Where: Cinco Senores
When: 9.2.11
Who: Communities represented:
Cinco Senores 8, Juan Gonzalez 13, San Lorenzo 2, La Palmita 5, La Tinaja 3, Coralejo 2, La Cienega 3, Villa Guadalupe 2.
Holly, Chela, Saul, – Cedesa, Laura Rotary, Teacher of the school attended, Esaul from Comonfort.
We noted the bed & clothing in the corner of the classroom, the teacher sleeps here during the week & only returns on weekends as it is very difficult to get to this community. We had to cross the river 4 times & drive on big rocky river beds, we were not sure we’d make it at several points!
We all crammed into the small classroom.
Everyone introduced themselves & stated their community… I said a little about Rotary, as ususal.
Chela gave a brief history of the work we have been doing in the region starting with Los Torres, & including MdN CdP, VdA & Capaderillo.
She thanked the teacher for volunteering his classroom for this meeting, & said Teachers are often involved in the development of a community, they are a great source of co-ordination.
Chela said they have excellent young leaders forming in their communities who are great “promoters” /outreach workers, eg Audelia, Humberto, Ana.
One woman spoke up & said she thought Audelia would make an excellent promoter, she is a bit shy but should be proud.
Chela mentioned we are always talking as a team about how great the young leaders are & that they are already working to make a better future for this region & “god put Rotary in our path”, Rotary has the conscientiousness, & understand the problems to work on & resolve, with dignity & allowing the recipients their dignity.
What do all the communities have in common?
“the necessity for water” Water is very scarce & contaminated.
“Pedro & Jesus G. were working here with FAI (Save the Children) which is when the cistern for the school was constructed (there is a big cistern behind the school). They stopped coming & we didn’t know where to find them.”
Meeting began proper:
Saul explained the meeting process, eg elect a co-ordinator & secretary, he explained their roles including calling for agenda.
Letty was elected Co-ordinator, & Humberto to take notes.
Agenda
1 commission to presidencia report
2 dry toilets, how do they function
3. presentation re the climate workshop at Cedesa
4 rules of the communities
5 plan the meeting in Juan Gonzalez, re the Fondo Verde next grant
Item 1 presidencia commission
It was noted that Villa de Guadalupe & Tierra Blanca were not present, but all else sent representatives to the Presidencia to ask for an audience with mayor Lucy, approx. 20 people attended.
Item 2 dry toilets
Chela asked who knew how dry toilets function? Holly knows as she has one at her house.
They were described as ecological, economical (don’t need water), they don’t contaminate & you can use the compost, they don’t put fecal matter in the air (like current poo in the wild method!), the fertilizer is organic.
Chela asked if the other types of toilets were good – no, they waste water, contaminate the environment, including rivers, drainage, sewage…The 2 vital points about dry toilets,
They don’t require water & they don’t contaminate the environment, in fact they reduce contamination.
Of the communities represented at this meeting only 3 have toilets.
Cinco Senores, Juan Gonzalez & Villa de Guadalupe.
Cinco Senores, have about 15 toilets, but no-one using them as toilets, in fact when we visited one after the meeting, inside it had grain & tools & I opened the back door underneath, where the poo bucket should have been, only to find about 10 hens all clucking madly & so quickly shut it up again to keep them safe for the night!
They don’t use them because they don’t function well, they have only one chamber & the collection unit is a big shallow open bucket, not ideal, as the pee & poo don’t separate & never really dry out…
We spoke with one of the men in the community & described what needed to be changed for them to function, they need to be divided into 2 chambers by placing a wall down the middle, then use one side for six months & make a hole the other side for the toilet to move to that side for the next six months, while sealing the first chamber until it dries. The pee should also be separated, & can be done by attaching a hose to the front of the toilet vessel. Holly mentioned she would see if Benigno had time to come to Cinco Senores, but would at least get a copy of the toilet manual to them in the meantime.
Juan Gonzalez they have the 2 chamber toilet & do use them. Their model does not separate the pee & poo at source, it has a separate lower tank that the pee drains into. They put sawdust, ashes & lime in the loo each time they use it. They do have flies & mozzies in the warm season.
Villa de Guadalupe
These guys have the rolls Royce of dry toilets, they have 2 chambers, pee/poo separator, & even have water collection with which to wash their hands (in hand basin attached to outside of the building).
There was a 6mth project to build & educate people in the use of these toilets which finished late last year so they are using them.
There was more discussion on what should be added to the toilet after use, many people don’t have access to sawdust, no trees nearby, some are using leaf litter, Chela said better to leave leaf litter for the trees & just use Cal or dirt.
Item 3 workshop on climate change de-brief
Saul described the workshop they had at Cedesa on the 28/29/1 for all campesinos. Several of the young people at today’s meeting had been to the workshop & have prepared a presentation for the meeting today.
The subject was protecting the environment, reforestation, not removing sand/extraction, analyzing the existing situation, preserving heritage seed, damage to rivers, reduction of fertilizers, use of organic fertilizers only, etc.
They were very well prepared & had posters to describe/illustrate the points.
Saul mentioned “if we don’t take notice of what these young people are telling us we will have issues in the future”.
Another woman in the meeting said “my father is in his 80’s & gave us his land, & told us it is soo important we continue to work it & don’t be tempted to sell it, as smaller parcels are harder to make productive”.
There was talk about prepared food versus traditional meals, beans, rice tortillas, Chela pointed out what you consume affects your whole body, artificial flavourings & colourings & sugar are not good for you, in fact they poison your body/blood.
One mother joked “I eat only healthy food & don’t get sick, not like my daughter (she pointed her out, presenting at the front of the meeting),who always gets a cold!” everyone laughed.
Chela asked everyone to sum up in points
• Plant more plants
• Retain/rescue your traditions
• Conserve seed
• Plant & maintain productive foods/fruits/medicinal foods/calabasa/trees
• Defend the earth & seeds
• Be conscientious
• Retain community/maintain community/build community
• Include the young people, they are interested & positive & want to work in the campo
Saul & Chela reiterated, we cant decide for you what will happen you your communities, you need to take responsibility for this yourselves.
Item 4 Rules of this Micro-region (Micro region 1)
During the last regional meeting it was suggested each micro-region should create their own rules.
After discussion it was decided
• Participation compulsory
• Punctuality important, if 1 hr late you will be marked absent
• Need to create an attendance list & take the role each meeting.
Chela pointed out for example Villa de Guadalupe had not attended the regional meeting or the commission to the presidencia, so what should happen?
Someone added “maybe they have justification?”
One of the Villa de Guadalupe people said they didn’t have transport to the presidencia, everyone said this was no excuse, they all have the same issue.
One of the other women from VdG said she & others are interested but the reps. they have in the consejo are not interested in Cisterns or dry toilets so they’re not that motivated, this woman asked if she could go instead, & they said, no because she was not the official rep.
Chela pointed out, it is very important for each community to ensure the best representatives are selected, that they will represent their community well & with conscience.
Spirit of service is very obvious in the youth in this area.
The meeting all decided that the priority of who gets water cisterns next should be changed, Villa de Guadalupe should forfeit one position as a consequence for non attendance at 2 events.
Priority for the cisterns is now
Juan Gonzalez/San Lorenzo, Cinco Senores, La Cienega, Villa de Guadalupe & La Tinaja
Priority for the sanitarios secos is now
La Tinaja, La Palmita, Coralejo, Cinco Senores, Juan Gonzalez & La Cienega.
Item 5 – Presidencia commission report
Saul mentioned we need to plan for the first meeting with Lucy, 4 representatives will meet with Lucy on the 16th feb at 11.30am.
There is a tentative meeting planned for the whole region to attend at Cedecom presidencia bldg. on 23rd Feb. Topics to include water, toilets, bridges & roads.
There were issues when the 20 representatives went to ask for a meeting with Lucy. Although they went entirely passively they were perceived as threatening.
There was discussion regarding govt. obligation & that water is a basic human right. Rotary has provided a large amount of funding but it is not an obligation that Rotary do this, they do it out of service.
Chela suggested people could read the constitution which is available at every papeleria
Someone asked why Chela can’t come to the meeting on the 16th with Lucy, & Chela pointed out it is not up to her, but that they are able to represent themselves & their issues & reach a solution.
There will be one more micro regional meeting in March & after that there is probably no need for both micro regional & regional meetings, as well as project community meetings.
Item 6 – Juan Gonzalez/San Lorenzo project planning meeting
The next project to begin will be in Juan Gonzalez/San Lorenzo. This project will be funded by fondo verde, & topped up by a $2k contribution from New Braumfels RC in Texas.
The project planning meeting will be at 10am on the 2nd March in Juan Gonzalez (Same day as the potential next regional meeting)
Next Micro region 1 meeting 9th March 2011 at 11am at La Tinaja at la clinica
(meeting concluded at 4pm – we were treated to the usual local banquet of tortillas beans rice, chicheron, chick peas, & then meandered our way along the river bed, weaving back n forth over huge rocks & puddles until we finally made it to the highway…)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda Urbana Water Project (part of Micro Region 2)
Record of Event
Where: Kinder in Vivienda Urbana
When: Mon 7.2.11 9am – 11.am
Who: Saul (Cedesa), Rafael Cruz (technician from Los Torres) , Laura SMA Midday RC, Steve Stevens & Jim Johnson Walla Walla RC (joint funders), Martha Donnelly (interested guest), Gary Reid (Rotary volunteer & photographer), community of Vivienda Urbana participants in water cistern project 26 adults, at least 50% men, also Humberto & Audelia from San Lorenzo Community – to participate in the training & at least 7 dogs!,
Purpose: This was day one of the pilot training session, during which all the participants of the project meet daily for 4 days to construct a cistern from start to finish, including installation of pvc piping, & preparation of roof surface… Rafael Cruz is doing the technical demonstration, with Saul assisting & explaining further.
We arrived at 9.15 & work was already fully underway, with everyone participating & learning the new skills. There were men working with a grinder to cut wire off the big mesh roll to make into hooks (ganchos) to weave the chicken wire & mesh “sandwich”…
Jim & Steve asked many questions & got the feel for the process.
Gary took many photos.
We discovered the kinder had flush toilets, but currently not functioning since there is almost never water to use to flush them. They have an underground cistern to receive the water for flushing but it was empty.
There are 38 children at the kindergarten, but since today was a national holiday the kids were at home.
Rafael made the measurements of the pvc required & gave Laura the list to order (& pay for) for delivery asap.
He will visit the community on Saturday to go house by house of the participants & assist with the measurement of pvc, & collate a list of PVC required for the bulk order (ie 24 cisterns).
We watched & learned for approx. 1.5 hrs more & then left.
We did a brief driveby tour of the other cisterns already built with the previous project in Capaderillo, then drove back to town.
This pilot will be completed on Thursday.
Order for the standard materials at Talego (hardware supplies store), was placed & 50% deposit paid on Tuesday 8th Feb.
Please see photos on the blog, under label Vivienda Urbana.
Next meeting in Vivienda Urbana planned for 10.30am Wed 23rd Feb 2011
Where: Kinder in Vivienda Urbana
When: Mon 7.2.11 9am – 11.am
Who: Saul (Cedesa), Rafael Cruz (technician from Los Torres) , Laura SMA Midday RC, Steve Stevens & Jim Johnson Walla Walla RC (joint funders), Martha Donnelly (interested guest), Gary Reid (Rotary volunteer & photographer), community of Vivienda Urbana participants in water cistern project 26 adults, at least 50% men, also Humberto & Audelia from San Lorenzo Community – to participate in the training & at least 7 dogs!,
Purpose: This was day one of the pilot training session, during which all the participants of the project meet daily for 4 days to construct a cistern from start to finish, including installation of pvc piping, & preparation of roof surface… Rafael Cruz is doing the technical demonstration, with Saul assisting & explaining further.
We arrived at 9.15 & work was already fully underway, with everyone participating & learning the new skills. There were men working with a grinder to cut wire off the big mesh roll to make into hooks (ganchos) to weave the chicken wire & mesh “sandwich”…
Jim & Steve asked many questions & got the feel for the process.
Gary took many photos.
We discovered the kinder had flush toilets, but currently not functioning since there is almost never water to use to flush them. They have an underground cistern to receive the water for flushing but it was empty.
There are 38 children at the kindergarten, but since today was a national holiday the kids were at home.
Rafael made the measurements of the pvc required & gave Laura the list to order (& pay for) for delivery asap.
He will visit the community on Saturday to go house by house of the participants & assist with the measurement of pvc, & collate a list of PVC required for the bulk order (ie 24 cisterns).
We watched & learned for approx. 1.5 hrs more & then left.
We did a brief driveby tour of the other cisterns already built with the previous project in Capaderillo, then drove back to town.
This pilot will be completed on Thursday.
Order for the standard materials at Talego (hardware supplies store), was placed & 50% deposit paid on Tuesday 8th Feb.
Please see photos on the blog, under label Vivienda Urbana.
Next meeting in Vivienda Urbana planned for 10.30am Wed 23rd Feb 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
3rd Event of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Palencia
3rd Event of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Palencia
Where: Community House in Palencia – 1hr north of Dolores Hidalgo,
When: 3rd Feb 2011 12.20 start (left SMA at 10am), meeting finished 2.40 (back in SMA5pm)
Who: Chela, Benigno – Cedesa, Laura – Rotary, 18 adults (incl 1 man) + 5 kids
Purpose:
The cisterns are all constructed, the project is essentially finished, the final inauguration requires planning.
Background.
Rotary met with this community in January 2010, after Chela had alerted us to the fact this community has the highest levels of Fluoride & arsenic than any in SMA. They had heard of the projects in SMA & petitioned us for assistance. See report 1, & 2 for more information.
Some brief facts about the community were raised in the previous meeting, included again here for ease of reference
• Approx 80 families /500 people
• Cedesa have been working with this community for 22 years
• Palencia is approx 1 hr from Cedesa in Dolores Hidalgo
• The community well was drilled 18 years ago, they have been drinking contaminated water for 18years
• There are smaller family wells that fill up when it rains, but they do not last the dry season
• There was a cacique (self appointed boss) when cedesa began work here, he is still apart from the community
• They have worked on many community projects together, including fighting for land rights, building a community centre (with funding for materials from local govt.), obtaining electricity
Item 1 – introductions all round:
A co-ordinator & record taker were nominated & unanimously elected
Agenda points were called for
• Inauguration of the cisterns project
• Closure of the water project
• Planning of continuing work with Cedesa & the Palencia community
• Diagnostics of Community needs
• Information re Campesino Climate workshop at Cedesa
• Other points
Item 2 – role called & introductions made
All attending the meeting introduced themselves, including me & Rotary.
Item 3 – general opening discussion
Chela mentioned that her & I had been talking on the way in the car about the situation with the rural communities, that they were in dire need & were barely subsisting.
She had mentioned the reasons for this were, her mum’s generation were not taught to read, & historically there was a lack of nutrition, water, education, as a result of generations of this situation, people were not motivated to change & not aware of the possibilities for change. They were not united, families are separate, & communities are not encouraged to work together. This has allowed for the situation to stay the same.
Other parts of the world, for example Brazil, “have vision, imagination & curiosity”…
Here – what future do we currently have? We need to improve our thoughts about the future & what we would like to change.
Item 4 - Report from the Climate Workshop at Cedesa
A couple from Palencia had attended the workshop on climate at Cedesa & gave a very thorough report of what they learnt there, the themes, the focus, suggested solutions to issues as well as summary important points…
It was very detailed & well reported & took around 45mins.
Some of the topics raised were:
• Seed heritage
• Genetic modification of seed & implications
• The need to save a %age of seed from each crop for the next crop
• Conservation of water, land & seed.
• 22% of Mexicans are campesinos.
• Monsanto, & compulsory seed purchase, as seeds do not replicate
• Chemical fertilizers & their negative effects on flora & fauna (incl humans)
• Maintaining a tradition of healthy food (beans, nopal, etc)
• Natural fertilizers
• Land ownership, maintain productivity by retaining larger parcels, foreign ownership
• Deforestation
• Abuse of the rivers by extraction
• Campesinos are not poor, but rich in that they have the capability to grow food to sustain themselves
• Campesinos are not 2nd class citizens they have great riches in their land & potential
• If you have food & not money you can survive, but if you have money & there is no food you can not.
• Involve youth,
• Catch water
• Defend the integrity of the seed
• Maintain your property, selling for $$ is very short sighted
• Television is a huge waste of time, should be used responsibly, can be educative but also disruptive.
• Important to teach the kids so the ‘learning” is not lost
• Video games are time wasters
• People have bad priorities, have $$ for tv, phone etc, but not to buy tools or seed or trees to make the land more productive
Chela talked a little on the topic of youth & they are the future, “you need to consider well, the future you are creating for them”.
Chela asked the audience to sum up the topics Juan & Estella had raised re the Workshop.
What were the solutions:
• Conserve our native seed
• Avoid selling your land
• Even without water you can grow nopal & maguey
• Produce food
• Teach our children
Item 5 – planning for the closure/inauguration of the project 11th Feb 2011
Necessity – clean/safe water because we have contaminated water.
Objective – what do you want to do for the closure?
Reach more people in the community with the information re the purpose of the project, so the people can see the results of the project, one of the women undertook to make sure her whole family is aware of the issues & solution.
Maybe do a workshop to involve the kids in the theme.
One cistern was constructed at the Community Salon, one at the school & 19 individual family cisterns were constructed.
A small committee was formed to create the program & invite the kids & teachers.
Program
Juan & Estella to be co-ordinators of the event
11am welcome & a few words
11.15 a panel of 3 to describe the development of the community (history)
12midday, workshop with the kids on the subject of water
12.45 reflection
1pm cultural events
2pm lunch
3pm walk to see some of the cisterns constructed
4pm closure, doubts & questions, discussion, farewell
Item 6- Diagnostico (needs analysis)
A needs analysis will be carried out by the community with assistance by Benigno…
They will do this on Tuesday 15th Feb. ie what needs do the community have & what would they like to continue working on?
On the way back to Cedesa I questioned Benigno about the process of the project, he said it had run very smoothly, this community are used to working co-operatively in groups & there were no issues there… The only issue was delivery of materials as it is a long way from Dolores Hidalgo.
The cisterns were completed without an issue. 19 family cisterns & 2 community use cisterns.
A very good result!!
Meeting finished at 2.40pm.
We drove back to cedesa to drop off Chela & Benigno & arrived back in SMA around 5pm
Where: Community House in Palencia – 1hr north of Dolores Hidalgo,
When: 3rd Feb 2011 12.20 start (left SMA at 10am), meeting finished 2.40 (back in SMA5pm)
Who: Chela, Benigno – Cedesa, Laura – Rotary, 18 adults (incl 1 man) + 5 kids
Purpose:
The cisterns are all constructed, the project is essentially finished, the final inauguration requires planning.
Background.
Rotary met with this community in January 2010, after Chela had alerted us to the fact this community has the highest levels of Fluoride & arsenic than any in SMA. They had heard of the projects in SMA & petitioned us for assistance. See report 1, & 2 for more information.
Some brief facts about the community were raised in the previous meeting, included again here for ease of reference
• Approx 80 families /500 people
• Cedesa have been working with this community for 22 years
• Palencia is approx 1 hr from Cedesa in Dolores Hidalgo
• The community well was drilled 18 years ago, they have been drinking contaminated water for 18years
• There are smaller family wells that fill up when it rains, but they do not last the dry season
• There was a cacique (self appointed boss) when cedesa began work here, he is still apart from the community
• They have worked on many community projects together, including fighting for land rights, building a community centre (with funding for materials from local govt.), obtaining electricity
Item 1 – introductions all round:
A co-ordinator & record taker were nominated & unanimously elected
Agenda points were called for
• Inauguration of the cisterns project
• Closure of the water project
• Planning of continuing work with Cedesa & the Palencia community
• Diagnostics of Community needs
• Information re Campesino Climate workshop at Cedesa
• Other points
Item 2 – role called & introductions made
All attending the meeting introduced themselves, including me & Rotary.
Item 3 – general opening discussion
Chela mentioned that her & I had been talking on the way in the car about the situation with the rural communities, that they were in dire need & were barely subsisting.
She had mentioned the reasons for this were, her mum’s generation were not taught to read, & historically there was a lack of nutrition, water, education, as a result of generations of this situation, people were not motivated to change & not aware of the possibilities for change. They were not united, families are separate, & communities are not encouraged to work together. This has allowed for the situation to stay the same.
Other parts of the world, for example Brazil, “have vision, imagination & curiosity”…
Here – what future do we currently have? We need to improve our thoughts about the future & what we would like to change.
Item 4 - Report from the Climate Workshop at Cedesa
A couple from Palencia had attended the workshop on climate at Cedesa & gave a very thorough report of what they learnt there, the themes, the focus, suggested solutions to issues as well as summary important points…
It was very detailed & well reported & took around 45mins.
Some of the topics raised were:
• Seed heritage
• Genetic modification of seed & implications
• The need to save a %age of seed from each crop for the next crop
• Conservation of water, land & seed.
• 22% of Mexicans are campesinos.
• Monsanto, & compulsory seed purchase, as seeds do not replicate
• Chemical fertilizers & their negative effects on flora & fauna (incl humans)
• Maintaining a tradition of healthy food (beans, nopal, etc)
• Natural fertilizers
• Land ownership, maintain productivity by retaining larger parcels, foreign ownership
• Deforestation
• Abuse of the rivers by extraction
• Campesinos are not poor, but rich in that they have the capability to grow food to sustain themselves
• Campesinos are not 2nd class citizens they have great riches in their land & potential
• If you have food & not money you can survive, but if you have money & there is no food you can not.
• Involve youth,
• Catch water
• Defend the integrity of the seed
• Maintain your property, selling for $$ is very short sighted
• Television is a huge waste of time, should be used responsibly, can be educative but also disruptive.
• Important to teach the kids so the ‘learning” is not lost
• Video games are time wasters
• People have bad priorities, have $$ for tv, phone etc, but not to buy tools or seed or trees to make the land more productive
Chela talked a little on the topic of youth & they are the future, “you need to consider well, the future you are creating for them”.
Chela asked the audience to sum up the topics Juan & Estella had raised re the Workshop.
What were the solutions:
• Conserve our native seed
• Avoid selling your land
• Even without water you can grow nopal & maguey
• Produce food
• Teach our children
Item 5 – planning for the closure/inauguration of the project 11th Feb 2011
Necessity – clean/safe water because we have contaminated water.
Objective – what do you want to do for the closure?
Reach more people in the community with the information re the purpose of the project, so the people can see the results of the project, one of the women undertook to make sure her whole family is aware of the issues & solution.
Maybe do a workshop to involve the kids in the theme.
One cistern was constructed at the Community Salon, one at the school & 19 individual family cisterns were constructed.
A small committee was formed to create the program & invite the kids & teachers.
Program
Juan & Estella to be co-ordinators of the event
11am welcome & a few words
11.15 a panel of 3 to describe the development of the community (history)
12midday, workshop with the kids on the subject of water
12.45 reflection
1pm cultural events
2pm lunch
3pm walk to see some of the cisterns constructed
4pm closure, doubts & questions, discussion, farewell
Item 6- Diagnostico (needs analysis)
A needs analysis will be carried out by the community with assistance by Benigno…
They will do this on Tuesday 15th Feb. ie what needs do the community have & what would they like to continue working on?
On the way back to Cedesa I questioned Benigno about the process of the project, he said it had run very smoothly, this community are used to working co-operatively in groups & there were no issues there… The only issue was delivery of materials as it is a long way from Dolores Hidalgo.
The cisterns were completed without an issue. 19 family cisterns & 2 community use cisterns.
A very good result!!
Meeting finished at 2.40pm.
We drove back to cedesa to drop off Chela & Benigno & arrived back in SMA around 5pm
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
4th Regional Mtg of the Communities requesting assistance with water / 1st as a Consejo.
Where: Presita Santa Rosa primary school grounds
When: 2.2.11
Who: Communities represented: La Cienega (3), Juan Gonzalez (4), La Palmita (5), Vivienda de Arriba (3), Cinco Senores (3), Capaderillo (4), Los Torres (5), Tierra Blanca (9), Vivienda Urbana (2), Guerrero (2), La tinaja (4), San Lorenzo (2), Montecillo de Nieto (late 5), Presita Santa Rosa (4), Cruz del Palmar (? Late), San Isidro (0), La Aurora (3 late – flat tyre), villa de Guadalupe (0), Bandita – 1st visit (2), (more than 62 adults including 13 men.
Chela, Saul, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui,- Cedesa, Laura – Rotary,
Purpose: To continue work on resolving the water & other issues with these communities
We arrived at 12pm as planned, but the Delegado of Presita Santa Rosa – Jose Luz - didn’t have a meeting placed arranged, he had forgotten to ask for the keys & the person with the keys was not there.
We talked for a while about possible other venues, but no houses big enough, & then asked the maestro at the school if we could use their grounds, the children graciously gave up their chairs for a number of the assembly, the rest of us sat on the ground, under a large tree. It was difficult to hear.
Consequently the meeting did not start until 12.20.
Chela “it is a bit of a problem that you didn’t organize a place to receive us, it is important to have a space to meet, so we’re not wasting time looking for somewhere when we arrive. You invited us, you should have organized – everyone understand & agree?” “si”
This meeting is of the wider region, combining all the micro regions.
Chela began with introductions all round (ie each community representative stated their name & the number of people with them, & then those people stated their names.
There was a proposal for a co-ordinator – Roberto from Presita, & secretary intitally Ana from Vivienda was chosen but she declined saying she co-ordinated the previous regional meeting & therefore someone else should have a turn. Audelia from San Lorenzo was voted Secretary for the meeting.
Saul prompted Roberto to call for points for the agenda for today.
Roberto introduced himself & called for all to raise their hands with points, & raise their hands to speak. He asked them to raise the issues re the communities’ necessities.
There was a pause (mostly probably because it was difficult to hear outside but also some were timid to be first)
Chela “we’re here for a particular purpose, to deal with issues you raise, so it is important you speak your issues or doubts”
These issues were then raised
• Water
• Sanitarios (toilets)
• Gardens (nurseries for germinating plants) (Guerrero raised this point)
• Contamination of water
• Health
• Suggestion – every community could state their primary needs & we could decide what to talk about.
• Each community representative should have the opportunity to say what their objectives for attending the meeting are.
Saul – Is everyone clear about what the “Consejo” (citizen’s board) is?
Chela asked all the representatives of the Consejo to raise their hands, there were 26 reps.
There were some communities who are not yet part of the consejo but were representative.
Roberto “we have different people representing at each meeting so it is difficult to have consistency, & often people do not really know what is going on, it is important that the same people come each time & report back”
Jesus –“that’s true because this is a new process, new for you, new for us, & it is up to you to form the process & rules, & form of work that will take place, not Cedesa or Rotary, but you – the communities.”
Chela “ you need to decide what you are building as you are the owners of this process, this process will stem from your ideas”.
Responses
“for me it’s a group of citizens working together to determine the needs of each, & how we can resolve these necessities, find the resources & work together on the solutions – only my opinion & my suggestion, but it involves the participation of all”
“When I explained the Consejo to my community I said it was a group of people working together to decide on necessities, & make decisions in total by community assembly & resolve things together”
“I’m not part of the Consejo but of the community, I think it’s in meetings in different parts of the region”
“the consejo is for you because you are the consejo”
“we talk about this & that, & decide things about this & that, this is what I understand”
“we meet in each community & talk about the issues to bring to the consejo as a region”
“we are here because we would like dry toilets” Chela pointed out we are talking about what a consejo is, not raising the issues at the moment. “a consejo is to assist the communities” “to work on solutions for toilets, water, roads etc”
Chela – that’s great – we could talk more on this but since we have a short time today that will work as a summary.
There are essentially 26 representatives of the consejo here, & the rest are here to support the consejo.
Chela asked – is it a group or the total community you are representing?
Majority were representing a group, ie they had met as a group & elected their rep. as opposed to managing to organize an entire community meeting.
She suggested next time we could get more specific & see exactly who were representing groups & who were representing communities, & how each were elected.
The name of the consejo contains the word Agua (water) but essentially all the representatives are representing all the issues for their communities (groups).
(Montecillo de Nieto & CdPalmar arrived at this point, they had been at opportunities program)
It is very important to recognize that the people in this consejo are taking the time to volunteer to work on this, many would say no, we’re too busy, this is not my job etc, but this is very important & you are demonstrating a spirit of service.
Chela – it is for the service of the community without pay or reward, except of the heart.
Roberto asked – any more discussion? “no” then let’s get on with the agenda.
Chela described what had taken place at the Micro regional meetings
That they all voted the priority of the communities in their region.
Micro region 1 had voted Juan Gonzalez & San Lorenzo to be the next recipients of any available resources for materials for cisterns.
Micro region 2 had voted for Vivienda Urbana, & in fact that project has begun (it is being funded by Tallahassee Rotary club & district & Walla Walla Washington RC). 25 cisterns in total.
Villa de Guadalupe has been voted 2nd on the list in Micro region 1, but they are not here today, people need to be motivated & live up to their commitments to attend meetings, even if resources take time to procure.
“we need to talk to Sapasma about our faulty wells” (at least 3 of the community have issues with their wells) (Los Torres, Villa de Guadalupe & Coralejo)
We will need to visit Sapasma as a group & convey the issues.
Holly & I left the meeting at this point, we had urgent appt. back in SMA.
Subsequently it was decided a delegation would go to Presidencia to ask for an appointment to discuss the issues (they will go on Monday).
Next meeting will depend on the time given for the appointment with the Presidencia, it will be a week before in order to plan the presentation.
Next Micro regional meeting Micro region 1 9th Feb 1pm. At Cinco Senores.
When: 2.2.11
Who: Communities represented: La Cienega (3), Juan Gonzalez (4), La Palmita (5), Vivienda de Arriba (3), Cinco Senores (3), Capaderillo (4), Los Torres (5), Tierra Blanca (9), Vivienda Urbana (2), Guerrero (2), La tinaja (4), San Lorenzo (2), Montecillo de Nieto (late 5), Presita Santa Rosa (4), Cruz del Palmar (? Late), San Isidro (0), La Aurora (3 late – flat tyre), villa de Guadalupe (0), Bandita – 1st visit (2), (more than 62 adults including 13 men.
Chela, Saul, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui,- Cedesa, Laura – Rotary,
Purpose: To continue work on resolving the water & other issues with these communities
We arrived at 12pm as planned, but the Delegado of Presita Santa Rosa – Jose Luz - didn’t have a meeting placed arranged, he had forgotten to ask for the keys & the person with the keys was not there.
We talked for a while about possible other venues, but no houses big enough, & then asked the maestro at the school if we could use their grounds, the children graciously gave up their chairs for a number of the assembly, the rest of us sat on the ground, under a large tree. It was difficult to hear.
Consequently the meeting did not start until 12.20.
Chela “it is a bit of a problem that you didn’t organize a place to receive us, it is important to have a space to meet, so we’re not wasting time looking for somewhere when we arrive. You invited us, you should have organized – everyone understand & agree?” “si”
This meeting is of the wider region, combining all the micro regions.
Chela began with introductions all round (ie each community representative stated their name & the number of people with them, & then those people stated their names.
There was a proposal for a co-ordinator – Roberto from Presita, & secretary intitally Ana from Vivienda was chosen but she declined saying she co-ordinated the previous regional meeting & therefore someone else should have a turn. Audelia from San Lorenzo was voted Secretary for the meeting.
Saul prompted Roberto to call for points for the agenda for today.
Roberto introduced himself & called for all to raise their hands with points, & raise their hands to speak. He asked them to raise the issues re the communities’ necessities.
There was a pause (mostly probably because it was difficult to hear outside but also some were timid to be first)
Chela “we’re here for a particular purpose, to deal with issues you raise, so it is important you speak your issues or doubts”
These issues were then raised
• Water
• Sanitarios (toilets)
• Gardens (nurseries for germinating plants) (Guerrero raised this point)
• Contamination of water
• Health
• Suggestion – every community could state their primary needs & we could decide what to talk about.
• Each community representative should have the opportunity to say what their objectives for attending the meeting are.
Saul – Is everyone clear about what the “Consejo” (citizen’s board) is?
Chela asked all the representatives of the Consejo to raise their hands, there were 26 reps.
There were some communities who are not yet part of the consejo but were representative.
Roberto “we have different people representing at each meeting so it is difficult to have consistency, & often people do not really know what is going on, it is important that the same people come each time & report back”
Jesus –“that’s true because this is a new process, new for you, new for us, & it is up to you to form the process & rules, & form of work that will take place, not Cedesa or Rotary, but you – the communities.”
Chela “ you need to decide what you are building as you are the owners of this process, this process will stem from your ideas”.
Responses
“for me it’s a group of citizens working together to determine the needs of each, & how we can resolve these necessities, find the resources & work together on the solutions – only my opinion & my suggestion, but it involves the participation of all”
“When I explained the Consejo to my community I said it was a group of people working together to decide on necessities, & make decisions in total by community assembly & resolve things together”
“I’m not part of the Consejo but of the community, I think it’s in meetings in different parts of the region”
“the consejo is for you because you are the consejo”
“we talk about this & that, & decide things about this & that, this is what I understand”
“we meet in each community & talk about the issues to bring to the consejo as a region”
“we are here because we would like dry toilets” Chela pointed out we are talking about what a consejo is, not raising the issues at the moment. “a consejo is to assist the communities” “to work on solutions for toilets, water, roads etc”
Chela – that’s great – we could talk more on this but since we have a short time today that will work as a summary.
There are essentially 26 representatives of the consejo here, & the rest are here to support the consejo.
Chela asked – is it a group or the total community you are representing?
Majority were representing a group, ie they had met as a group & elected their rep. as opposed to managing to organize an entire community meeting.
She suggested next time we could get more specific & see exactly who were representing groups & who were representing communities, & how each were elected.
The name of the consejo contains the word Agua (water) but essentially all the representatives are representing all the issues for their communities (groups).
(Montecillo de Nieto & CdPalmar arrived at this point, they had been at opportunities program)
It is very important to recognize that the people in this consejo are taking the time to volunteer to work on this, many would say no, we’re too busy, this is not my job etc, but this is very important & you are demonstrating a spirit of service.
Chela – it is for the service of the community without pay or reward, except of the heart.
Roberto asked – any more discussion? “no” then let’s get on with the agenda.
Chela described what had taken place at the Micro regional meetings
That they all voted the priority of the communities in their region.
Micro region 1 had voted Juan Gonzalez & San Lorenzo to be the next recipients of any available resources for materials for cisterns.
Micro region 2 had voted for Vivienda Urbana, & in fact that project has begun (it is being funded by Tallahassee Rotary club & district & Walla Walla Washington RC). 25 cisterns in total.
Villa de Guadalupe has been voted 2nd on the list in Micro region 1, but they are not here today, people need to be motivated & live up to their commitments to attend meetings, even if resources take time to procure.
“we need to talk to Sapasma about our faulty wells” (at least 3 of the community have issues with their wells) (Los Torres, Villa de Guadalupe & Coralejo)
We will need to visit Sapasma as a group & convey the issues.
Holly & I left the meeting at this point, we had urgent appt. back in SMA.
Subsequently it was decided a delegation would go to Presidencia to ask for an appointment to discuss the issues (they will go on Monday).
Next meeting will depend on the time given for the appointment with the Presidencia, it will be a week before in order to plan the presentation.
Next Micro regional meeting Micro region 1 9th Feb 1pm. At Cinco Senores.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
1st Micro-Region 3 Mtg of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Record of Event:
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (Church yard)
When: 26.1.11 12.20-3.40pm + meal time afterwards
Who: Communities represented:
Vivienda de Arriba, San Isidro Capadero, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar,
Holly, Chela, Saul, – Cedesa, Laura Midday Rotary,
21 adults attending, including 5 men & 3 kids
Purpose: To meet as a micro region & to decide who would receive priority of next available resources for this region re water cisterns, & discuss other issues common to all communities.
It was discovered that Los Torres & Tierra Blanca were not present & this was because they were not advised of the meeting time. There was miscommunication as to who was to advise them.
As a result of these 2 communities not being present we were unable to continue with the intended purpose of the meeting, ie to vote on the priority of the next community to receive resources. A general discussion was had instead.
The general discussion covered many topics, including responsibility for remembering when the meetings were, how many communities were on the Consejo (citizens water council we have recently formed), San Isidro is not a member of the consejo yet.
(Subsequent to this meeting Jesus Rico from San Isidro attempted to organize support for this project in his community & was unable to, so reluctantly pulled out of the group – it should be noted that we had not met in this community & so, although Jesus Ricos was convinced of the benefits he was unsuccessful in his attempt to mobilise his community).
The Consejo & it’s purpose was discussed
It was formed in December 2010.
Has approx. 15 communities joined. La Palmita & Coralejo are still to join, as are La Aurora.
The next Regional meeting on the 2.2.11 at Presita Santa Rosa at 12pm, was reiterated.
Chela reminded the attendees that each representative at the micro regional & regional meetings was tasked with keeping a record of attendance & decisions/actions decided, & they were responsible for reporting back to their communities.
Funding sources/resource sources were discussed re:
1. Cisterns – Rotary (a huge round of applause!!) & Fondo Verde.
Chela explained that their presence at the meetings, along with the reports & photos documenting their motivation to resolve their own issues, has enabled the success of finding funds for these projects. It provided proof of concept as well as proof of need for the funders & is important to continue to attend even if it seems there is no funding imminent.
Another project is soon to be funded by Fondo Verde, & there has been a commitment to continue to support these projects with the funding they have available.
2. Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets) – we don’t currently have a source of funding for this. We need to work on this as a group. For example, Montecillo de Nieto & Vivienda de Arriba both have cisterns (thanks to Rotary funding & their hard efforts!), & they are here to find a way to fund the building of dry toilets now.
Cruz del Palmar, Los torres, Tierra Blanca & San Isidro all need water…
Chela gave an update of what had occurred at the previous micro regional meetings,
The priority for the recipients of future resources for cisterns was established with a vote, based on need & deservedness (ie attendance at meetings & length of time on the list).
In Micro region 1 – La Cienega, Villa de Guadalupe, Juan Gonzalez, 5 senores, San Lorenzo (+ La Palmita & Coralejo pending), they had voted that Juan Gonzalez & San Lorenzo were to receive the next resources available (in this case $150k pesos from Fondo Verde).
In Micro region 2 – Guerrero, Capaderillo, Presita Santa Rosa, Vivienda Urbana, (La Aurora & Don Juan? Pending) they voted Vivienda Urbana was to receive the funding available from Tallahassee RC & Walla Walla RC.
Chela continued to run the meeting with Ana (from VdA) responding & taking notes.
This is more or less how we have begun grouping the communities to begin to organize as a whole.
Micro region 3 is near the arroyo de San Damien, which is a tributary of the Rio Laja.
There was discussion as to what to name this region, (ie not just micro region 3, but a more relevant name re the geography or location perhaps).
There was discussion about what was unique to this area, apparently they have a type of mushroom here that is not found elsewhere, no-one knew what they were called except maybe burro mushrooms as they grew in the shape of burro poo! Hongo – wild mushroom.
Chela put the question who were the native/indigenous of this area? They thought Otomi, one man said he understood the language of Otomi & knew a few words, his grandmother had taught him, he told us a few & eventually agreed to sing us a song he knew in Otomi, he was embarrassed but sang it well & all laughed & enjoyed it, it sounded like Navajo songs we had heard.
Someone mentioned that in San Luis de La Paz (a neighbouring municipality) there is a national council of indigenous peoples. Areas of native people are called congregations (not the religious sense).
Funding is available for people able to prove their indigenous roots, for example they do needs analysis in communities & will provide funding proportionate to the %age of indigenous in a community.
Cruz del Palmar is one seat of the indigenous council.
Indigenous blood was discussed & the importance of knowing your roots, most did not seem to know their indigenous roots. The indigenous have been stepped on & discriminated against for centuries, so many people have shed that identity, but it involves dignity & the pride of knowing who you are. There was a brief discussion about the national indigenous movement. The indigenous have rights, they are the original people of this country.
Holly asked if the people knew the original names of the rivers & trees of the region. These words contain deep pride, history & dignity, the people were tasked with finding this out, discovering who still speaks Otomi, the language has almost died out.
The old man told us some words he knew the-ee (water), Do-oye(guttural on the oye) – mescal…
Chela asked him to write them down, he said he had no idea how to write the sounds, Saul suggested they video it…
We have lost the specific roots & are now all campesinas, one woman was talking about a non-official councill who were offering classes in continuing the language & culture.
Chela – the indigenous are really the abandoned, but they have many people in this region, it is your own heritage & the future of your identity… Maybe there are resources that can be accessed through these indigenous roots too, to strengthen your identity.
Saul talked about an assembly of indigenous 30+ communities attend for days, & everyone has their say, they walk as many as 8 hrs to get there, they are very organized, we are only 5 or 6 communities, they are to be admired.
Holly explained that many of these indigenous communities are self sustaining & semi autonomous, they depend on their own production etc.
Chela asked “what do you know of the word autonomy?” “not depending on anyone for anything”.
Dignity & autonomy are the 2 principals the indigenous are fighting for. Respect for their rights, culture & identity. Making their own decisions, taking/making their own actions.
We are talking today about your own organization, you taking your own decisions, & resolving your own issues.
Plan, analyse your own needs, change things to work for you.
We are unable to work on the cistern priority as planned because Los Torres & Tierra Blanca are not present.
Another reason to organize is to make sure you don’t sell your land, as it is tempting to take the $$ but is very shortsighted for the future of your family & ultimately your community.
Saul mentioned another reason for organizing is to ensure there are no environmental hazards allowed in your community, like sewage, fertilizer, etc if you are organized you can ensure the best for your community.
Chela asked one woman about her indigenous blood, she replied she wasn’t sure if she had any (indigenous that is), but that she still believed in making sure the community is retained.
Next Micro region 3 meeting Tierra Blanca 23.2.11 1pm
Next Project/Community meeting Vivienda Urbana 26.1.11 10.30am
Next regional meeting Presita de Santa Rosa 12pm 2/2/11
Next micro region 2 meeting (3rd Wednesday) 16/2/11 Capaderilo 1pm
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
We were treated to another wonderful “bucket banquet” with blue tortillas, red rice, chicheron, beans, tostadas & more…ahhhh…
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (Church yard)
When: 26.1.11 12.20-3.40pm + meal time afterwards
Who: Communities represented:
Vivienda de Arriba, San Isidro Capadero, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar,
Holly, Chela, Saul, – Cedesa, Laura Midday Rotary,
21 adults attending, including 5 men & 3 kids
Purpose: To meet as a micro region & to decide who would receive priority of next available resources for this region re water cisterns, & discuss other issues common to all communities.
It was discovered that Los Torres & Tierra Blanca were not present & this was because they were not advised of the meeting time. There was miscommunication as to who was to advise them.
As a result of these 2 communities not being present we were unable to continue with the intended purpose of the meeting, ie to vote on the priority of the next community to receive resources. A general discussion was had instead.
The general discussion covered many topics, including responsibility for remembering when the meetings were, how many communities were on the Consejo (citizens water council we have recently formed), San Isidro is not a member of the consejo yet.
(Subsequent to this meeting Jesus Rico from San Isidro attempted to organize support for this project in his community & was unable to, so reluctantly pulled out of the group – it should be noted that we had not met in this community & so, although Jesus Ricos was convinced of the benefits he was unsuccessful in his attempt to mobilise his community).
The Consejo & it’s purpose was discussed
It was formed in December 2010.
Has approx. 15 communities joined. La Palmita & Coralejo are still to join, as are La Aurora.
The next Regional meeting on the 2.2.11 at Presita Santa Rosa at 12pm, was reiterated.
Chela reminded the attendees that each representative at the micro regional & regional meetings was tasked with keeping a record of attendance & decisions/actions decided, & they were responsible for reporting back to their communities.
Funding sources/resource sources were discussed re:
1. Cisterns – Rotary (a huge round of applause!!) & Fondo Verde.
Chela explained that their presence at the meetings, along with the reports & photos documenting their motivation to resolve their own issues, has enabled the success of finding funds for these projects. It provided proof of concept as well as proof of need for the funders & is important to continue to attend even if it seems there is no funding imminent.
Another project is soon to be funded by Fondo Verde, & there has been a commitment to continue to support these projects with the funding they have available.
2. Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets) – we don’t currently have a source of funding for this. We need to work on this as a group. For example, Montecillo de Nieto & Vivienda de Arriba both have cisterns (thanks to Rotary funding & their hard efforts!), & they are here to find a way to fund the building of dry toilets now.
Cruz del Palmar, Los torres, Tierra Blanca & San Isidro all need water…
Chela gave an update of what had occurred at the previous micro regional meetings,
The priority for the recipients of future resources for cisterns was established with a vote, based on need & deservedness (ie attendance at meetings & length of time on the list).
In Micro region 1 – La Cienega, Villa de Guadalupe, Juan Gonzalez, 5 senores, San Lorenzo (+ La Palmita & Coralejo pending), they had voted that Juan Gonzalez & San Lorenzo were to receive the next resources available (in this case $150k pesos from Fondo Verde).
In Micro region 2 – Guerrero, Capaderillo, Presita Santa Rosa, Vivienda Urbana, (La Aurora & Don Juan? Pending) they voted Vivienda Urbana was to receive the funding available from Tallahassee RC & Walla Walla RC.
Chela continued to run the meeting with Ana (from VdA) responding & taking notes.
This is more or less how we have begun grouping the communities to begin to organize as a whole.
Micro region 3 is near the arroyo de San Damien, which is a tributary of the Rio Laja.
There was discussion as to what to name this region, (ie not just micro region 3, but a more relevant name re the geography or location perhaps).
There was discussion about what was unique to this area, apparently they have a type of mushroom here that is not found elsewhere, no-one knew what they were called except maybe burro mushrooms as they grew in the shape of burro poo! Hongo – wild mushroom.
Chela put the question who were the native/indigenous of this area? They thought Otomi, one man said he understood the language of Otomi & knew a few words, his grandmother had taught him, he told us a few & eventually agreed to sing us a song he knew in Otomi, he was embarrassed but sang it well & all laughed & enjoyed it, it sounded like Navajo songs we had heard.
Someone mentioned that in San Luis de La Paz (a neighbouring municipality) there is a national council of indigenous peoples. Areas of native people are called congregations (not the religious sense).
Funding is available for people able to prove their indigenous roots, for example they do needs analysis in communities & will provide funding proportionate to the %age of indigenous in a community.
Cruz del Palmar is one seat of the indigenous council.
Indigenous blood was discussed & the importance of knowing your roots, most did not seem to know their indigenous roots. The indigenous have been stepped on & discriminated against for centuries, so many people have shed that identity, but it involves dignity & the pride of knowing who you are. There was a brief discussion about the national indigenous movement. The indigenous have rights, they are the original people of this country.
Holly asked if the people knew the original names of the rivers & trees of the region. These words contain deep pride, history & dignity, the people were tasked with finding this out, discovering who still speaks Otomi, the language has almost died out.
The old man told us some words he knew the-ee (water), Do-oye(guttural on the oye) – mescal…
Chela asked him to write them down, he said he had no idea how to write the sounds, Saul suggested they video it…
We have lost the specific roots & are now all campesinas, one woman was talking about a non-official councill who were offering classes in continuing the language & culture.
Chela – the indigenous are really the abandoned, but they have many people in this region, it is your own heritage & the future of your identity… Maybe there are resources that can be accessed through these indigenous roots too, to strengthen your identity.
Saul talked about an assembly of indigenous 30+ communities attend for days, & everyone has their say, they walk as many as 8 hrs to get there, they are very organized, we are only 5 or 6 communities, they are to be admired.
Holly explained that many of these indigenous communities are self sustaining & semi autonomous, they depend on their own production etc.
Chela asked “what do you know of the word autonomy?” “not depending on anyone for anything”.
Dignity & autonomy are the 2 principals the indigenous are fighting for. Respect for their rights, culture & identity. Making their own decisions, taking/making their own actions.
We are talking today about your own organization, you taking your own decisions, & resolving your own issues.
Plan, analyse your own needs, change things to work for you.
We are unable to work on the cistern priority as planned because Los Torres & Tierra Blanca are not present.
Another reason to organize is to make sure you don’t sell your land, as it is tempting to take the $$ but is very shortsighted for the future of your family & ultimately your community.
Saul mentioned another reason for organizing is to ensure there are no environmental hazards allowed in your community, like sewage, fertilizer, etc if you are organized you can ensure the best for your community.
Chela asked one woman about her indigenous blood, she replied she wasn’t sure if she had any (indigenous that is), but that she still believed in making sure the community is retained.
Next Micro region 3 meeting Tierra Blanca 23.2.11 1pm
Next Project/Community meeting Vivienda Urbana 26.1.11 10.30am
Next regional meeting Presita de Santa Rosa 12pm 2/2/11
Next micro region 2 meeting (3rd Wednesday) 16/2/11 Capaderilo 1pm
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
We were treated to another wonderful “bucket banquet” with blue tortillas, red rice, chicheron, beans, tostadas & more…ahhhh…
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Urbana Water Project (part of Micro Region 2)
Where: private house Vivienda de Urbana
When: Wed 26.1.11 10.30 am – 1pm
Who: Saul & Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), community of Vivienda de Urbana participants in water cistern project 26 adults incl 2 men, + 9 kids & 4 dogs!,
Purpose: The first planning meeting re the implementation of the Project for 25 cisterns (1 pilot + 24 family cisterns) funded by Tallahasee RC & District simplified grant, + Walla Walla + San Miguel Midday)
Item 1. Introductions all round, each person introduced themselves – including Holly, Saul & Laura & their respective organisations.
Saul led the meeting initially to explain that people who had attended previous meetings were probably aware of the standard format of a community assembly, ie to first select a co-ordinator & secretary (to take notes/record decisions), & then to create an agenda of talking/discussion points for the meeting.
He reiterated that everyone’s voice deserved to be heard so if you wish to speak, please raise your hand & the co-ordinator will “give you the word”.
Irene was proposed & voted on as Co-ordinator, & Dona Luisa was proposed & voted secretary.
The points for the agenda were suggested as follows:
• Total number of cisterns v list of people interested in participating
• List of the names of the people to receive them.
• Where the pilot will be (ie training session, & first cistern built)
• When the pilot will begin, & when the family cisterns will begin
• Work groups, names/qty, rules for participation/leaders
• Time to complete
• Visiting Rotarians from Walla Walla arrive in SMA 18th Feb
• Technician is Rafael Cruz from Los Torres (Saul has been in contact with him already)
• Issues with Materials & deliveries & how to resolve
• Co-ordinator of the project for this community
We have sufficient funding ($17k) for 24 family cisterns & 1 pilot cistern.
There are 26 people attending & 26 people on the list so we need to rationalize & we asked if there were some families that were close & small & therefore able to combine/share.
One woman asked why small families were no longer eligible, citing families of only 3 people in Capaderillo phase I who received cisterns… Saul responded that we have a large waiting list (360) & lack of resources & the fact that we need to be able to share & assist as many people as possible.
One of the women attending was representing her daughter & grand-daughter, they already have 14 in their family & were part of the first phase at Capaderillo so have one cistern, but it is stretching capacity with size of family, she was asking for another cistern.
After much discussion & debate as to who would receive cisterns & who would not, a list of names was put on the whiteboard, along with the size of the family. It was decided that the daughter (mentioned above) & one other young family would receive tinacos (plastic tanks) & that left 24 on the list.
Laura raised the point that we are not able to renovate people’s roofs, & asked if everyone’s roof was suitable for collecting water, they all said yes.
Pilot location
There are 2 potential pilot locations, 1 the kinder with 35 kids, & 2. The secondaria with 100+ kids
There was much debate, it made sense to be able to help more children, but also the younger children are at the greatest risk re fluoride & formation of teeth.
In the end a vote was held & it was decided to construct the pilot cistern at the Kinder.
When to begin the pilot – several options were discussed, & then eliminated for the most popular on the 7th Feb. The hours were decided as 9-4pm or “as long as the body lasts” as one woman put it!
Saul mentioned the kinder maestra needed to be advised the pilot was taking place.
He also mentioned that only natural drink & food was wanted, ie no cokes & made a “serious” joke of this… This was to reiterate the message that the communities are drinking & eating too much junk & need to be taking better care of the health of themselves & their kids.
A list of tools needed was created:
Shovels, a grinder for making the little metal hooks out of rebar, wheelbarrows, big buckets, ladder to get on the kinder roof, sieve for sifting the sand & rocks, wire cutters…
Work groups – 26 participants, so 2 groups of 7 & 2 groups of 6. (L = leader) (AB= abanile)
Group 1
Ana Maria (L), Alejandra (AB), Edith (L), Cristina (AB), Benita (AB) Ma Catalina (AB), Amalia (rotoplas)
Group 2
Francisca, Maria Luisa (Grande), Maria Salud (L) (AB), Ma Luisa (menor) (L) (AB), Petra (AB), Lorena (rotoplas), Luisa Luna
Group 3
Isidra, Silvia (L) (AB), Fabiola, Jacqueline (AB), Eusebia, Irene (L),
Group 4
Concepcion (L), Soledad, Juana, Nosaria, Ma Refugio (AB), Erica (L) (AB),
The need for abaniles was discussed, essentially each group should ideally have 2 abaniles (experienced masons), the majority of the work does not require skills but the finishing touches, ie application of the concrete/plaster does. If there are not sufficient in the group they may have to look at contributing to pay someone for their time. They were tasked with finding abaniles within their groups, brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers…
Saul advised the community also needs to appoint a co-ordinator, kind of over-seer go-to person for the whole community, this was discussed & debated & Ma Salud was appointed with Maria Luisa (menor) her standin.
Q&A (dudas & preguntas)
The mother of Amalia (to be the recipient of rotoplas) asked what Amalia will need to contribute, Holly advised this is something that her group needs to decide, since they are all working in a group.
Amalia definitely needs to attend meetings to be part of the planning process.
Holly suggested all groups meet & define their guidelines/rules for their group, re participation, who’s bringing food etc.
The assembly was also advised there is a limit of the $$ apportioned to each family for the PVC piping part of the project. The cisterns can be located wherever works & wherever the families choose, but they need to bear in mind the cost of the piping from the roof to the cistern. Limit will be $500pesos per family, but if families wish to move them further they can pay the difference in tubing costs.
The next planning meeting for Vivienda de Urbana will be 23.2.11 @ 10.30am – same house
The next regional meeting is 2/2/11 @ 12pm at Presita de Santa Rosa
(we headed off to the next meeting, micro region 3 in Vivienda de Arriba)
When: Wed 26.1.11 10.30 am – 1pm
Who: Saul & Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), community of Vivienda de Urbana participants in water cistern project 26 adults incl 2 men, + 9 kids & 4 dogs!,
Purpose: The first planning meeting re the implementation of the Project for 25 cisterns (1 pilot + 24 family cisterns) funded by Tallahasee RC & District simplified grant, + Walla Walla + San Miguel Midday)
Item 1. Introductions all round, each person introduced themselves – including Holly, Saul & Laura & their respective organisations.
Saul led the meeting initially to explain that people who had attended previous meetings were probably aware of the standard format of a community assembly, ie to first select a co-ordinator & secretary (to take notes/record decisions), & then to create an agenda of talking/discussion points for the meeting.
He reiterated that everyone’s voice deserved to be heard so if you wish to speak, please raise your hand & the co-ordinator will “give you the word”.
Irene was proposed & voted on as Co-ordinator, & Dona Luisa was proposed & voted secretary.
The points for the agenda were suggested as follows:
• Total number of cisterns v list of people interested in participating
• List of the names of the people to receive them.
• Where the pilot will be (ie training session, & first cistern built)
• When the pilot will begin, & when the family cisterns will begin
• Work groups, names/qty, rules for participation/leaders
• Time to complete
• Visiting Rotarians from Walla Walla arrive in SMA 18th Feb
• Technician is Rafael Cruz from Los Torres (Saul has been in contact with him already)
• Issues with Materials & deliveries & how to resolve
• Co-ordinator of the project for this community
We have sufficient funding ($17k) for 24 family cisterns & 1 pilot cistern.
There are 26 people attending & 26 people on the list so we need to rationalize & we asked if there were some families that were close & small & therefore able to combine/share.
One woman asked why small families were no longer eligible, citing families of only 3 people in Capaderillo phase I who received cisterns… Saul responded that we have a large waiting list (360) & lack of resources & the fact that we need to be able to share & assist as many people as possible.
One of the women attending was representing her daughter & grand-daughter, they already have 14 in their family & were part of the first phase at Capaderillo so have one cistern, but it is stretching capacity with size of family, she was asking for another cistern.
After much discussion & debate as to who would receive cisterns & who would not, a list of names was put on the whiteboard, along with the size of the family. It was decided that the daughter (mentioned above) & one other young family would receive tinacos (plastic tanks) & that left 24 on the list.
Laura raised the point that we are not able to renovate people’s roofs, & asked if everyone’s roof was suitable for collecting water, they all said yes.
Pilot location
There are 2 potential pilot locations, 1 the kinder with 35 kids, & 2. The secondaria with 100+ kids
There was much debate, it made sense to be able to help more children, but also the younger children are at the greatest risk re fluoride & formation of teeth.
In the end a vote was held & it was decided to construct the pilot cistern at the Kinder.
When to begin the pilot – several options were discussed, & then eliminated for the most popular on the 7th Feb. The hours were decided as 9-4pm or “as long as the body lasts” as one woman put it!
Saul mentioned the kinder maestra needed to be advised the pilot was taking place.
He also mentioned that only natural drink & food was wanted, ie no cokes & made a “serious” joke of this… This was to reiterate the message that the communities are drinking & eating too much junk & need to be taking better care of the health of themselves & their kids.
A list of tools needed was created:
Shovels, a grinder for making the little metal hooks out of rebar, wheelbarrows, big buckets, ladder to get on the kinder roof, sieve for sifting the sand & rocks, wire cutters…
Work groups – 26 participants, so 2 groups of 7 & 2 groups of 6. (L = leader) (AB= abanile)
Group 1
Ana Maria (L), Alejandra (AB), Edith (L), Cristina (AB), Benita (AB) Ma Catalina (AB), Amalia (rotoplas)
Group 2
Francisca, Maria Luisa (Grande), Maria Salud (L) (AB), Ma Luisa (menor) (L) (AB), Petra (AB), Lorena (rotoplas), Luisa Luna
Group 3
Isidra, Silvia (L) (AB), Fabiola, Jacqueline (AB), Eusebia, Irene (L),
Group 4
Concepcion (L), Soledad, Juana, Nosaria, Ma Refugio (AB), Erica (L) (AB),
The need for abaniles was discussed, essentially each group should ideally have 2 abaniles (experienced masons), the majority of the work does not require skills but the finishing touches, ie application of the concrete/plaster does. If there are not sufficient in the group they may have to look at contributing to pay someone for their time. They were tasked with finding abaniles within their groups, brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers…
Saul advised the community also needs to appoint a co-ordinator, kind of over-seer go-to person for the whole community, this was discussed & debated & Ma Salud was appointed with Maria Luisa (menor) her standin.
Q&A (dudas & preguntas)
The mother of Amalia (to be the recipient of rotoplas) asked what Amalia will need to contribute, Holly advised this is something that her group needs to decide, since they are all working in a group.
Amalia definitely needs to attend meetings to be part of the planning process.
Holly suggested all groups meet & define their guidelines/rules for their group, re participation, who’s bringing food etc.
The assembly was also advised there is a limit of the $$ apportioned to each family for the PVC piping part of the project. The cisterns can be located wherever works & wherever the families choose, but they need to bear in mind the cost of the piping from the roof to the cistern. Limit will be $500pesos per family, but if families wish to move them further they can pay the difference in tubing costs.
The next planning meeting for Vivienda de Urbana will be 23.2.11 @ 10.30am – same house
The next regional meeting is 2/2/11 @ 12pm at Presita de Santa Rosa
(we headed off to the next meeting, micro region 3 in Vivienda de Arriba)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1st Micro-Region 1 Mtg of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Record of Event
1st Micro-Region 1 Mtg of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe
When: 12.1.11
Who: Communities represented:
Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe, San Lorenzo, La Tinaja, 5 senores, Juan Gonzalez, Corralejo de Abajo, La Cienega.
Holly, Chela, Saul, Jesus – Cedesa, Laura Rotary, apologies from Mario & Citlali – Gaia (at the eye doctor).
28 adults including 7 men, + 3 kids inside.
Introduction:
Why are you all here?
“to get help with getting water”
Help only?
“no to work together & organize”
Jesus mentioned the objective was to work & organize ourselves to construct sistemas consecha de agua (water systems).
Attendance at the community assemblies is essential.
Chela-
Important for you to learn to co-ordinate & record & conduct your own meetings, the communities representative on the “consejo” is also here. Chela briefly described the “taking the word” ie taking turn to talk process. It was decided that Margarita will co-ordinate.
What next?
“ we have to raise the point to duscuss”
Each community needs to record what is agreed at the assemblies as a record.
Points for the agenda:
• Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets
• Cisterns (“we came to see about cisterns”)
• Priority of communities
• Clarify who is supposed to attend, ie define the rules of participation
• Water issues
The next part of the meeting was very participatory with Chela asking questions & the participants firing responses…
Chela clarified – we have been working with many communities for months & other communities we have just begun with, this is the first meeting grouping you all together in a micro-region.
We are not part of a govt. program, what do you know about the way we work?
“in groups”
“organize” “consciousness of the problem of water”
How is the water here?
“contaminated with fluorie” “ it damages the teeth, & bones, & gives pain in the legs”
“also contaminated through bacteria in the river”
There was then discussion about different forms of contaminants, mineral v bacteria, & different sources of contamination were asked for
“drainage/sewage”, “plastic”, “rubbish” “detergent in the river from washing clothes”
Water is life, animals, trees, vegetation!
Cedesa & Rotary are not just interested in assisting solve the water issue, it’s bigger than that, about encouraging conscientiousness, an approach by the communities that care about the environment, & their people in the community.
“in our Christmas parties we asked our visitors to bring re-usable plates & glasses, to save having to use polyfoam cups & plates” “even if just 20 people do this it save a whole load of rubbish” “polystyrene is the cheapest but it is the most dangerous”.
What is the point of working in a group?
“learn more, achieve faster, have information exchange, improve relationships, help others, harmony, healthy”
Chela
Directly relate & strengthen human relationships. Each one of you has it in yourselves to solve your issues, when you take it in your hands & work in groups, you have better relations with your neighbours & better learning for the whole community.
In the Opportunities program for example – does it strengthen your inter relations?
“no – it’s about what you can get”
“Vendors come from other communities on the day of the opportunities program because they know there will be a big crowd there & they sell us stuff, but this money goes to other communities, the vendors are not from our communities”
It would be better to spend $$ on making/products for local sales, animals for production, seeds, small plants, nopal…
Production is liberty!
For example
Enedina – in this community can produce
Maiz, frijol, calabaza, hortiliza, gallinas, vacas, nopal, chiras, puercas, burro, miel
Jesus in town, can only do work for money, & has to buy everything…
He would be better to spend his effort directly to grow food, instead of having to work for money, & then spend it to buy food…
Each community was asked to present their information, based on the presentation Saul had told the communities about during the weekend…
Rancho Nuevo – approx. 50 families
• No water,
• The pipas come very infrequently, supposedly every 8 days, but often only 1x per month
• They fill the large buckets but it runs out in a few days
• They have to get water from the river
• They have no water to drink or wash
• They have a big sapasma tank, but it is empty, the community of Coralejo refused to share water with them
La Cienega – approx. 105 families
Only one well in the community, beside the river, approx. 2 mtrs deep, hand dug
They carry in buckets, there are usually 4 or 5 pickups & burros waiting
Most people don’t have burros or cars to carry the water
If they have trucks they visit the river 1x per wk
If they have burros they visit every 3 days
Without trucks or burros they carry buckets daily on yokes across their shoulders
They have pipes, but they are only decoration, they don’t have water! The pipes are broken, the pump is broken
Contractor asked for 20,000 per person to repair but they don’t have this kind of money
Concessions to wells have to be bought on the black market, cant buy one legally now.
La Tinaja – approx. 60 families
• They need water but feel the dry toilets are a higher priority as they do have some water.
• Their houses are very close together so not easy to go to the toilet in the “wild”
• They are currently contaminating the river as many go to the river to toilet.
• They have a well with a pump, when no electricity no water, but this is infrequent.
• They assume their water is fluoride contaminated, as others all are, but not tested.
• They have damaged teeth (so fluorosis is likely)
• River is contaminatied
Juan Gonzalez – approx. 70 families
• Some have family wells, some family wells are salty
• New generation (ie the kids) all have bad teeth, so assume fluoride is high
• If they do have family wells, they are approx. 20 mtrs deep
• They use rope to raise the buckets, cant afford pump or electricity
• River is a 20 minute walk, (longer on way back!)
• Some have burros to carry the water or by yoke across shoulders
• They store in small plastic tanks or large buckets
• In April/May the river is dry & they have to go further
• The river is contaminated, sometimes the stones are black & slimy
• They have to do their washing in the river, sometimes when all are washing the dirt from one just goes into the next ones washing!...(they joked)
Cinco Senores – approx. 20 families
• 200 metres to carry the water from the river
• They carry water 2 or 3 times a day, some have burro, others carry on their heads
• 20 litre containers
• River is contaminated with virus & bacteria (they have had it tested)
• They requested trucked water from Sapasma, the truck came once but never again.
• If they have to buy it privately it costs 300 per family to a private contractor, but they can’t afford it, & don’t know where the water comes from
• They made an application 3 yrs ago for well, but were told they have the river
• It is the San Damien river
• When they bathe in the river they often get rashes on their skin
San Lorenzo – 4 families
Closest to Juan Gonzalez, so will join with them & do Pilot at Juan Gonzalez school.
They use water from the river like Juan Gonzalez
Dry in April/May
The water truck comes once per mth, sometimes 1.5 mths, & only fills 2 big buckets.
Corralejo – approx. 70 families
Dry toilets are their priority – their houses are close together & so no room to “poo” outside, they have to go a long way.
They have a sapasma well, & fluoride contaminated water.
They are not part of the consejo – they need to do their establishment paperwork
La Palmita – approx. 23 families (close to Don Francisco) on the road to GTO)
This is their first visit/contact.
They have a sapasma well (& likely fluoride contaminated water)
They would like dry toilets
Their houses close together so no room to “poo” outside, they have a long way to go.
Their closest river is Pena Blanca (on left hand side of Carratera)
They are not part of the consejo – they need to do their establishment paperwork
Next Item – Rules of participation
These were the suggestions from participants:
• Attend meetings & training
• Agree to work in groups
• Work without bad feelings, ie in agreement
• Punctuality
• Be responsible
• In Vivienda they made their rules it’s one community so makes sense to create internal rules by group & community.
Next Item - Priority of Communities
Decision will be based on who needs & who deserves it…
Priority will be given for attendance historically, highest need, ie worst water situation, contaminated water.
A table was drawn up with a list of the criteria, ie participation, river water, pozo but not functioning, contamination, distance to carry water.
The participants were asked if they would prefer private or public vote.
They agreed on public vote.
A list of the communities was created, with 2 votes for each community, 1 vote for themselves & 1 vote for another community,
Saul, pointed out that the new communities, Corralejo, La Cienega & La Palmita are not part of the consejo that was established in December & as such are not officially able to vote. Everyone agreed, they need to join the consejo to have a voice.
The toilet communities have only 1 vote since they wont be voting for themselves.
The following priority was decided:
1. Juan Gonzalez/San Lorenzo
2. Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe
3. 5 Senores
4. La Cienega
Dry Toilets:
Coralejo & Palmita were invited to do the paperwork to join the Consejo before they can go on the list to solicit the govt. for dry toilets.
Action – Saul will visit to assist organization of this
General
We decided to explain SODIS – the method of solar disinfection, since so many of the communities are drinking bacterially affected water. Holly & Chela did the demonstration.
Chela informed the group that there is a Workshop on climate change at Cedesa on the 28&29/1 all are invited to attend & stay the night. Anyone interested in attending will advise Saul.
Action
Chela suggested they all have their water tested – they will have to pay a small contribution towards the consumables, she will bring water bottles to the next meeting & take samples.
Next Micro-region 1 meeting 2nd Wednesday ie 9/2 at Cinco Senores at 12 midday.
Next Regional meeting (Consejo), Presita de Santa Rosa at 2pm
1st Micro-Region 1 Mtg of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe
When: 12.1.11
Who: Communities represented:
Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe, San Lorenzo, La Tinaja, 5 senores, Juan Gonzalez, Corralejo de Abajo, La Cienega.
Holly, Chela, Saul, Jesus – Cedesa, Laura Rotary, apologies from Mario & Citlali – Gaia (at the eye doctor).
28 adults including 7 men, + 3 kids inside.
Introduction:
Why are you all here?
“to get help with getting water”
Help only?
“no to work together & organize”
Jesus mentioned the objective was to work & organize ourselves to construct sistemas consecha de agua (water systems).
Attendance at the community assemblies is essential.
Chela-
Important for you to learn to co-ordinate & record & conduct your own meetings, the communities representative on the “consejo” is also here. Chela briefly described the “taking the word” ie taking turn to talk process. It was decided that Margarita will co-ordinate.
What next?
“ we have to raise the point to duscuss”
Each community needs to record what is agreed at the assemblies as a record.
Points for the agenda:
• Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets
• Cisterns (“we came to see about cisterns”)
• Priority of communities
• Clarify who is supposed to attend, ie define the rules of participation
• Water issues
The next part of the meeting was very participatory with Chela asking questions & the participants firing responses…
Chela clarified – we have been working with many communities for months & other communities we have just begun with, this is the first meeting grouping you all together in a micro-region.
We are not part of a govt. program, what do you know about the way we work?
“in groups”
“organize” “consciousness of the problem of water”
How is the water here?
“contaminated with fluorie” “ it damages the teeth, & bones, & gives pain in the legs”
“also contaminated through bacteria in the river”
There was then discussion about different forms of contaminants, mineral v bacteria, & different sources of contamination were asked for
“drainage/sewage”, “plastic”, “rubbish” “detergent in the river from washing clothes”
Water is life, animals, trees, vegetation!
Cedesa & Rotary are not just interested in assisting solve the water issue, it’s bigger than that, about encouraging conscientiousness, an approach by the communities that care about the environment, & their people in the community.
“in our Christmas parties we asked our visitors to bring re-usable plates & glasses, to save having to use polyfoam cups & plates” “even if just 20 people do this it save a whole load of rubbish” “polystyrene is the cheapest but it is the most dangerous”.
What is the point of working in a group?
“learn more, achieve faster, have information exchange, improve relationships, help others, harmony, healthy”
Chela
Directly relate & strengthen human relationships. Each one of you has it in yourselves to solve your issues, when you take it in your hands & work in groups, you have better relations with your neighbours & better learning for the whole community.
In the Opportunities program for example – does it strengthen your inter relations?
“no – it’s about what you can get”
“Vendors come from other communities on the day of the opportunities program because they know there will be a big crowd there & they sell us stuff, but this money goes to other communities, the vendors are not from our communities”
It would be better to spend $$ on making/products for local sales, animals for production, seeds, small plants, nopal…
Production is liberty!
For example
Enedina – in this community can produce
Maiz, frijol, calabaza, hortiliza, gallinas, vacas, nopal, chiras, puercas, burro, miel
Jesus in town, can only do work for money, & has to buy everything…
He would be better to spend his effort directly to grow food, instead of having to work for money, & then spend it to buy food…
Each community was asked to present their information, based on the presentation Saul had told the communities about during the weekend…
Rancho Nuevo – approx. 50 families
• No water,
• The pipas come very infrequently, supposedly every 8 days, but often only 1x per month
• They fill the large buckets but it runs out in a few days
• They have to get water from the river
• They have no water to drink or wash
• They have a big sapasma tank, but it is empty, the community of Coralejo refused to share water with them
La Cienega – approx. 105 families
Only one well in the community, beside the river, approx. 2 mtrs deep, hand dug
They carry in buckets, there are usually 4 or 5 pickups & burros waiting
Most people don’t have burros or cars to carry the water
If they have trucks they visit the river 1x per wk
If they have burros they visit every 3 days
Without trucks or burros they carry buckets daily on yokes across their shoulders
They have pipes, but they are only decoration, they don’t have water! The pipes are broken, the pump is broken
Contractor asked for 20,000 per person to repair but they don’t have this kind of money
Concessions to wells have to be bought on the black market, cant buy one legally now.
La Tinaja – approx. 60 families
• They need water but feel the dry toilets are a higher priority as they do have some water.
• Their houses are very close together so not easy to go to the toilet in the “wild”
• They are currently contaminating the river as many go to the river to toilet.
• They have a well with a pump, when no electricity no water, but this is infrequent.
• They assume their water is fluoride contaminated, as others all are, but not tested.
• They have damaged teeth (so fluorosis is likely)
• River is contaminatied
Juan Gonzalez – approx. 70 families
• Some have family wells, some family wells are salty
• New generation (ie the kids) all have bad teeth, so assume fluoride is high
• If they do have family wells, they are approx. 20 mtrs deep
• They use rope to raise the buckets, cant afford pump or electricity
• River is a 20 minute walk, (longer on way back!)
• Some have burros to carry the water or by yoke across shoulders
• They store in small plastic tanks or large buckets
• In April/May the river is dry & they have to go further
• The river is contaminated, sometimes the stones are black & slimy
• They have to do their washing in the river, sometimes when all are washing the dirt from one just goes into the next ones washing!...(they joked)
Cinco Senores – approx. 20 families
• 200 metres to carry the water from the river
• They carry water 2 or 3 times a day, some have burro, others carry on their heads
• 20 litre containers
• River is contaminated with virus & bacteria (they have had it tested)
• They requested trucked water from Sapasma, the truck came once but never again.
• If they have to buy it privately it costs 300 per family to a private contractor, but they can’t afford it, & don’t know where the water comes from
• They made an application 3 yrs ago for well, but were told they have the river
• It is the San Damien river
• When they bathe in the river they often get rashes on their skin
San Lorenzo – 4 families
Closest to Juan Gonzalez, so will join with them & do Pilot at Juan Gonzalez school.
They use water from the river like Juan Gonzalez
Dry in April/May
The water truck comes once per mth, sometimes 1.5 mths, & only fills 2 big buckets.
Corralejo – approx. 70 families
Dry toilets are their priority – their houses are close together & so no room to “poo” outside, they have to go a long way.
They have a sapasma well, & fluoride contaminated water.
They are not part of the consejo – they need to do their establishment paperwork
La Palmita – approx. 23 families (close to Don Francisco) on the road to GTO)
This is their first visit/contact.
They have a sapasma well (& likely fluoride contaminated water)
They would like dry toilets
Their houses close together so no room to “poo” outside, they have a long way to go.
Their closest river is Pena Blanca (on left hand side of Carratera)
They are not part of the consejo – they need to do their establishment paperwork
Next Item – Rules of participation
These were the suggestions from participants:
• Attend meetings & training
• Agree to work in groups
• Work without bad feelings, ie in agreement
• Punctuality
• Be responsible
• In Vivienda they made their rules it’s one community so makes sense to create internal rules by group & community.
Next Item - Priority of Communities
Decision will be based on who needs & who deserves it…
Priority will be given for attendance historically, highest need, ie worst water situation, contaminated water.
A table was drawn up with a list of the criteria, ie participation, river water, pozo but not functioning, contamination, distance to carry water.
The participants were asked if they would prefer private or public vote.
They agreed on public vote.
A list of the communities was created, with 2 votes for each community, 1 vote for themselves & 1 vote for another community,
Saul, pointed out that the new communities, Corralejo, La Cienega & La Palmita are not part of the consejo that was established in December & as such are not officially able to vote. Everyone agreed, they need to join the consejo to have a voice.
The toilet communities have only 1 vote since they wont be voting for themselves.
The following priority was decided:
1. Juan Gonzalez/San Lorenzo
2. Rancho Nuevo Villa de Guadalupe
3. 5 Senores
4. La Cienega
Dry Toilets:
Coralejo & Palmita were invited to do the paperwork to join the Consejo before they can go on the list to solicit the govt. for dry toilets.
Action – Saul will visit to assist organization of this
General
We decided to explain SODIS – the method of solar disinfection, since so many of the communities are drinking bacterially affected water. Holly & Chela did the demonstration.
Chela informed the group that there is a Workshop on climate change at Cedesa on the 28&29/1 all are invited to attend & stay the night. Anyone interested in attending will advise Saul.
Action
Chela suggested they all have their water tested – they will have to pay a small contribution towards the consumables, she will bring water bottles to the next meeting & take samples.
Next Micro-region 1 meeting 2nd Wednesday ie 9/2 at Cinco Senores at 12 midday.
Next Regional meeting (Consejo), Presita de Santa Rosa at 2pm
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