grant from Tallahassee Club of $7k, to build 21 cisterns in a community with the highest level of fluoride & arsenic in the area.
Mini Meeting concluded at 6.30 (next meeting planning session 17.8.10)
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Report 6 Capaderillo assembly, 14 de julio del 2010
Report 6 Capaderillo assembly, 14 de julio del 2010
Where: Capaderillo primary school
When: Wed, July 14, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela and Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 35 people from Capaderillo, 29 from Viviendilla (aka Vivienda de Abajo or Vivienda Urbana), 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from Rincon de Canal (on the road to Celaya)
Saul was selected as coordinator of the assembly and Elvia took roll. Of the Capaderillo Phase I people, three were missing, with excuses – Noema is working, Yolanda is planting, Ofelia is sick.
Emma announced that she came to this assembly to see if she could get re-instated in the project – she was removed from Group 1 because she did not attend the last assembly and did not send any excuse. She admits that she simply forgot but she wants to participate in the project and promises to attend the meetings or send a representative or a reason when she is not able to attend. Chela asked the assembly what they should do, since Joel was voted to take Emma’s place during the last assembly.
After some discussion, it was decided to let Emma back into the project since she was present at the first two assemblies, and put Joel first on the waiting list (Phase II). Holly said that Laura is making a Rotary application for Capaderillo Phase II, so unlike other communities that do not yet have funding for Phase I or Phase II, there are funds for Capaderillo/Viviendilla Phase II. [NOTE: On the second day of training, July 20, one person dropped out of her group – Marisela – so Joel was re-instated in her place].
The list for Capaderillo II (mostly Viviendilla):
1. Beatriz Alvarado Soria
2. Petra Ramirez
3. Puebla Morales
4. Maria Salud Ramirez Bautista
5. Maria Luisa Valdez Luna
6. Francisca Bautista
7. Imelda Ramirez Arriega
8. Isidra Ramirez Ramirez
9. Maria Elisa Ramirez
10. Rosa Ramirez Rivera
11. Amalia Petra Ramirez
12. Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez
13. Maria Isabel Valenzuela
14. Eusedia Hernandez Ramirez
15. Fedronia Hermandez Ramirez
16. Jaqueline Perez Herrera
17. Aurea Fabiola Valdez Ramirez
18. Maria Catalina de la Luz Hernandez
19. Berenicia Apoderado Ramirez
20. Silvia Ramirez Bautista
21. Cristina Hernandez Ramirez
22. Maria Luisa Luna Cruz
23. Concepcion Ramirez Ramirez
24. Maria de los Angeles Ramirez Ramirez
25. Juana Gonzales Maya
26. Maria Soledad Ramirez Patlan
27. Maria Lorena Reyes
Others present:
Presita de Santa Rosa (4 people, one has a daughter in Vivienda de Arriba – we told them to come to the Capaderillo assembly because it is closer). See info on the community in Vivienda de Arriba report.
Rincon de Canal (2 people) – next to Estancia de Canal, on the highway to Celaya. 20 families. They have to buy pipas (water trucks) or garrafones (jugs). Chela explained that CEDESA is located in Dolores Hidalgo and has been working in the region between San Miguel and Dolores; we will need to discuss with Rotary the question of expanding the projects outside of this region. We are very short on personnel.
Discussion then turned to the training, which the assembly decided to start on Monday, July 19. They will work from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. [NOTE: because of rains, work was cut short several days and the two school cisterns were not finished until Friday, July 23]. Holly phoned Alejandra of Talego to advise that all materials for 2 cisterns should be delivered before the weekend. A list was drawn up dividing the mutual-aid teams into two groups for training. [NOTE: Miguel Cruz will not be asesor for Capderillo since he was offered another job, Guillermo and Juan Alvarado are working, so a new asesor, Gerardo Gonzales, will take Miguel’s place).
Training group 1 (Gerardo)
Group 1 – Cruz, Saul, Enedina, Elvia, Emma, Reynalda
Group 2 – Timoteo, Estelo, Ma. Concepcion, Julia, Luz, Elena
Group 3 – Consuelo, Margarita, Juana V., Cristina, Ma. Guadalupe, Remedios
Training group 2 (Rafael)
Group 4 – Carolina, Lucia, Adriana, Nicolasa, Francisca, Marino
Group 5 – Juana A., Lucia, Hermelinda, Lilia, Martina, Noema, Joel*
Group 6 – Eva, Juana R., Marina, Alicia, Francisca G., Herminia, Salud*
NOTE: As of the second day of training, July 20, Joel took the place of Salud in Group 5 and Salud takes the place of Marisela who dropped out of Group 6.
Maestro Jaime Cruces Perez (415-114-7048) will receive all the materials at the school.
The next assembly will be Wed, August 11 at 3 p.m.
Where: Capaderillo primary school
When: Wed, July 14, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela and Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 35 people from Capaderillo, 29 from Viviendilla (aka Vivienda de Abajo or Vivienda Urbana), 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from Rincon de Canal (on the road to Celaya)
Saul was selected as coordinator of the assembly and Elvia took roll. Of the Capaderillo Phase I people, three were missing, with excuses – Noema is working, Yolanda is planting, Ofelia is sick.
Emma announced that she came to this assembly to see if she could get re-instated in the project – she was removed from Group 1 because she did not attend the last assembly and did not send any excuse. She admits that she simply forgot but she wants to participate in the project and promises to attend the meetings or send a representative or a reason when she is not able to attend. Chela asked the assembly what they should do, since Joel was voted to take Emma’s place during the last assembly.
After some discussion, it was decided to let Emma back into the project since she was present at the first two assemblies, and put Joel first on the waiting list (Phase II). Holly said that Laura is making a Rotary application for Capaderillo Phase II, so unlike other communities that do not yet have funding for Phase I or Phase II, there are funds for Capaderillo/Viviendilla Phase II. [NOTE: On the second day of training, July 20, one person dropped out of her group – Marisela – so Joel was re-instated in her place].
The list for Capaderillo II (mostly Viviendilla):
1. Beatriz Alvarado Soria
2. Petra Ramirez
3. Puebla Morales
4. Maria Salud Ramirez Bautista
5. Maria Luisa Valdez Luna
6. Francisca Bautista
7. Imelda Ramirez Arriega
8. Isidra Ramirez Ramirez
9. Maria Elisa Ramirez
10. Rosa Ramirez Rivera
11. Amalia Petra Ramirez
12. Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez
13. Maria Isabel Valenzuela
14. Eusedia Hernandez Ramirez
15. Fedronia Hermandez Ramirez
16. Jaqueline Perez Herrera
17. Aurea Fabiola Valdez Ramirez
18. Maria Catalina de la Luz Hernandez
19. Berenicia Apoderado Ramirez
20. Silvia Ramirez Bautista
21. Cristina Hernandez Ramirez
22. Maria Luisa Luna Cruz
23. Concepcion Ramirez Ramirez
24. Maria de los Angeles Ramirez Ramirez
25. Juana Gonzales Maya
26. Maria Soledad Ramirez Patlan
27. Maria Lorena Reyes
Others present:
Presita de Santa Rosa (4 people, one has a daughter in Vivienda de Arriba – we told them to come to the Capaderillo assembly because it is closer). See info on the community in Vivienda de Arriba report.
Rincon de Canal (2 people) – next to Estancia de Canal, on the highway to Celaya. 20 families. They have to buy pipas (water trucks) or garrafones (jugs). Chela explained that CEDESA is located in Dolores Hidalgo and has been working in the region between San Miguel and Dolores; we will need to discuss with Rotary the question of expanding the projects outside of this region. We are very short on personnel.
Discussion then turned to the training, which the assembly decided to start on Monday, July 19. They will work from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. [NOTE: because of rains, work was cut short several days and the two school cisterns were not finished until Friday, July 23]. Holly phoned Alejandra of Talego to advise that all materials for 2 cisterns should be delivered before the weekend. A list was drawn up dividing the mutual-aid teams into two groups for training. [NOTE: Miguel Cruz will not be asesor for Capderillo since he was offered another job, Guillermo and Juan Alvarado are working, so a new asesor, Gerardo Gonzales, will take Miguel’s place).
Training group 1 (Gerardo)
Group 1 – Cruz, Saul, Enedina, Elvia, Emma, Reynalda
Group 2 – Timoteo, Estelo, Ma. Concepcion, Julia, Luz, Elena
Group 3 – Consuelo, Margarita, Juana V., Cristina, Ma. Guadalupe, Remedios
Training group 2 (Rafael)
Group 4 – Carolina, Lucia, Adriana, Nicolasa, Francisca, Marino
Group 5 – Juana A., Lucia, Hermelinda, Lilia, Martina, Noema, Joel*
Group 6 – Eva, Juana R., Marina, Alicia, Francisca G., Herminia, Salud*
NOTE: As of the second day of training, July 20, Joel took the place of Salud in Group 5 and Salud takes the place of Marisela who dropped out of Group 6.
Maestro Jaime Cruces Perez (415-114-7048) will receive all the materials at the school.
The next assembly will be Wed, August 11 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Primary School - classroom
When: Wed 9th June 3pm – 5.30
Who: Chela (Cedesa), Elena & Laura (Rotary), 54 adults + 4 men (outside listening through the classroom windows!), + 4 kids
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project.
When we arrived there was a big group already awaiting us in the classroom & several more people crammed in to this full classroom.
There were 22 people from neighbouring Vivienda de Abajo (also called Vivienda Urbana) coming to see how they could be included in the project.
There was also a woman from neighbouring Viviendilla (basically the same neighbourhood but a little further over).
3 people were from La Aurora (they had attended the assembly in Vivienda de Arriba & were invited today.
Vivienda Urbana has approx. 40-50 families & a primary school.
Viviendilla has approx. 20-30 families, & share primary with Cienegita.
La Aurora has approx. 10 families.
There were 36 people attending from Capaderillo.
Introductions
Chela, Elena & Laura
We began working with Los Torres 18ths ago & have since worked in CdP, MdN, VdArriba, & are starting work in Tierra Blanca.
San Isidro Capadero, La Aurora & La Tinaja have also initiated contact.
Chela – why are we here?
Vivienda woman “ we are getting together a group of people interested in constructing cisterns to catch water during the rains”
“ I am interested in this project & would like to learn more”
“I am here for the same reason, hopefully I can come here to see if we can get help with our water situation”
“the teacher invited us to attend if we were interested”
Chela – why capture water?
“because the water here is contaminated & the water from the rain is safe to drink”
“because the water coming from the tap has chloro in it?”
“we have wells but not for drinking water, just for domestic use”
“the wells are from 16- 30mtrs deep” (30 mtrs in Vivienda de Abajo)
Chela – who adds chloro to their pozo water? – no-one
Chela – what are the contaminants?
“sodio” – why is salt bad for you, bad for blood, arteries, kidneys & heart.
Why do you have damaged teeth? “from the water”
What in the water? “saro?” – no.
“fluoride” yes – it affects your teeth & other parts of your body, bones & the brain & all major organs.
What other dangerous minerals exist in the water? Arsenic – causes problems with circulation, cancer & other illnesses.
Chela In Cruz del Palmar there is manganese too. These minerals exist in the water & then contaminate your body, not just affecting your health, but the health of your kids & grandkids.
The problem exists in this region, it is naturally occurring & there are a few people working to resolve this, from Cedesa & Rotary.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Rotary provided the funds to provide the solution in MdN, LT, CdP & VdAriiba, $$$ for materials, & training in construction & organization.
The next project – here in Capaderillo is being funded by the green fund from the Ecology department, that’s why we’re here today, to plan for this project, & also look at the possibility of opening up the opportunity for other communities.
Elena – these projects multiply the force/strength, when we work together we achieve more. Plant a seed in the dark & nothing happens, with light & care the tree will grow fruit. Through these projects you will learn integration & organization.
Chela – these communities have a lot in common, your kids go to the same schools, & use the same communal spaces, church & soccer pitches. It makes sense to work together on this, since you have so many things in common, & you all have contaminated water too. If you’re interested we can resolve the issue of resources.
Phase I is for Capaderillo a few Vivienda de Abajo & 1 Guerrero family.
Phase II could be Vivienda de Abajo & Capaderillo, (& possibly La Aurora – although it is approx. 1 hr away by foot. It I closer to Don Juan with approx. 30 families, & Guerrero with approx. 40 families)
One of the women later said, she believes Guerrero is unlikely to want to co-operate, they are known not to be joiners (Ecology dept had said the same about one of their projects).
The measure is of the people with good conscience who wish to commit.
Chela suggested
Change the meeting in Los Torres on the 28th July from 12 to 11am, so we can visit Aurora at 3pm.
First meeting in Aurora/Don Juan/Guerrero to be 28th July at 3pm – Aurora will invite the other communities)
Chela asked about phase II for this Capaderillo/Vivienda de Abajo, I explained we have funding agreed but have yet to write the exact Matching Grant so would be good to have specific details, Chela asked the phase II people to go outside & write their list of names.
The list is to include name of family & number of kids.
Maria Salud & Anamaria will co-ordinate the list of phase II people.
One woman asked about her single daughter who has 1 child, if she is able to participate & help then yes, add her to the list.
The phase II people left the classroom & the men listening through the windows then had space to come in & sit down, these were Phase I people. We continued with Phase I planning.
Phase I called the roll – 5 missing from the roll.
Question, can someone represent someone else in assemblies, yes, 1 person from each family.
Update re timing/schedule
The cheque was promised by Ecology on the 26th May, but we are still waiting. Jesus has been up to the presidencia several times but still no joy. Now they have come up with additional information they require, we suspect the cash is not currently available, but will let them know asap, & will spring into action as soon as we have the cash in hand.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
2 people from Phase I have said they are unable to work,
Pulcheria, & Ema.
This was discussed & the groups all agreed to remove them from the project & open their slots to 2 people from Phase II who are able to work.
Joel “available & willing” (in his own words) joined group 1 (with their blessing)
Maricela Joined group 6 (in place of Pulcheria).
Chela asked if all groups were clear & co-ordinators were clear on their groups – answer was Si & Si.
The group requested a cistern for the primary in Guerrero (many of their children go there) & also Secondaria.
We suggested these options would be ideal for pilot for phase II.
Re: materials, all of the malla (mesh) & wire, will be delivered for all 38 families at the same time so all can commence work at the same time, once all are completed to the cylinder stage the balance of the materials will be delivered.
This is to prevent the issue of people not co-operating until their materials arrive…
The list for Phase II was handed to me – it contains request for 34 cisterns including Guerrero Primary, Kinder & Telesecundaria at Vivienda de Abajo.
Action: Laura will re-write the Capaderillo Phase II project with 34 cisterns budgeted, since we have additional financial support offered.
Next Assembly for Capaderillo 14 July at 3pm
(Chela advised that both Phases will be planned at that meeting)
This report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Primary School - classroom
When: Wed 9th June 3pm – 5.30
Who: Chela (Cedesa), Elena & Laura (Rotary), 54 adults + 4 men (outside listening through the classroom windows!), + 4 kids
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project.
When we arrived there was a big group already awaiting us in the classroom & several more people crammed in to this full classroom.
There were 22 people from neighbouring Vivienda de Abajo (also called Vivienda Urbana) coming to see how they could be included in the project.
There was also a woman from neighbouring Viviendilla (basically the same neighbourhood but a little further over).
3 people were from La Aurora (they had attended the assembly in Vivienda de Arriba & were invited today.
Vivienda Urbana has approx. 40-50 families & a primary school.
Viviendilla has approx. 20-30 families, & share primary with Cienegita.
La Aurora has approx. 10 families.
There were 36 people attending from Capaderillo.
Introductions
Chela, Elena & Laura
We began working with Los Torres 18ths ago & have since worked in CdP, MdN, VdArriba, & are starting work in Tierra Blanca.
San Isidro Capadero, La Aurora & La Tinaja have also initiated contact.
Chela – why are we here?
Vivienda woman “ we are getting together a group of people interested in constructing cisterns to catch water during the rains”
“ I am interested in this project & would like to learn more”
“I am here for the same reason, hopefully I can come here to see if we can get help with our water situation”
“the teacher invited us to attend if we were interested”
Chela – why capture water?
“because the water here is contaminated & the water from the rain is safe to drink”
“because the water coming from the tap has chloro in it?”
“we have wells but not for drinking water, just for domestic use”
“the wells are from 16- 30mtrs deep” (30 mtrs in Vivienda de Abajo)
Chela – who adds chloro to their pozo water? – no-one
Chela – what are the contaminants?
“sodio” – why is salt bad for you, bad for blood, arteries, kidneys & heart.
Why do you have damaged teeth? “from the water”
What in the water? “saro?” – no.
“fluoride” yes – it affects your teeth & other parts of your body, bones & the brain & all major organs.
What other dangerous minerals exist in the water? Arsenic – causes problems with circulation, cancer & other illnesses.
Chela In Cruz del Palmar there is manganese too. These minerals exist in the water & then contaminate your body, not just affecting your health, but the health of your kids & grandkids.
The problem exists in this region, it is naturally occurring & there are a few people working to resolve this, from Cedesa & Rotary.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Rotary provided the funds to provide the solution in MdN, LT, CdP & VdAriiba, $$$ for materials, & training in construction & organization.
The next project – here in Capaderillo is being funded by the green fund from the Ecology department, that’s why we’re here today, to plan for this project, & also look at the possibility of opening up the opportunity for other communities.
Elena – these projects multiply the force/strength, when we work together we achieve more. Plant a seed in the dark & nothing happens, with light & care the tree will grow fruit. Through these projects you will learn integration & organization.
Chela – these communities have a lot in common, your kids go to the same schools, & use the same communal spaces, church & soccer pitches. It makes sense to work together on this, since you have so many things in common, & you all have contaminated water too. If you’re interested we can resolve the issue of resources.
Phase I is for Capaderillo a few Vivienda de Abajo & 1 Guerrero family.
Phase II could be Vivienda de Abajo & Capaderillo, (& possibly La Aurora – although it is approx. 1 hr away by foot. It I closer to Don Juan with approx. 30 families, & Guerrero with approx. 40 families)
One of the women later said, she believes Guerrero is unlikely to want to co-operate, they are known not to be joiners (Ecology dept had said the same about one of their projects).
The measure is of the people with good conscience who wish to commit.
Chela suggested
Change the meeting in Los Torres on the 28th July from 12 to 11am, so we can visit Aurora at 3pm.
First meeting in Aurora/Don Juan/Guerrero to be 28th July at 3pm – Aurora will invite the other communities)
Chela asked about phase II for this Capaderillo/Vivienda de Abajo, I explained we have funding agreed but have yet to write the exact Matching Grant so would be good to have specific details, Chela asked the phase II people to go outside & write their list of names.
The list is to include name of family & number of kids.
Maria Salud & Anamaria will co-ordinate the list of phase II people.
One woman asked about her single daughter who has 1 child, if she is able to participate & help then yes, add her to the list.
The phase II people left the classroom & the men listening through the windows then had space to come in & sit down, these were Phase I people. We continued with Phase I planning.
Phase I called the roll – 5 missing from the roll.
Question, can someone represent someone else in assemblies, yes, 1 person from each family.
Update re timing/schedule
The cheque was promised by Ecology on the 26th May, but we are still waiting. Jesus has been up to the presidencia several times but still no joy. Now they have come up with additional information they require, we suspect the cash is not currently available, but will let them know asap, & will spring into action as soon as we have the cash in hand.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
2 people from Phase I have said they are unable to work,
Pulcheria, & Ema.
This was discussed & the groups all agreed to remove them from the project & open their slots to 2 people from Phase II who are able to work.
Joel “available & willing” (in his own words) joined group 1 (with their blessing)
Maricela Joined group 6 (in place of Pulcheria).
Chela asked if all groups were clear & co-ordinators were clear on their groups – answer was Si & Si.
The group requested a cistern for the primary in Guerrero (many of their children go there) & also Secondaria.
We suggested these options would be ideal for pilot for phase II.
Re: materials, all of the malla (mesh) & wire, will be delivered for all 38 families at the same time so all can commence work at the same time, once all are completed to the cylinder stage the balance of the materials will be delivered.
This is to prevent the issue of people not co-operating until their materials arrive…
The list for Phase II was handed to me – it contains request for 34 cisterns including Guerrero Primary, Kinder & Telesecundaria at Vivienda de Abajo.
Action: Laura will re-write the Capaderillo Phase II project with 34 cisterns budgeted, since we have additional financial support offered.
Next Assembly for Capaderillo 14 July at 3pm
(Chela advised that both Phases will be planned at that meeting)
This report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Pre planning meeting:
Where: El Cortijo Hotel
When: Wed 26th May at 10-11.10am
Who: Holly, Chela (Cedesa), Saul (capaderillo Community co-ordinator), Laura (rotary) – Elena – apologies,
Purpose: To plan topics for the assembly today.
Discussion points
Saul reported the Capaderillo primary school has 117 kids so 2 cisterns will be sufficient.
There is the possibility of 2 @ school and 1 @ kinder, to be discussed with community, depending on number of families intending to be part of the project, as we have 40 cisterns in total.
Ecology have advised Jesus, that the Cheque is expected to be available today for collection & banking, & therefore cash should be available tomorrow for payment of the 50% of the 40 cisterns (to enable delivery deadlines to be met).
Proposed pilot begin date is therefore 31st May, & order will need to be made at Talego urgently with stress on delivery of Saturday latest.
Meeting closed as we were running late for the assembly already.
Capaderillo Assembly
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 26th May supposed to begin at 11am – we arrived at 11.30.
Who: Holly & Chela (Cedesa) Laura, (& later) Elena (Rotary), Rafael & Miguel Cruz (Los Torres Tech team)+ 40 adults (including 6 men) +12kids (& 2 dogs) (+ a rooster!)
Purpose: Reporting on successful application to Ecology green fund, & subsequent Planning of implementation of the project
Everyone was ready & waiting for us on arrival.
Saul called the attendance roll - 34 in attendance who are on the roll, + 2 from Vivienda de Abajo (neighbouring community) & 1 on the pending list, + 3 first time visitors.
Important note – Saul has agreed to take on the roll of Community Co-ordinator for this community – he is also doing this project as part of his Cedesa University Course, which offers extremely reduced tuition fees to attendees who are running a project in their community.
The 3 people attending for the first time are 1 from Capaderillo & 2 new people from Vivienda de Abajo, (the 2 people from Vivienda de Abajo at the last assembly have not returned).
The woman from Guerrero is here again today, she was at the first & then not the subsequent meetings as she was not aware of the dates of those meetings.
Chela led off with the routine call for co-ordinator for this meeting.
Elena explained it is important for everyone to take turns at this role, & hence receive training.
Saul proposed Hermelinda – everyone agreed, Hermelinda said she didn’t know how & Chela explained she would learn by doing it.
Chela prompted her to ask for points for discussion at today’s assembly.
• Plan the next steps
• Revise the work groups
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
We jumped straight into reiteration/revision of work groups
Group 1
Cruz * +
Saul *
Enedina
Elvia +
Emma
Reinalda
Group 2
Timoteo *+
Estelo *+
Maria concha
Julia
Luz
Elena Group 3
Consuelo+
Remedios +
Margarita(martin)
Juana Valdez
Cristina *
Maria Lupe* Group 4
Carolina*
Lucia
Adriana
Nicolasa(Gustavo)
Francisca
Marino* Group 5
Juana A*
Lucia A+
Hermelinda*
Lilia
Martha
Noema
Salud (Gro)+ Group 6
Eva *
Juana R +
Alicia *
Marina/(braulio)+
Francisca
Herminia
Pulcheria/(not here)
*=group leader += abanile/mason (husband)
All were asked to raise their hands by group & all (except Pulcheria with a sick son) were present.
It was reiterated if you are not able to attend you must send a representative, “not present – not interested”
There was discussion about attendance & some comments were
• Everyone has difficulty in attending sometimes, but it’s important to send someone in your place.
• You need to be here to plan & make sure the work runs smoothly, at this point we have a group of interested people, all interested in beginning work.
• Maybe the group can decide because it is the group that is mostly affected.
• Of group 6 they were all asked if they thought the person not present should be allowed a cistern, the majority said yes, one woman said she would go with the group, but Saul reiterated everyone’s point of view can be different & respected, & that she was entitled to her point of view, she was asked again her opinion & again said – yes, since the group says yes!
Since there are potentially 38 cisterns available to families, Holly suggested one of the groups could offer to take another family & they were asked to consider whether to accept the woman from Guerrero in their group.
Group 5 agreed.
Plan the next steps
Pilot location options were discussed
Since there are now 38 people on the list, we have only 2 cisterns available for the pilot.
Introductions & explanation of project
Chela realised at this point there were new people at the assembly & they needed introductions from us & what the project is about, Holly, Chela, Elena & I, introduced ourselves & gave the usual talk about the history of the collaborative project with Los Torres, & the issue of fluoride contamination etc. Including the fact that Rotary has funded all 4 projects to date, but that the Ecology Dept green fund has now approved funding for this project in Capaderillo, having had the concept demonstrated & proven by the hard work of the Los Torres community.
Elena reiterated the fact that the projects are not easy, they involve participation & hard work & that personalities have to be left at the door…
The director of the Primary school introduced himself (Jaime), he volunteered the school classrooms for future assemblies, & also agreed to the school being the “distribution centre” for delivery of bulk materials to be distributed.
He will be busy in July with the end of the school year, but will give Saul the key & access. He “Jaime Cruces Perez” is at our service… He also said he has a program on Saturdays for at risk children, during which he does extra tutoring.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Chela asked the assembly if they would like to have future assemblies at the same house or at the school? (responses varied)
• “better in a public place”
• Time of day, need to consider kids might be in school & little kids might wreck the school gardens
• Jaime said not a problem, he has an empty classroom & all kids are welcome at school.
There was a vote & the majority agreed to meet at school.
Introduction of Trainers
Rafael & Miguel Cruz – expert trainers from Los Torres Tech team, were officially introduced to the community. They received a big round of applause. It was explained that they were part of the original project & are now part of the team of experts in Los Torres who train other communities.
Saul described them as being part of the spirit of help & assistance which demonstrates solidarity & a desire to unite & resolve issues.
When do you want to begin the project?
“tomorrow!”
“when the materials arrive”
“the sooner the better, so we can be finished before the rain arrives”
Work Plan
Description of the process
We will build 2 cisterns at the primary school as the pilot, Rafa described the process of the pilot, crocheting of the malla can be done by everyone regardless of age, or skill level, there are some abaniles who can not work all 4 days, & Holly suggested it would be most beneficial for them to work the final 2 days. Don Julio suggested the abaniles should ideally come to all days so they can learn the process from start to finish. The more people that learn the whole process the faster the project will progress.
• The groups will decide amongst themselves who will bring food & drinks etc. & who will work the full 4 days & learn the whole process. There will be a minimum of 1 abanile per group per day.
• One woman proposed that everyone should come every day… Rafael pointed out that in Montecillo de Nieto there was 30 people per day, & they only built 1 cistern, this is to build 2.
• A minimum of 2 days work for each person in each group was agreed.
• Rafa suggested splitting the work groups, 3 groups for him & 3 for Jose Miguel.
• Rafa will take groups 1,2 & 3 & Miguel groups 4,5,& 6
• Each group will keep a list of attendance for each day.
• The person in contact re delivery of the materials for the school is Saul.
• It was agreed that the maximum length of PVC to be covered by the project will be 6 mtrs, if more than that is required the people will provide it for themselves.
• Miguel & Rafa will review the roofs, a couple of women think theirs are not suitable. (Subsequently discovered that 3 roofs need replacing – we have a budget allowance for this)
• The distribution centre option was discussed & ultimately they decided it should be the house of Timoteo & Mariana (& Elvia & Yolanda) for the main project – they will receive PVC, puertas, Grava, Triplay & people will need to come there to collect there materials.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Doubts & Questions section
A visitor asked if there was any chance of a project in her community (vivienda de Abajo). Chela said it’s up to you whether you participate, you can attend the assemblies & Saul, said in order to begin work with Cedesa/Rotary you need to begin to organise, call a meeting & invite Chela..
Approx 40-60 families in VdAbajo, approx. 40 in Guerrero.
Next assembly 9th June at 3pm at the School
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Pre planning meeting:
Where: El Cortijo Hotel
When: Wed 26th May at 10-11.10am
Who: Holly, Chela (Cedesa), Saul (capaderillo Community co-ordinator), Laura (rotary) – Elena – apologies,
Purpose: To plan topics for the assembly today.
Discussion points
Saul reported the Capaderillo primary school has 117 kids so 2 cisterns will be sufficient.
There is the possibility of 2 @ school and 1 @ kinder, to be discussed with community, depending on number of families intending to be part of the project, as we have 40 cisterns in total.
Ecology have advised Jesus, that the Cheque is expected to be available today for collection & banking, & therefore cash should be available tomorrow for payment of the 50% of the 40 cisterns (to enable delivery deadlines to be met).
Proposed pilot begin date is therefore 31st May, & order will need to be made at Talego urgently with stress on delivery of Saturday latest.
Meeting closed as we were running late for the assembly already.
Capaderillo Assembly
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 26th May supposed to begin at 11am – we arrived at 11.30.
Who: Holly & Chela (Cedesa) Laura, (& later) Elena (Rotary), Rafael & Miguel Cruz (Los Torres Tech team)+ 40 adults (including 6 men) +12kids (& 2 dogs) (+ a rooster!)
Purpose: Reporting on successful application to Ecology green fund, & subsequent Planning of implementation of the project
Everyone was ready & waiting for us on arrival.
Saul called the attendance roll - 34 in attendance who are on the roll, + 2 from Vivienda de Abajo (neighbouring community) & 1 on the pending list, + 3 first time visitors.
Important note – Saul has agreed to take on the roll of Community Co-ordinator for this community – he is also doing this project as part of his Cedesa University Course, which offers extremely reduced tuition fees to attendees who are running a project in their community.
The 3 people attending for the first time are 1 from Capaderillo & 2 new people from Vivienda de Abajo, (the 2 people from Vivienda de Abajo at the last assembly have not returned).
The woman from Guerrero is here again today, she was at the first & then not the subsequent meetings as she was not aware of the dates of those meetings.
Chela led off with the routine call for co-ordinator for this meeting.
Elena explained it is important for everyone to take turns at this role, & hence receive training.
Saul proposed Hermelinda – everyone agreed, Hermelinda said she didn’t know how & Chela explained she would learn by doing it.
Chela prompted her to ask for points for discussion at today’s assembly.
• Plan the next steps
• Revise the work groups
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
We jumped straight into reiteration/revision of work groups
Group 1
Cruz * +
Saul *
Enedina
Elvia +
Emma
Reinalda
Group 2
Timoteo *+
Estelo *+
Maria concha
Julia
Luz
Elena Group 3
Consuelo+
Remedios +
Margarita(martin)
Juana Valdez
Cristina *
Maria Lupe* Group 4
Carolina*
Lucia
Adriana
Nicolasa(Gustavo)
Francisca
Marino* Group 5
Juana A*
Lucia A+
Hermelinda*
Lilia
Martha
Noema
Salud (Gro)+ Group 6
Eva *
Juana R +
Alicia *
Marina/(braulio)+
Francisca
Herminia
Pulcheria/(not here)
*=group leader += abanile/mason (husband)
All were asked to raise their hands by group & all (except Pulcheria with a sick son) were present.
It was reiterated if you are not able to attend you must send a representative, “not present – not interested”
There was discussion about attendance & some comments were
• Everyone has difficulty in attending sometimes, but it’s important to send someone in your place.
• You need to be here to plan & make sure the work runs smoothly, at this point we have a group of interested people, all interested in beginning work.
• Maybe the group can decide because it is the group that is mostly affected.
• Of group 6 they were all asked if they thought the person not present should be allowed a cistern, the majority said yes, one woman said she would go with the group, but Saul reiterated everyone’s point of view can be different & respected, & that she was entitled to her point of view, she was asked again her opinion & again said – yes, since the group says yes!
Since there are potentially 38 cisterns available to families, Holly suggested one of the groups could offer to take another family & they were asked to consider whether to accept the woman from Guerrero in their group.
Group 5 agreed.
Plan the next steps
Pilot location options were discussed
Since there are now 38 people on the list, we have only 2 cisterns available for the pilot.
Introductions & explanation of project
Chela realised at this point there were new people at the assembly & they needed introductions from us & what the project is about, Holly, Chela, Elena & I, introduced ourselves & gave the usual talk about the history of the collaborative project with Los Torres, & the issue of fluoride contamination etc. Including the fact that Rotary has funded all 4 projects to date, but that the Ecology Dept green fund has now approved funding for this project in Capaderillo, having had the concept demonstrated & proven by the hard work of the Los Torres community.
Elena reiterated the fact that the projects are not easy, they involve participation & hard work & that personalities have to be left at the door…
The director of the Primary school introduced himself (Jaime), he volunteered the school classrooms for future assemblies, & also agreed to the school being the “distribution centre” for delivery of bulk materials to be distributed.
He will be busy in July with the end of the school year, but will give Saul the key & access. He “Jaime Cruces Perez” is at our service… He also said he has a program on Saturdays for at risk children, during which he does extra tutoring.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Chela asked the assembly if they would like to have future assemblies at the same house or at the school? (responses varied)
• “better in a public place”
• Time of day, need to consider kids might be in school & little kids might wreck the school gardens
• Jaime said not a problem, he has an empty classroom & all kids are welcome at school.
There was a vote & the majority agreed to meet at school.
Introduction of Trainers
Rafael & Miguel Cruz – expert trainers from Los Torres Tech team, were officially introduced to the community. They received a big round of applause. It was explained that they were part of the original project & are now part of the team of experts in Los Torres who train other communities.
Saul described them as being part of the spirit of help & assistance which demonstrates solidarity & a desire to unite & resolve issues.
When do you want to begin the project?
“tomorrow!”
“when the materials arrive”
“the sooner the better, so we can be finished before the rain arrives”
Work Plan
Description of the process
We will build 2 cisterns at the primary school as the pilot, Rafa described the process of the pilot, crocheting of the malla can be done by everyone regardless of age, or skill level, there are some abaniles who can not work all 4 days, & Holly suggested it would be most beneficial for them to work the final 2 days. Don Julio suggested the abaniles should ideally come to all days so they can learn the process from start to finish. The more people that learn the whole process the faster the project will progress.
• The groups will decide amongst themselves who will bring food & drinks etc. & who will work the full 4 days & learn the whole process. There will be a minimum of 1 abanile per group per day.
• One woman proposed that everyone should come every day… Rafael pointed out that in Montecillo de Nieto there was 30 people per day, & they only built 1 cistern, this is to build 2.
• A minimum of 2 days work for each person in each group was agreed.
• Rafa suggested splitting the work groups, 3 groups for him & 3 for Jose Miguel.
• Rafa will take groups 1,2 & 3 & Miguel groups 4,5,& 6
• Each group will keep a list of attendance for each day.
• The person in contact re delivery of the materials for the school is Saul.
• It was agreed that the maximum length of PVC to be covered by the project will be 6 mtrs, if more than that is required the people will provide it for themselves.
• Miguel & Rafa will review the roofs, a couple of women think theirs are not suitable. (Subsequently discovered that 3 roofs need replacing – we have a budget allowance for this)
• The distribution centre option was discussed & ultimately they decided it should be the house of Timoteo & Mariana (& Elvia & Yolanda) for the main project – they will receive PVC, puertas, Grava, Triplay & people will need to come there to collect there materials.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Doubts & Questions section
A visitor asked if there was any chance of a project in her community (vivienda de Abajo). Chela said it’s up to you whether you participate, you can attend the assemblies & Saul, said in order to begin work with Cedesa/Rotary you need to begin to organise, call a meeting & invite Chela..
Approx 40-60 families in VdAbajo, approx. 40 in Guerrero.
Next assembly 9th June at 3pm at the School
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 5th May at 12pm
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), & Chela (Cedesa) + 31 adults (including 2 men) +3kids (& 2 dogs)
Purpose: Next Assembly re potential future water project in this community
There are 5 new people @ today’s meeting.
26 who have been in previous meetings (or sent representatives).
This is the 3rd community assembly/meeting & everyone was invited to say their name (first name only) to introduce themselves, this is surprisingly a very difficult task for some, who are too shy to say their first names, & introduce themselves as “her daughter” for example…
Procopio, the young kid that answered the hydraulic cycle questions last time is back again.
Chela asked for proposal for a co-ordinator – everyone too shy… she prompted them to describe what the role consisted of. “inform those that don’t understand, the reason for the meeting”, “ people raise their hands to talk, & the co-ordinator ‘gives people the word’ “… “to keep order”, “to provoke participation”. “ solicit the attendees for agenda topics”, “help analyse the issues raised”,
Elvia was proposed & she joked about proposing Tomasa for the role (Tomasa wasn’t here today!)… All voted for Elvia.
Chela then realised that we had newcomers & we should explain who we are & why we’re here for them. Essentially she gave a brief explanation that we are planning a resolution for the drinking water issue.
Elvia was directed to call for Agenda items for today’s meeting.
• Progress
• Promises/commitments
• Revise meetings of ecology & sapasma & presidencia
• Planning the next step
Chela asked those visiting for the first time where they were from. 2 were visiting from Vivienda de Abajo, they want to know more & they were invited by friend. They were asked to describe their water circumstance… Alicia – no community well, a family pozo (well) (contaminated), they are close to the school & have to carry water there. The other woman has a well but it dries up in the dry season, they have to pull the water up by hand, it’s actually her sister’s well.
Around 12 people attending today have their own wells, from 15-25 mtrs deep, the problem is these wells are contaminated. Chela explained soon Cedesa will be able to do tests of their wells, but the tests the govt has done in the past show levels of 4mg/l (VERY DANGEROUS LEVELS), & that’s really why we are all here.
Chela explained that Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar communities came to us after seeing the success of Los Torres (in Montecillo de Nieto – we went to them), the word is spreading & therefore the solution is growing.
Chela “you are all interested in being involved in resolving your own issue, through participation & construction of your own cisterns.
Revise meetings of ecology & sapasma & presidencia
Laura (through Elena) described the process by which $$$ have now become available for the project here in Capaderillo.
Ecology has agreed to fund the project which comes with great added responsibility for this Community - this project really has to succeed. Future project funding will be reliant on the success of this project.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
The partners will be Cedesa (organising), Los Torres tech guys, (teaching & demonstrating construction), Rotary (oversight & reporting), Ecology Green fund ($$ for the project) & Capaderillo Community (building their own cisterns)…All of this is to happen before the next rains (ie in the next 6 -8 wks).
Question Why do we build the type of cisterns we do? Why not below ground?
One of the men present asked why we build the above ground cisterns & there was discussion around this… Chela said there are basically 2 types of water tanks, above ground & below ground. She asked why we build above ground
“imagine it takes more work to excavate a hole”,
Other reasons why we don’t use below ground cisterns:
• It takes more work to retrieve the water daily from a below ground cistern (as opposed to turning on a tap).
• It is harder to keep clean, as it has to be opened to retrieve the water (bacteria/dirt is easily introduced).
• Harder to identify a leak.
• Is more likely to get slime as it is uncovered while retrieving water
We compared the process of receiving funds from the Ecology green fund (which comes largely from fines for infringements on environmental laws), versus the huge work involved in applying for & eventually receiving $$ from Rotary. Chela said it is important for them to know how many people are working on their behalf in so many different areas…
At this point there was a lot of information being transferred & people were starting to look a bit glassy eyed, Chela challenged one man, he said “I’m falling asleep but I’m still gathering all the info” everyone laughed…
Chela reiterated it’s important that everyone knows the whole team, & solidarity behind them, & that now the Municipality is responding to this call for help (as per their obligation to respond), & now they know all about the greenfund too!
It was explained that we have to come up with a full plan to present on the 15th of May to Ecology for approval, it involves responsibility, commitment & volunteering to work, it is incredibly important to get this right as it will open the door for others in the same predicament.
Planning the next step
How many cisterns to include? How many people had attended previous meetings, as part of the commitment in order to receive these materials (cisterns) was participation in the meetings.
It was decided minimum attendance of 2 of the 3 meetings was necessary to qualify to get on the list.
The next step is to start forming groups (work groups). Saul explained it is very important that those who volunteer for each group are happy to work together, & are able to work at the same time (ie some might choose weekends, others afternoons). Working together in groups if primary to the success of the project, & when the materials arrive, we don’t want people to just want to build their own cisterns & not help in a team.
The Pilot will be at the primary school.
At this point there are approx. 30 on the list, so there will be 5 groups of 6 families.
Saul reiterated how important it is to have a minimum of 1 abanile (experienced builder) in the group. Julio, one of the other men, said if there is not one per group, we can look for one to help.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
Group 1
Cruz*
Saul*
Enedina
Elvia
Emma
Reinalda
Group 2
Timotea*
Estelo*
Maria Con.
Julia
Luz
Elena
Group 3
Consuelo
Remedios
Margarita
Juana V.
Cristina*
Maria Guad*
Group 4
Carolina*
Lucia
Adriana
Nicolasa
Francisca
Marino*
Group 5
Juana A*
Lucia
Hermelinda*
Lilia
Martina
Noema
Group 6 (pending)
Eva*
Juana R
Alicia (VdAb)
Martina(VdAb)
Francisca (1st mtg)
Herminia (1st mtg)
Pulchiria(mother)
* denotes group leaders/co-ordinators
While working with people to form groups, it was discovered that there are 7 people who would like to be on the list, but are on the “waiting list” since they haven’t attended the requisite number of meetings at this point.
Hence we now have 37 people on the list to receive cisterns.
The next meeting was to be 2nd June at 11am, but since we have since received the good news that the funding from Ecology is definite, there will be an additional planning meeting on Wed. 26th May at 11am (pre meeting at 10am)
Next Assembly in Capaderillo will be Wednesday 26/5 at 11am (10am in El Cortijo)
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 5th May at 12pm
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), & Chela (Cedesa) + 31 adults (including 2 men) +3kids (& 2 dogs)
Purpose: Next Assembly re potential future water project in this community
There are 5 new people @ today’s meeting.
26 who have been in previous meetings (or sent representatives).
This is the 3rd community assembly/meeting & everyone was invited to say their name (first name only) to introduce themselves, this is surprisingly a very difficult task for some, who are too shy to say their first names, & introduce themselves as “her daughter” for example…
Procopio, the young kid that answered the hydraulic cycle questions last time is back again.
Chela asked for proposal for a co-ordinator – everyone too shy… she prompted them to describe what the role consisted of. “inform those that don’t understand, the reason for the meeting”, “ people raise their hands to talk, & the co-ordinator ‘gives people the word’ “… “to keep order”, “to provoke participation”. “ solicit the attendees for agenda topics”, “help analyse the issues raised”,
Elvia was proposed & she joked about proposing Tomasa for the role (Tomasa wasn’t here today!)… All voted for Elvia.
Chela then realised that we had newcomers & we should explain who we are & why we’re here for them. Essentially she gave a brief explanation that we are planning a resolution for the drinking water issue.
Elvia was directed to call for Agenda items for today’s meeting.
• Progress
• Promises/commitments
• Revise meetings of ecology & sapasma & presidencia
• Planning the next step
Chela asked those visiting for the first time where they were from. 2 were visiting from Vivienda de Abajo, they want to know more & they were invited by friend. They were asked to describe their water circumstance… Alicia – no community well, a family pozo (well) (contaminated), they are close to the school & have to carry water there. The other woman has a well but it dries up in the dry season, they have to pull the water up by hand, it’s actually her sister’s well.
Around 12 people attending today have their own wells, from 15-25 mtrs deep, the problem is these wells are contaminated. Chela explained soon Cedesa will be able to do tests of their wells, but the tests the govt has done in the past show levels of 4mg/l (VERY DANGEROUS LEVELS), & that’s really why we are all here.
Chela explained that Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar communities came to us after seeing the success of Los Torres (in Montecillo de Nieto – we went to them), the word is spreading & therefore the solution is growing.
Chela “you are all interested in being involved in resolving your own issue, through participation & construction of your own cisterns.
Revise meetings of ecology & sapasma & presidencia
Laura (through Elena) described the process by which $$$ have now become available for the project here in Capaderillo.
Ecology has agreed to fund the project which comes with great added responsibility for this Community - this project really has to succeed. Future project funding will be reliant on the success of this project.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
The partners will be Cedesa (organising), Los Torres tech guys, (teaching & demonstrating construction), Rotary (oversight & reporting), Ecology Green fund ($$ for the project) & Capaderillo Community (building their own cisterns)…All of this is to happen before the next rains (ie in the next 6 -8 wks).
Question Why do we build the type of cisterns we do? Why not below ground?
One of the men present asked why we build the above ground cisterns & there was discussion around this… Chela said there are basically 2 types of water tanks, above ground & below ground. She asked why we build above ground
“imagine it takes more work to excavate a hole”,
Other reasons why we don’t use below ground cisterns:
• It takes more work to retrieve the water daily from a below ground cistern (as opposed to turning on a tap).
• It is harder to keep clean, as it has to be opened to retrieve the water (bacteria/dirt is easily introduced).
• Harder to identify a leak.
• Is more likely to get slime as it is uncovered while retrieving water
We compared the process of receiving funds from the Ecology green fund (which comes largely from fines for infringements on environmental laws), versus the huge work involved in applying for & eventually receiving $$ from Rotary. Chela said it is important for them to know how many people are working on their behalf in so many different areas…
At this point there was a lot of information being transferred & people were starting to look a bit glassy eyed, Chela challenged one man, he said “I’m falling asleep but I’m still gathering all the info” everyone laughed…
Chela reiterated it’s important that everyone knows the whole team, & solidarity behind them, & that now the Municipality is responding to this call for help (as per their obligation to respond), & now they know all about the greenfund too!
It was explained that we have to come up with a full plan to present on the 15th of May to Ecology for approval, it involves responsibility, commitment & volunteering to work, it is incredibly important to get this right as it will open the door for others in the same predicament.
Planning the next step
How many cisterns to include? How many people had attended previous meetings, as part of the commitment in order to receive these materials (cisterns) was participation in the meetings.
It was decided minimum attendance of 2 of the 3 meetings was necessary to qualify to get on the list.
The next step is to start forming groups (work groups). Saul explained it is very important that those who volunteer for each group are happy to work together, & are able to work at the same time (ie some might choose weekends, others afternoons). Working together in groups if primary to the success of the project, & when the materials arrive, we don’t want people to just want to build their own cisterns & not help in a team.
The Pilot will be at the primary school.
At this point there are approx. 30 on the list, so there will be 5 groups of 6 families.
Saul reiterated how important it is to have a minimum of 1 abanile (experienced builder) in the group. Julio, one of the other men, said if there is not one per group, we can look for one to help.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
Group 1
Cruz*
Saul*
Enedina
Elvia
Emma
Reinalda
Group 2
Timotea*
Estelo*
Maria Con.
Julia
Luz
Elena
Group 3
Consuelo
Remedios
Margarita
Juana V.
Cristina*
Maria Guad*
Group 4
Carolina*
Lucia
Adriana
Nicolasa
Francisca
Marino*
Group 5
Juana A*
Lucia
Hermelinda*
Lilia
Martina
Noema
Group 6 (pending)
Eva*
Juana R
Alicia (VdAb)
Martina(VdAb)
Francisca (1st mtg)
Herminia (1st mtg)
Pulchiria(mother)
* denotes group leaders/co-ordinators
While working with people to form groups, it was discovered that there are 7 people who would like to be on the list, but are on the “waiting list” since they haven’t attended the requisite number of meetings at this point.
Hence we now have 37 people on the list to receive cisterns.
The next meeting was to be 2nd June at 11am, but since we have since received the good news that the funding from Ecology is definite, there will be an additional planning meeting on Wed. 26th May at 11am (pre meeting at 10am)
Next Assembly in Capaderillo will be Wednesday 26/5 at 11am (10am in El Cortijo)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
1st – MINI MEETING WITH: Holly & Rafael & Laura
Discussion re the manufacture of doors for the cisterns, & also the ¨niples¨item for the cistern.
Holly, Rafael & Laura met at El Cortijo as Rafael had some questions re the doors & ordering process.
The “nipples” (basically a slice of metal tubing) are to be supplied by the Hardware supplier & taken to the door maker. The door maker solders them onto a piece of rebar & they are used in the construction of the cisterns.
Laura needs to collect the niples from the hardware store (once ordered & paid for) & take them to the door maker - once we decide on the door maker.
In total we will need 82 doors (+niple component).
Juan & Saul are both checking with potential suppliers, re the price & delivery schedule.
We have budgeted $300 pesos so need to get it down to that price, metal has now gone up in price so cost is now being quoted at $350…
Rafael will write up the variable materials order… He is asking for MdN to be delivered in 2 parts, 12 cisterns initially & 13 to conclude.
Rafael will get the Variables order to Materiales Rivera (this was changed & he gave it to Holly to give to me).
Laura will need to organize the money for the doors & place the standard materials order & delivery instructions.
Guillermo & Juan are still working on the Los Torres order.
The order for CdP & VdA will not be made until after the assemblies on the 14th April.
End of mini meeting 11.10am
NEXT MEETING - ASSEMBLY @ CAPADERILLO
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 7th April 12pm
Who: Laura Stewart (Rotary), & Chela Martinez (for Cedesa) + 33 adults (including 3 men) & 4 kids.
Purpose: Next Assembly re potential future water project in this community
We arrived & again made our apologies for being late, Chela had thought the meeting was to begin at 12 & so timed our arrival accordingly, actually we were supposed to be there at 11am, so we were an hour late… They were all seated in a circle & waiting for us.
Chela asked for proposals for co-ordinator & record taker for the day.
One woman proposed Lupe, who in turn proposed that woman – lots of giggles.
They were all a little hesitant, not really knowing what the roles entailed.
Chela suggested Saul be co-ordinator for this first time, & so people would learn the role. Everyone happily agreed!
Saul called for Items for the Agenda.
• Presidencia visit update
• Doubts/questions re the previous meeting
• Objective of this meeting
• Planning next steps
• Update of progress of other communities
• Solar distiller workshop
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Chela asked before we start – do we have a list of attendance from the previous assembly & could we do one for today, so we have a record of participation. There was no list taken at the previous assembly, as the meeting was intended to see who was interested only.
A list was created & handed around. 27 people from previous meeting were here, & 3 new ones. (then later 3 more arrived).
Saul made an introduction:
The idea is to make sure everyone knows why we´re here & what we´re trying to achieve.
Brief introduction of :
Laura - & Club Rotario & it´s global function
Chela – re Cedesa & our collaboration, & our history with Saul, he came to various assemblies in Los Torres & began organising in Capaderillo.
Each person attending was asked to introduce themselves, just say their first name. There were a number who were too shy to even say their first name, & they passed onto the next person, but we coaxed them to at last say their name!
Chela said she was so happy to see so many young women ready to take responsibility into their own hands…
Item 1. Doubts/questions re the previous meeting & Objectives
“any questions about what we´re doing here?” “why are you here today”
“I´m interested in this project so my kids can have better health”
“I want to organise for my kids & my grandkids here in this community”
Someone else said ¨ditto¨
“I´m here because I have broken teeth” – everyone laughed!
“to participate”
“principally we are occupied with the health of our people”
“we are here mostly to resolve the water problem”
What is the option for Safe Water?
“rain water”
Chela asked where the water comes from & a young boy said “the sea, because it evaporates, to the clouds, & forms rain clouds”.
Chela explained more, yes, starts off liquid, turns to steam (a gas) & gathers in clouds & arrives back as liquid. Called the cycle of water, & is the same process that happens in a solar distiller.
The objective is to obtain safe drinking water.
Any doubts & questions?
What about single sons who might need a cistern?
Chela said the most important thing is to meet & discuss who wants to participate & then we can decide who gets cistern or not. First we need to decide how we will all work to resolve the problem, the cistern doesn´t just arrive overnight, Los Torres worked for months to get to where they are at.
Who can we work with to ask for resources…Sapasma, Ecologia & Presidencia.
Item 2. Presidencia meeting update
Laura was at a meeting with Ecology & Sapasma on the 11th March & told them of the request by the community of Capaderillo to meet to discuss the issue. Denia of Sapasma made a commitment to sort out a meeting time, but never responded to Laura.
The mini commission who wishes to make a representation to the Presidencia are
Saul, Hermelinda, Elvia, Reina & Reina (2 Reina´s)
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
There was some discussion as to the best method of representation to the govt. departments. Whole group go or just a commission?
“Everyone needs to demonstrate their interest more strongly”, they agreed might be best to all go to Luci to ask for assistance. It is a 1 hr walk to Los Torres, there was a vote to all go. (majority decided yes). IE there is a visit being planned for Luci to Los Torres, & it is suggested that other communities attend & make their representations at the same time.
Item 3 – Planning next steps
There are 2 main options for funding – Municipality & Rotary.
Laura is working on Rotary.
There is also the possibility of doing a pilot project at primary school via San Miguel Community Fund (SMCF).
There are 200 kids at the primary school.
1 ltr per day for 5 days = 1000 ltrs per wk
X 40 weeks = 40,000 ltrs per year.
40,000 / 12,000 = approx 3 cisterns needed for whole school.
Laura will complete an application for grant from SMCF – before 15 April!!!
Chela asked Laura to describe the pilot process – I did, in really bad Spanish, which Chela interpreted into good Spanish… (Chela doesn´t speak English, but she does understand bad Spanish!!, which is a big plus, she managed to relieve some blank faces, & everyone had a good laugh at my attempts)…
A lot of the men in Capaderillo are currently in the States, but the work is not difficult, & it´s a good place to chat & work & eat together.
This region is a small micro-region, Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba & Capaderillo, & can have an impact on many other communities, this is the area with bad water & it´s only getting worse. The deeper it gets the more contaminated it gets.
You will learn lots of skills, like how to apply for assistance & to work constructively on other issues, as well as how to improve lifestyles.
Cedesa is interested in promoting integral development, they are having a workshop for “promotores”, in the Cedesa Campesino University.
The first Tuesday of each month, with the first workshop being on the 4th May.
There is also another workshop on this Friday & Sat. from 10-5 on the construction of Solar Distillers. Saul & one other are invited to attend.
Next Assembly in Capaderillo will be Wednesday 5/5 at 11am (10am in El Cortijo)
Discussion re the manufacture of doors for the cisterns, & also the ¨niples¨item for the cistern.
Holly, Rafael & Laura met at El Cortijo as Rafael had some questions re the doors & ordering process.
The “nipples” (basically a slice of metal tubing) are to be supplied by the Hardware supplier & taken to the door maker. The door maker solders them onto a piece of rebar & they are used in the construction of the cisterns.
Laura needs to collect the niples from the hardware store (once ordered & paid for) & take them to the door maker - once we decide on the door maker.
In total we will need 82 doors (+niple component).
Juan & Saul are both checking with potential suppliers, re the price & delivery schedule.
We have budgeted $300 pesos so need to get it down to that price, metal has now gone up in price so cost is now being quoted at $350…
Rafael will write up the variable materials order… He is asking for MdN to be delivered in 2 parts, 12 cisterns initially & 13 to conclude.
Rafael will get the Variables order to Materiales Rivera (this was changed & he gave it to Holly to give to me).
Laura will need to organize the money for the doors & place the standard materials order & delivery instructions.
Guillermo & Juan are still working on the Los Torres order.
The order for CdP & VdA will not be made until after the assemblies on the 14th April.
End of mini meeting 11.10am
NEXT MEETING - ASSEMBLY @ CAPADERILLO
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 7th April 12pm
Who: Laura Stewart (Rotary), & Chela Martinez (for Cedesa) + 33 adults (including 3 men) & 4 kids.
Purpose: Next Assembly re potential future water project in this community
We arrived & again made our apologies for being late, Chela had thought the meeting was to begin at 12 & so timed our arrival accordingly, actually we were supposed to be there at 11am, so we were an hour late… They were all seated in a circle & waiting for us.
Chela asked for proposals for co-ordinator & record taker for the day.
One woman proposed Lupe, who in turn proposed that woman – lots of giggles.
They were all a little hesitant, not really knowing what the roles entailed.
Chela suggested Saul be co-ordinator for this first time, & so people would learn the role. Everyone happily agreed!
Saul called for Items for the Agenda.
• Presidencia visit update
• Doubts/questions re the previous meeting
• Objective of this meeting
• Planning next steps
• Update of progress of other communities
• Solar distiller workshop
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Chela asked before we start – do we have a list of attendance from the previous assembly & could we do one for today, so we have a record of participation. There was no list taken at the previous assembly, as the meeting was intended to see who was interested only.
A list was created & handed around. 27 people from previous meeting were here, & 3 new ones. (then later 3 more arrived).
Saul made an introduction:
The idea is to make sure everyone knows why we´re here & what we´re trying to achieve.
Brief introduction of :
Laura - & Club Rotario & it´s global function
Chela – re Cedesa & our collaboration, & our history with Saul, he came to various assemblies in Los Torres & began organising in Capaderillo.
Each person attending was asked to introduce themselves, just say their first name. There were a number who were too shy to even say their first name, & they passed onto the next person, but we coaxed them to at last say their name!
Chela said she was so happy to see so many young women ready to take responsibility into their own hands…
Item 1. Doubts/questions re the previous meeting & Objectives
“any questions about what we´re doing here?” “why are you here today”
“I´m interested in this project so my kids can have better health”
“I want to organise for my kids & my grandkids here in this community”
Someone else said ¨ditto¨
“I´m here because I have broken teeth” – everyone laughed!
“to participate”
“principally we are occupied with the health of our people”
“we are here mostly to resolve the water problem”
What is the option for Safe Water?
“rain water”
Chela asked where the water comes from & a young boy said “the sea, because it evaporates, to the clouds, & forms rain clouds”.
Chela explained more, yes, starts off liquid, turns to steam (a gas) & gathers in clouds & arrives back as liquid. Called the cycle of water, & is the same process that happens in a solar distiller.
The objective is to obtain safe drinking water.
Any doubts & questions?
What about single sons who might need a cistern?
Chela said the most important thing is to meet & discuss who wants to participate & then we can decide who gets cistern or not. First we need to decide how we will all work to resolve the problem, the cistern doesn´t just arrive overnight, Los Torres worked for months to get to where they are at.
Who can we work with to ask for resources…Sapasma, Ecologia & Presidencia.
Item 2. Presidencia meeting update
Laura was at a meeting with Ecology & Sapasma on the 11th March & told them of the request by the community of Capaderillo to meet to discuss the issue. Denia of Sapasma made a commitment to sort out a meeting time, but never responded to Laura.
The mini commission who wishes to make a representation to the Presidencia are
Saul, Hermelinda, Elvia, Reina & Reina (2 Reina´s)
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
There was some discussion as to the best method of representation to the govt. departments. Whole group go or just a commission?
“Everyone needs to demonstrate their interest more strongly”, they agreed might be best to all go to Luci to ask for assistance. It is a 1 hr walk to Los Torres, there was a vote to all go. (majority decided yes). IE there is a visit being planned for Luci to Los Torres, & it is suggested that other communities attend & make their representations at the same time.
Item 3 – Planning next steps
There are 2 main options for funding – Municipality & Rotary.
Laura is working on Rotary.
There is also the possibility of doing a pilot project at primary school via San Miguel Community Fund (SMCF).
There are 200 kids at the primary school.
1 ltr per day for 5 days = 1000 ltrs per wk
X 40 weeks = 40,000 ltrs per year.
40,000 / 12,000 = approx 3 cisterns needed for whole school.
Laura will complete an application for grant from SMCF – before 15 April!!!
Chela asked Laura to describe the pilot process – I did, in really bad Spanish, which Chela interpreted into good Spanish… (Chela doesn´t speak English, but she does understand bad Spanish!!, which is a big plus, she managed to relieve some blank faces, & everyone had a good laugh at my attempts)…
A lot of the men in Capaderillo are currently in the States, but the work is not difficult, & it´s a good place to chat & work & eat together.
This region is a small micro-region, Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba & Capaderillo, & can have an impact on many other communities, this is the area with bad water & it´s only getting worse. The deeper it gets the more contaminated it gets.
You will learn lots of skills, like how to apply for assistance & to work constructively on other issues, as well as how to improve lifestyles.
Cedesa is interested in promoting integral development, they are having a workshop for “promotores”, in the Cedesa Campesino University.
The first Tuesday of each month, with the first workshop being on the 4th May.
There is also another workshop on this Friday & Sat. from 10-5 on the construction of Solar Distillers. Saul & one other are invited to attend.
Next Assembly in Capaderillo will be Wednesday 5/5 at 11am (10am in El Cortijo)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 3rd March 12pm
Who: Elena Padilla & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Holly Yasui & Chela Martinez (for Cedesa) + 33 adults (including 6 men) & 10 kids.
Purpose: Preliminary Assembly re potential future water project in this community
History: Capaderillo is beside the Presa, on the road to Cruz del Palmar, approx 30mins by bike to Los Torres, the community we carried out the first water cistern project with.
Saul Juarez, a young man who lives in Capaderillo has attended several assemblies at Los Torres & CdP & VdA.
He is very keen to organise a project in his community & had done preliminary organising to inform the community, about the potential project & to attend the assembly. He has a list of names, but there are more people at today’s assembly so he will revise the list.
We arrived at 12pm, Saul was waiting & took us to the house at which the meeting was held. There were approx 15 people there when we arrived, many more arrived in the next 15 mins, we started the meeting as 12.15. Here are some discussion points before the meeting started.
Some facts:
• Capaderillo is ver close to Guerro & Vivienda de Abajo, school & kindergarten are almost neighbouring, yet they are in different communities.
• Capadarillo has approx 60 families.
• Some people are participating in a govt opportunities program & they will have a better census.
• A lot of the land here is Ejido (community co-op), approx 22-25 Ejiditarios.
• Majority do not have land rights, or land parcels.
• Parents have sold the land not realising the consequences, a comment was, “they think they can’t take it with them so may as well have the money to spend, rather than leave the land to their kids”...
• Saul has approx 40 people on the list at this point, after going door to door to explain the project.
• Kinder in Vivienda de Abajo has approx 50 kids
• Primary school in Capaerillo has approx 150 kids
• Telesecondaria in Vivienda De Abajo has approx 80 kids
• Women carry wáter to the schools from their own Wells.
Chela asked Elena to give an introduction, she talked about land is like children, we can’t really own it, but guide it & nurture it, & give it water & life.
Item 1: Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & gave a little background about our work together. Chela described the history of our relationship with Cedesa, starting with the diploma in water studies Cedesa gave for 8mths with UNAM. She described briefly the aquifer, & situation with contamination of fluoride in this area. She listed some of the health issues caused & this is why Cedesa & Rotary are working together with the communities to solve this.
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Chela gave a history of the project in Los Torres & that’s where we met Saul Juarez. He has attended 2 assemblies in Los Torres & 1 in Vivienda de Arriba.
The community was then asked to introduce themselves.
Starting with Saul, who has been living in Capaderillo for 2 years, originally from Dolores Hidalgo. He saw & heard Chela & was interested in a water project for Capaderillo because of the extreme contamination in this area, not just affecting teeth, but also bones & brain & all major organs. He implored the community to show their interest & attend meetings.
Each person introduced themselves.
It was very funny as almost 90% of the people were either Ramirez, Ramirez Ramirez or Lopez Ramirez!
Item 2 What problems with water do you have here?
• They only have family wells, no other water (no truck deliveries, or bottled water)
• Everyone drinks well water, & the wells are contaminated at a level of approx 4mg/l (1.5mg p/l is maximum safe level).
• The clinic has told them the water is not safe to drink, they must boil it or add chlorine!
• The men were asked to comment, & they said they don’t know, they never go to the clinic.
• The wells are anywhere from 12 to 30 mtrs deep
• They have never analysed the water, they don’t know how or where
• Neighbouring Guerrero & Vivienda de Abajo are the same
• One woman (incidentally from Guerrero) comments, they need to analyse the water, they know there is a lot of fluoride in the region, the damage is obvious in the teeth, but she believes bones are also brittle, there have been cases of kids falling off burros & breaking bones easily
Chela explained some of the ill health affects of fluoride contamination, kidneys filter water, but fluoride builds up in the kidneys & escapes into the blood, which affects the brain & all the major organs. Every internal organ is affected, the kids are smaller & when they have problems concentrating or learning it can be attributed to fluoride poisoning.
We can’t solve the problem it has to be a collaboration. Have any authorities come to help or advise of this problem? “no!”
No-one from Sapasma, Ecology, the presidencia? “no”
Chela “I have lots of work at Cedesa & so does Rotary, & Holly, but we are motivated to assist you if you want assistance with this issue, you will need to raise the consciousness of the community regarding this issue. We are here to help resolve this, but one important point is organisation – Saul Juarez is very motivated to help organise – do you think this is a problem?”
Someone responded “ it’s a big problem, for us & for our kids when they drink the water!”
Chela then talked more about fluoride, where it comes from & what alternatives there are for removing it.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
With demonstration & discussion about what happens to salt in the water, she explained that boiling actually worsens the problem. The good water evaporates into steam & you are left with even more concentrated fluoride in the boiled water. So boiling is not a good option.
Chlorine is a chemical & not good for humans, so not a good option either.
She explained the fluoride is naturally occurring & is in the water for many 1000’s of years, she talked about the rain cycle, & where the water comes from, & the rocks & gravel in this area contain fluoride.
The first deep well was drilled in 1958 & since then water usage from the aquifer has been extreme, for agribusiness, hence the aquifer is reducing at a much faster rate than it is being recharged by the rains. (only 1 mtr per year permeation).
Toilets also contaminate the water, & she talked about bacteria a little.
She called for suggestions of how they could solve their own water issue.
Alma suggested catching water in a hole in the ground, dug as a “dam”, or in big buckets.
There are 2 ways to have safe drinking water here.
1. Catching rain water from the roof & storing in Cisterns
2. Distilling water with a solar distiller. (ie catching the steam)
Saul described the cisterns Los Torres have built, including the process, ie Rotary supplying the materials, & the people building them with training from Cedesa.
Round cisterns are better than subterranean square ones, easier to build & easier to retrieve water from & keep clean.
The water caught during the rainy season will last the whole year for drinking & cooking for a family up to 14 people.
“it’s important to get organised – how can you generate resources?”
“from Rotary & Cedesa, but also from the local govt. & sapasma & Ecology dept”
It costs approx $8000 per cistern, how can you make this happen?
Do you have the $$$? “no!”
How can you help? “we have hands – we can work”.
Chela explained that with solidarity & collaboration with Rotary, we have been raising funds & resources but there are limits & time constraints.
They decided they would like to make an application to govt. & Laura has volunteered to help with this, since she is already meeting with Govt. on a monthly basis on the topic of water, she will ask for a meeting time for the community to meet & put their case.
Chela asked who is interested in this project – a resounding yes!
It’s voluntary & requires motivation & participation, & involvement. You are busy with the problem, you need to get busy with the solution!
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
The beginnings of organisation was described, creating an application explaining the issue, Saul has an idea of what’s needed, as they did on recently for the church. Another woman is working with a group currently to apply for dry toilets.
A mini commission was established
Saul, Juana, Elvia, Hermelinda, Marino & Reynalda.
They will split into 2 groups of 3 & door know the entire community spreading the word & taking names of interested families.
They will ask number of people in family, the list must be of people not just interested but “committed” & they will also look at the placement of the cistern during the visit.
Action Saul volunteered to have the list by Friday, he will be attending the water info. Day at Los Torres Primary school that we have planned, & he will present the list then.
Action Laura will take the list to the Sapasma meeting on the 11th March, & ask for a meeting time for the community.
Action Laura to add the number of cisterns required for Kinder, School & Telesecondaria to the individual families list.
Next meeting scheduled for 7th April same house, at 11am
(Guerrero woman is Salud Ramirez, & she is going to make preliminary enquiries in her community,)
(On 5th March, Saul came to the Water Info Day, & participated as planned, he also bought with him the list of 54 families interested in participating in a water project in their community)
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project
Where: Capaderillo Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 3rd March 12pm
Who: Elena Padilla & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Holly Yasui & Chela Martinez (for Cedesa) + 33 adults (including 6 men) & 10 kids.
Purpose: Preliminary Assembly re potential future water project in this community
History: Capaderillo is beside the Presa, on the road to Cruz del Palmar, approx 30mins by bike to Los Torres, the community we carried out the first water cistern project with.
Saul Juarez, a young man who lives in Capaderillo has attended several assemblies at Los Torres & CdP & VdA.
He is very keen to organise a project in his community & had done preliminary organising to inform the community, about the potential project & to attend the assembly. He has a list of names, but there are more people at today’s assembly so he will revise the list.
We arrived at 12pm, Saul was waiting & took us to the house at which the meeting was held. There were approx 15 people there when we arrived, many more arrived in the next 15 mins, we started the meeting as 12.15. Here are some discussion points before the meeting started.
Some facts:
• Capaderillo is ver close to Guerro & Vivienda de Abajo, school & kindergarten are almost neighbouring, yet they are in different communities.
• Capadarillo has approx 60 families.
• Some people are participating in a govt opportunities program & they will have a better census.
• A lot of the land here is Ejido (community co-op), approx 22-25 Ejiditarios.
• Majority do not have land rights, or land parcels.
• Parents have sold the land not realising the consequences, a comment was, “they think they can’t take it with them so may as well have the money to spend, rather than leave the land to their kids”...
• Saul has approx 40 people on the list at this point, after going door to door to explain the project.
• Kinder in Vivienda de Abajo has approx 50 kids
• Primary school in Capaerillo has approx 150 kids
• Telesecondaria in Vivienda De Abajo has approx 80 kids
• Women carry wáter to the schools from their own Wells.
Chela asked Elena to give an introduction, she talked about land is like children, we can’t really own it, but guide it & nurture it, & give it water & life.
Item 1: Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & gave a little background about our work together. Chela described the history of our relationship with Cedesa, starting with the diploma in water studies Cedesa gave for 8mths with UNAM. She described briefly the aquifer, & situation with contamination of fluoride in this area. She listed some of the health issues caused & this is why Cedesa & Rotary are working together with the communities to solve this.
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Chela gave a history of the project in Los Torres & that’s where we met Saul Juarez. He has attended 2 assemblies in Los Torres & 1 in Vivienda de Arriba.
The community was then asked to introduce themselves.
Starting with Saul, who has been living in Capaderillo for 2 years, originally from Dolores Hidalgo. He saw & heard Chela & was interested in a water project for Capaderillo because of the extreme contamination in this area, not just affecting teeth, but also bones & brain & all major organs. He implored the community to show their interest & attend meetings.
Each person introduced themselves.
It was very funny as almost 90% of the people were either Ramirez, Ramirez Ramirez or Lopez Ramirez!
Item 2 What problems with water do you have here?
• They only have family wells, no other water (no truck deliveries, or bottled water)
• Everyone drinks well water, & the wells are contaminated at a level of approx 4mg/l (1.5mg p/l is maximum safe level).
• The clinic has told them the water is not safe to drink, they must boil it or add chlorine!
• The men were asked to comment, & they said they don’t know, they never go to the clinic.
• The wells are anywhere from 12 to 30 mtrs deep
• They have never analysed the water, they don’t know how or where
• Neighbouring Guerrero & Vivienda de Abajo are the same
• One woman (incidentally from Guerrero) comments, they need to analyse the water, they know there is a lot of fluoride in the region, the damage is obvious in the teeth, but she believes bones are also brittle, there have been cases of kids falling off burros & breaking bones easily
Chela explained some of the ill health affects of fluoride contamination, kidneys filter water, but fluoride builds up in the kidneys & escapes into the blood, which affects the brain & all the major organs. Every internal organ is affected, the kids are smaller & when they have problems concentrating or learning it can be attributed to fluoride poisoning.
We can’t solve the problem it has to be a collaboration. Have any authorities come to help or advise of this problem? “no!”
No-one from Sapasma, Ecology, the presidencia? “no”
Chela “I have lots of work at Cedesa & so does Rotary, & Holly, but we are motivated to assist you if you want assistance with this issue, you will need to raise the consciousness of the community regarding this issue. We are here to help resolve this, but one important point is organisation – Saul Juarez is very motivated to help organise – do you think this is a problem?”
Someone responded “ it’s a big problem, for us & for our kids when they drink the water!”
Chela then talked more about fluoride, where it comes from & what alternatives there are for removing it.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
With demonstration & discussion about what happens to salt in the water, she explained that boiling actually worsens the problem. The good water evaporates into steam & you are left with even more concentrated fluoride in the boiled water. So boiling is not a good option.
Chlorine is a chemical & not good for humans, so not a good option either.
She explained the fluoride is naturally occurring & is in the water for many 1000’s of years, she talked about the rain cycle, & where the water comes from, & the rocks & gravel in this area contain fluoride.
The first deep well was drilled in 1958 & since then water usage from the aquifer has been extreme, for agribusiness, hence the aquifer is reducing at a much faster rate than it is being recharged by the rains. (only 1 mtr per year permeation).
Toilets also contaminate the water, & she talked about bacteria a little.
She called for suggestions of how they could solve their own water issue.
Alma suggested catching water in a hole in the ground, dug as a “dam”, or in big buckets.
There are 2 ways to have safe drinking water here.
1. Catching rain water from the roof & storing in Cisterns
2. Distilling water with a solar distiller. (ie catching the steam)
Saul described the cisterns Los Torres have built, including the process, ie Rotary supplying the materials, & the people building them with training from Cedesa.
Round cisterns are better than subterranean square ones, easier to build & easier to retrieve water from & keep clean.
The water caught during the rainy season will last the whole year for drinking & cooking for a family up to 14 people.
“it’s important to get organised – how can you generate resources?”
“from Rotary & Cedesa, but also from the local govt. & sapasma & Ecology dept”
It costs approx $8000 per cistern, how can you make this happen?
Do you have the $$$? “no!”
How can you help? “we have hands – we can work”.
Chela explained that with solidarity & collaboration with Rotary, we have been raising funds & resources but there are limits & time constraints.
They decided they would like to make an application to govt. & Laura has volunteered to help with this, since she is already meeting with Govt. on a monthly basis on the topic of water, she will ask for a meeting time for the community to meet & put their case.
Chela asked who is interested in this project – a resounding yes!
It’s voluntary & requires motivation & participation, & involvement. You are busy with the problem, you need to get busy with the solution!
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
The beginnings of organisation was described, creating an application explaining the issue, Saul has an idea of what’s needed, as they did on recently for the church. Another woman is working with a group currently to apply for dry toilets.
A mini commission was established
Saul, Juana, Elvia, Hermelinda, Marino & Reynalda.
They will split into 2 groups of 3 & door know the entire community spreading the word & taking names of interested families.
They will ask number of people in family, the list must be of people not just interested but “committed” & they will also look at the placement of the cistern during the visit.
Action Saul volunteered to have the list by Friday, he will be attending the water info. Day at Los Torres Primary school that we have planned, & he will present the list then.
Action Laura will take the list to the Sapasma meeting on the 11th March, & ask for a meeting time for the community.
Action Laura to add the number of cisterns required for Kinder, School & Telesecondaria to the individual families list.
Next meeting scheduled for 7th April same house, at 11am
(Guerrero woman is Salud Ramirez, & she is going to make preliminary enquiries in her community,)
(On 5th March, Saul came to the Water Info Day, & participated as planned, he also bought with him the list of 54 families interested in participating in a water project in their community)
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