Record of Event
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree” & inside the church.
When: Wed 9th Sept 2010 3.15 – 5.50
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 44 people incl 5 men inside the church (more waiting outside for other communities)
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
When we arrived there were many people gathered & they continued to arrive. We decided there were too many people to fit under the tree & there was a grader working so very noisy. We asked for access to the church, although not ideal as we normally like to sit in a circle to encourage participation.
Saul made a quick introduction & welcome
We discussed the agenda for today
1. who has finished – what are they missing?
2. the date of the inauguration/fiesta
3. the replacement roofs
1. revision of the project
We asked who had finished &/or what was missing…
Group 1 – all 6 cisterns finished, Dona Reynaldo is waiting on roof replacement, & Miguel just needs to connect the pipes (he will do that in the next 2 days)
Group 2 – all 6 cisterns finished.
Group 3 – 5 finished, 1 is missing a pvc t & codo (I said they cost approx 5 pesos each & asked them to arrange it themselves, as it would take hours of our time to do it)
Group 4 – Carolina needs to finish plastering & pipe connection, will finish on Saturday. All others then mentioned they need to finish their internal plastering too.
Group 5 – 6 finished, 1 (Salud) needs to connect the pipes after they have changed their roof.
Group 6 – all 6 finished.
2. Planning the inauguration
Capaderillo community has been chosen as the regional meeting place, ie for all the communities requesting projects to come & meet the municipality representatives & begin the process of seeking resources for their projects.
Cruz del Palmar was another possibility but decided against since Capaderillo is the first Municipally funded project.
Other Communities will be advised of the day to attend & will be asked to bring food & drink as contribution to the fiesta/inauguration.
It was decided that 22 Oct at 11am is a good time for all.
One of the woman from another community stood & stated they would of course bring what they can to contribute.
A question was asked “can we bring only 5 people to represent our community?” Saul responded they can bring as many as they can provide food for, & everyone laughed!
Saul asked for volunteers for a commission to organize the event. Eg balloons for the kids to pop, chairs & tables, shade etc…
Inauguration planning Commission volunteers are:
Lucia Aguilar, Reynalda Ramirez, Marina Nedi, Juana Valdez, Alicia Ariega
Holly gave an example/explained what other communities have done, eg:
• Los Torres had balloons & the kids popped them with “espina’s” ,
• each group could give a representative talk about the experience of the project, what it has meant for them personally & the impact it will have on their lives to have safe drinking water (not having to carry water, not having fluoride poisoning etc).
• kids could give a little performance/dance
• they will need to create an agenda for the day
• have an MC to announce the next item on the agenda
Action: Laura will ask Gary Reid for a copy of the cd with the photos on it to give to Saul, to organize prints of photos for the inauguration.
Saul then called for another commission to make the invitation
Invitation to Inauguration Commission:
These will be the same people that went as representatives to the Presidencia to ask why the delay of funding for the project, before the funding was released.
Ramedios, Margarita, Juana, Ermelinda, Elvia
Holly will ask Chela or Jesus to help with the process of invitation & advise (ie the protocol). The invitation should be made after 16th Sept (once the bicentennial celebrations are over).
Q&A session
One woman from Guerrero asked about the cistern for the primary school, Saul explained it will be the most likely site for the pilot training session for that community.
Is asbestos roofing ok to collect water from – Saul explained that it would need to be sealed, but that the best option is to have lamina roofing.
Holly & Saul handed out Maintenance sheets to the people who have finished their cisterns. These sheets detail what needs to be done annually to maintain the cisterns, eg cleaning the roof with the first rains after the dry season, repairing cracks with cement, resealing the outside, & roof if necessary. It also details the SODIS solar disinfection, www.sodis.ch method of water purification.
There was a general discussion about continuing assemblies after the project has been completed, as a good way to keep the community working together to resolve it’s issues. Working on projects to benefit the community for example dry toilets & back yard gardens.
Someone asked how we all feel about using the church for public meetings. No-one was prepared to comment, & agreed to keep meeting, then another woman volunteered to use her house again & everyone was animatedly in agreement to use her house (not the church).
The phase I Capaderillo people left at this point.
People from the visiting communities stayed behind, as did the 2 women who’s roofs will be replaced.
Saul explained that right now we don’t have the resources guaranteed for the projects, that we need to do a regional application for all of the communities combined, they will have the opportunity to present their requests at the Inauguration on the 22nd Oct. This will amount to more than 100 cisterns being requested.
He also explained – since resources are limited, people must live in the communities they are applying in full time…
At this announcement one woman who had been attending meetings but doesn’t live here full time was annoyed & said she wish she knew this in advance. We hadn’t thought to specify this as we had thought it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.
The communities represented at today’s meeting were:
Rincon de Canal (3 people attended) – they were given a copy of the community form & the family form, they agreed to collect the information & attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct to present the info
Action: Saul to advise Rincon de Canal people of the date 22 Oct 11am)
Presita de Santa Rosa
(they will be visiting Cedesa on Friday 24th Sept, they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Capaderillo Phase II (Vivienda de urbano)
(they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Guerrero
We have an assembly with them. Aurora & Don Juan on the 29th Sept. Some have completed forms, & they will attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct.
Don Juan (See Guerrero above)
A new person from Cabras (on the Salida Celaya) attended, her father is from Capaderillo, & she is interested to know more, she estimated they have approx 300 families, they have a Sapasma well, but the pump is not powerful enough & upper parts of the community often don’t have water.
To her knowledge they have not had their water tested.
The general meeting finished at this point & discussion continued with the 2 families to be recipients of replacement roofing. 5.20pm
Saul discussed the order/requirements for the roofing & Laura advanced the money.
Meeting finished at 5.50
The next assembly is 13th October at 3pm at the casa we first met at.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Sept. 1st 12pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Saul, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary), (Jesus absent) 39 adults (incl 10 men) 4 kids. Some people missing as there was a meeting at the school at the same time)
Purpose: The water project funded by Rotary has concluded, with the successful completion of 17 cisterns (1 school & 16 individual family).
This meeting is continuing relations & development in the community & neighbouring communities. There were representatives from 4 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez (2nd visit)
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 on the way to meeting at 5 Senores)
Cinco Senores (3rd visit, 1 in Tierra Blanca, 2 in Vivienda de Arriba)
• Cinco Senores is in front of Juan Gonzalez but the Vivienda de Arriba side of the river
• There are approx. 20 Families
• They have no wells, their only source of water is the river, which is dry in the dry season (ie most of the year!) they have to dig as much as 1mtr in the river bed to find water. This is their only water.
• Attending were Letitia Lopez, Adelita Gonzalez, Josefina Herrera, & Maria Beatriz Baranca – contact Maria Ramirez (as above) 415 149 4772, Felisa, Maria Vazquez
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 11am (after brief meet at Juan Gonzalez)
San Lorenzo (2nd visit)
• San Lorenzo is close to Juan Gonzalez (makes more sense to combine JG & SL, than with Vivienda 2nd phase).
• Approx. 4 families
• Attending were representatives of Estevan (3), Abel (4), J Piedad (9), Alfredo (4), the contact person is Rosa Maria Ramirez (the sister of Aurelia the young woman attending), 415 114 2539.
• Humberto Alfonzo – the young man, that approached us after the last assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter, was here again.
La Tinaja (3rd Visit)
Saul has the list of names.
The people attending did not have a contact phone number, they instead took the number of Saul & Holly.
The visit to La Tinaja was postponed as Saul had not made the arrangements & did not have a contact number. Saul & Chela will go to La Tinaja on the 29th Sept. 11am
Brief introductions
Holly briefly introduced us, & then went on to describe the process of a normal meeting, & that we work in the communities by having regular assemblies so the community can organise themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Steps in the process are 1. Pass the roll. 2. Appoint a co-ordinator . 3. Appoint the person to take notes (secretary). 4. Set/call for the agenda points, & prioritise them.
Agenda
I Phase I revision
II Phase II
III Traspatios
IV Activity re primary school event – water info day like Los Torres
V Dry Toilets
VI Ecocina Stoves
I Phase I revision
Senora Tomasa now has her new roof & pipes installed, & has collected a little water. All other cisterns are completed & have water!
II Phase II planning
We don’t have much to report re the $$ or progress on this phase. We are currently working on a large “combined community” project, ie combining all the current communities that have requested assistance into one large group, with subsets per neighbouring communities, eg Guerrero, La Aurora, Don Juan, San Gerardo… Vivienda de Arriba 2, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, 5 Senores, Tierra Blanca…
There is no timeline for this currently, could be 6mths or more… we are working on it.
Saul described the Capaderillo Project, in regards to the time it’s taken & the precedent it has set for possible future funding sources.
Holly explained we will need more info. Re families who wish to participate, closer to the time of receiving resources. She also mentioned the “tanda” kind of like the habitat for humanity model, or pay it forward, ie where one family has help from all, & then reciprocates until all families have a cistern, they said they would prefer to wait for the other resources opportunity event if it takes a long time.
III Water Info Day - school
Annamaria asked about arranging an event like Los Torres had for the kids “dia del agua”, Saul was asked to explain what it entailed, since no-one at the meeting had attended the day (except us).
He explained the purpose of the day was to inform the kids about the importance of all aspects of water in their lives. This was done in a fun learning way, with quizzes & games, & the ultimate winners became the “guardians of water” for their school . The community also created a big poster detailing the water history in their region.
The kids all received water bottles as participation prize, so they would fill their water bottles instead of sucking water directly from the tap (& wasting a lot).
Saul also talked about FAI (save the children) who have an environmental education program going in many schools,
Action: this was carried forward until next month, as many of the parents are absent from this meeting (attending a school meeting). An organising commission will need to be formed to ask FAI/Cedesa to facilitate.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
IV Traspatios
Holly explained that it’s expensive for Benigno (technician from Cedesa) to visit the communities unless there are a lot of people attending, she asked who was interested in attending. The people asked for more information.
Holly gave a brief explanation of what Traspatio, or backyard production entails, including soil preparation, growing fruit & veges, using animal fertilizer, nopal tunnels, chickens etc. Small plants & seeds can be bought & shared less expensively (Co-operative production),
It could be done monthly or in an intensive multi day workshop, with follow up visits.
No decision was made.
V Ecocina Stoves
Laura asked to talk about the Ecocina stoves as a potential project for these communities.
Laura (via Holly) briefly described the ecocina stove, an efficient, small, portable smokeless stove.
We asked what kind of cooking arrangements people currently have.
• Everyone has wood stoves for part of their cooking, some have gas stoves inside as well.
• Some have wood stoves inside, some outside, & some partially under cover.
• Everywhere these stoves are, there is black soot & a lot of smoke
• They usually use the wood stoves for cooking tortillas & gorditas, as large hot plate area, & gas stoves for cooking rice & beans (inside).
• They asked about the hotplate size & unfortunately I had not seen the video at that stage & so did not know the small stoves have 2 different tops, one large hotplate for tortillas, & one small with a ring for beans & rice & water etc.
• They were definitely interested to know & learn more…
Meeting concluded. We reminded the community that the next assembly would be the last one, as the training is complete (until the next project)…
Next meetings:
Next & last assembly in Vivienda de Arriba 6 Oct 2010 12pm
Commitment to visit Juan Gonzalez community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 (on the way to meeting at 5 Senores).
5 Senores at 11am on 29th Sept (in front of the Chapel), & San Lorenzo will attend
(We then headed to Annamaria’s aunty’s house for Tamales & Atole, as we were on our way to Tierra Blanca next)
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Sept. 1st 12pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Saul, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary), (Jesus absent) 39 adults (incl 10 men) 4 kids. Some people missing as there was a meeting at the school at the same time)
Purpose: The water project funded by Rotary has concluded, with the successful completion of 17 cisterns (1 school & 16 individual family).
This meeting is continuing relations & development in the community & neighbouring communities. There were representatives from 4 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez (2nd visit)
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 on the way to meeting at 5 Senores)
Cinco Senores (3rd visit, 1 in Tierra Blanca, 2 in Vivienda de Arriba)
• Cinco Senores is in front of Juan Gonzalez but the Vivienda de Arriba side of the river
• There are approx. 20 Families
• They have no wells, their only source of water is the river, which is dry in the dry season (ie most of the year!) they have to dig as much as 1mtr in the river bed to find water. This is their only water.
• Attending were Letitia Lopez, Adelita Gonzalez, Josefina Herrera, & Maria Beatriz Baranca – contact Maria Ramirez (as above) 415 149 4772, Felisa, Maria Vazquez
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 11am (after brief meet at Juan Gonzalez)
San Lorenzo (2nd visit)
• San Lorenzo is close to Juan Gonzalez (makes more sense to combine JG & SL, than with Vivienda 2nd phase).
• Approx. 4 families
• Attending were representatives of Estevan (3), Abel (4), J Piedad (9), Alfredo (4), the contact person is Rosa Maria Ramirez (the sister of Aurelia the young woman attending), 415 114 2539.
• Humberto Alfonzo – the young man, that approached us after the last assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter, was here again.
La Tinaja (3rd Visit)
Saul has the list of names.
The people attending did not have a contact phone number, they instead took the number of Saul & Holly.
The visit to La Tinaja was postponed as Saul had not made the arrangements & did not have a contact number. Saul & Chela will go to La Tinaja on the 29th Sept. 11am
Brief introductions
Holly briefly introduced us, & then went on to describe the process of a normal meeting, & that we work in the communities by having regular assemblies so the community can organise themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Steps in the process are 1. Pass the roll. 2. Appoint a co-ordinator . 3. Appoint the person to take notes (secretary). 4. Set/call for the agenda points, & prioritise them.
Agenda
I Phase I revision
II Phase II
III Traspatios
IV Activity re primary school event – water info day like Los Torres
V Dry Toilets
VI Ecocina Stoves
I Phase I revision
Senora Tomasa now has her new roof & pipes installed, & has collected a little water. All other cisterns are completed & have water!
II Phase II planning
We don’t have much to report re the $$ or progress on this phase. We are currently working on a large “combined community” project, ie combining all the current communities that have requested assistance into one large group, with subsets per neighbouring communities, eg Guerrero, La Aurora, Don Juan, San Gerardo… Vivienda de Arriba 2, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, 5 Senores, Tierra Blanca…
There is no timeline for this currently, could be 6mths or more… we are working on it.
Saul described the Capaderillo Project, in regards to the time it’s taken & the precedent it has set for possible future funding sources.
Holly explained we will need more info. Re families who wish to participate, closer to the time of receiving resources. She also mentioned the “tanda” kind of like the habitat for humanity model, or pay it forward, ie where one family has help from all, & then reciprocates until all families have a cistern, they said they would prefer to wait for the other resources opportunity event if it takes a long time.
III Water Info Day - school
Annamaria asked about arranging an event like Los Torres had for the kids “dia del agua”, Saul was asked to explain what it entailed, since no-one at the meeting had attended the day (except us).
He explained the purpose of the day was to inform the kids about the importance of all aspects of water in their lives. This was done in a fun learning way, with quizzes & games, & the ultimate winners became the “guardians of water” for their school . The community also created a big poster detailing the water history in their region.
The kids all received water bottles as participation prize, so they would fill their water bottles instead of sucking water directly from the tap (& wasting a lot).
Saul also talked about FAI (save the children) who have an environmental education program going in many schools,
Action: this was carried forward until next month, as many of the parents are absent from this meeting (attending a school meeting). An organising commission will need to be formed to ask FAI/Cedesa to facilitate.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
IV Traspatios
Holly explained that it’s expensive for Benigno (technician from Cedesa) to visit the communities unless there are a lot of people attending, she asked who was interested in attending. The people asked for more information.
Holly gave a brief explanation of what Traspatio, or backyard production entails, including soil preparation, growing fruit & veges, using animal fertilizer, nopal tunnels, chickens etc. Small plants & seeds can be bought & shared less expensively (Co-operative production),
It could be done monthly or in an intensive multi day workshop, with follow up visits.
No decision was made.
V Ecocina Stoves
Laura asked to talk about the Ecocina stoves as a potential project for these communities.
Laura (via Holly) briefly described the ecocina stove, an efficient, small, portable smokeless stove.
We asked what kind of cooking arrangements people currently have.
• Everyone has wood stoves for part of their cooking, some have gas stoves inside as well.
• Some have wood stoves inside, some outside, & some partially under cover.
• Everywhere these stoves are, there is black soot & a lot of smoke
• They usually use the wood stoves for cooking tortillas & gorditas, as large hot plate area, & gas stoves for cooking rice & beans (inside).
• They asked about the hotplate size & unfortunately I had not seen the video at that stage & so did not know the small stoves have 2 different tops, one large hotplate for tortillas, & one small with a ring for beans & rice & water etc.
• They were definitely interested to know & learn more…
Meeting concluded. We reminded the community that the next assembly would be the last one, as the training is complete (until the next project)…
Next meetings:
Next & last assembly in Vivienda de Arriba 6 Oct 2010 12pm
Commitment to visit Juan Gonzalez community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 (on the way to meeting at 5 Senores).
5 Senores at 11am on 29th Sept (in front of the Chapel), & San Lorenzo will attend
(We then headed to Annamaria’s aunty’s house for Tamales & Atole, as we were on our way to Tierra Blanca next)
Report of 5th visit to Tierra Blanca
Where: Tierra Blanca – In front of old Church,
When: 01.09.10
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa) (Jesus was out of town), Laura (Rotary), 38 adults incl. 2 men, 11kids, 9 dogs & 3 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
Holly & Saul asked if the interview (stats) team were all there, they weren’t but arrived later.
Holly explained we don’t have much time for today’s meeting as we have commitments back in town & everyone agreed to a short meeting.
We also explained we had been very busy this month & had not had a chance to catch up with Jesus before he left for holiday so we need them to update us on progress.
Holly asked what the meeting was interested in having on the agenda today
Cisterns/distillers
Health – follow up, blood tests, # of volunteers for blood clinic
Census/Interviews
The bridge
Dry toilets
Cisterns
Saul described the cistern process briefly, Marisol had discussed water options with the Interviewees & they have been interested in having distillers in the lower part (they have water, but it has high fluoride level) & upper part would need cisterns as they have no water.
Holly explained there is currently no available funding but that we are working on a large combined community project to potentially cover 100-150 cisterns for all the communities who have demonstrated an interest in participating.
Reina (one of the interview team) had encountered 1 family who did not want to participate in the census, turns out this was a family who had had a recent death (so was understandable).
Marisol had not had any refusals, she stated “if we exlude any people who have deaths then the census will be incomplete”.
It was suggested that we need to ask friends of these families to sensitively do the census, to ensure the majority of the community understands what we are trying to achieve.
A father of a man who had recently died described the symptoms his son had had before he died, lung tumour, couldn’t eat, he agreed to do the census after the meeting.
We need to spend some time at the beginning of the census explaining the reason for it, not just spring into the questions. Perhaps Marisol had been doing this & Reina had not.
It was suggested that a list be kept of the people declining the census, & at the next assembly a mini commission would be assigned to visit these families.
They are also out of copies of the census
Action: Saul will bring additional copies to distribute to the Interview team at 3pm Friday (to Marisol/Vero)
We asked Marisol how she went with the interviews “all went well, no probs with names, dates etc, she has completed approx. 14.
Saul “if there are families that don’t know what’s going on, explain to them that this project is to benefit the whole community because it is a community process”
Holly asked the meeting to explain what this was all about, one young woman replied “it is to gather information to determine the cause of the major health issues in this community”
Holly asked who can help – “other investigators, doctors, govt assistance” these are all people we can go to once we have the information to present & ask for their help. Until we have the statistical info we can’t go to higher authorities, hence this part of the process is essential.
Holly said it would be good if there was a map of the whole area.
Action: Maria de la Cruz Ramirez has one & will bring a copy to the next assembly
Holly suggested we change our meeting place to the Community casa (salon), there are no chairs, so everyone will need to bring their own (or sit on the floor!).
Blood tests
At the last assembly Estela 415 194 6064 committed to collecting a list of numbers of people who were prepared to do a volunteer blood test, to test for antigens re prelim cancer diagnosis.
She has a list of 67 women & 41 men.
We need to arrange the best day for the mobile clinic to come, it was suggested that Saturday would be ideal.
Action: Jesus/(the team) to arrange clinic to visit the community – ideally on a Saturday - & advise the community in advance.
Registry of births & deaths
There is a registry office for births & deaths in Cruz del Palmar. It is a regional office servicing 37 communities. Holly mentioned this office & pointed it out as a good way for the people in this community to determine the number of deaths in this community in the last x years.
A commission was proposed to go with Saul to Cruz del Palmar & write a report.
We called for volunteers.
No one put up their hands, we had to really push the point “if you can’t help Saul we can’t get the info” “do you want to help resolve this?” again no response, oddly!
Holly really pushed, & eventually Juana Granados Guerrero, Hilda & Vero volunteered. They will need to get the info from 5-10 yrs.
Action: Saul will go 1st to see what is involved, & then arrange (by phone) for the others to meet him there.
The other items on the list will have to be carried forward, we ran out of time…
Next meeting (1st Wednesday of the mth) 6.10.10 3pm – Salon Comunitario (byo chairs)
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
When: 01.09.10
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa) (Jesus was out of town), Laura (Rotary), 38 adults incl. 2 men, 11kids, 9 dogs & 3 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
Holly & Saul asked if the interview (stats) team were all there, they weren’t but arrived later.
Holly explained we don’t have much time for today’s meeting as we have commitments back in town & everyone agreed to a short meeting.
We also explained we had been very busy this month & had not had a chance to catch up with Jesus before he left for holiday so we need them to update us on progress.
Holly asked what the meeting was interested in having on the agenda today
Cisterns/distillers
Health – follow up, blood tests, # of volunteers for blood clinic
Census/Interviews
The bridge
Dry toilets
Cisterns
Saul described the cistern process briefly, Marisol had discussed water options with the Interviewees & they have been interested in having distillers in the lower part (they have water, but it has high fluoride level) & upper part would need cisterns as they have no water.
Holly explained there is currently no available funding but that we are working on a large combined community project to potentially cover 100-150 cisterns for all the communities who have demonstrated an interest in participating.
Reina (one of the interview team) had encountered 1 family who did not want to participate in the census, turns out this was a family who had had a recent death (so was understandable).
Marisol had not had any refusals, she stated “if we exlude any people who have deaths then the census will be incomplete”.
It was suggested that we need to ask friends of these families to sensitively do the census, to ensure the majority of the community understands what we are trying to achieve.
A father of a man who had recently died described the symptoms his son had had before he died, lung tumour, couldn’t eat, he agreed to do the census after the meeting.
We need to spend some time at the beginning of the census explaining the reason for it, not just spring into the questions. Perhaps Marisol had been doing this & Reina had not.
It was suggested that a list be kept of the people declining the census, & at the next assembly a mini commission would be assigned to visit these families.
They are also out of copies of the census
Action: Saul will bring additional copies to distribute to the Interview team at 3pm Friday (to Marisol/Vero)
We asked Marisol how she went with the interviews “all went well, no probs with names, dates etc, she has completed approx. 14.
Saul “if there are families that don’t know what’s going on, explain to them that this project is to benefit the whole community because it is a community process”
Holly asked the meeting to explain what this was all about, one young woman replied “it is to gather information to determine the cause of the major health issues in this community”
Holly asked who can help – “other investigators, doctors, govt assistance” these are all people we can go to once we have the information to present & ask for their help. Until we have the statistical info we can’t go to higher authorities, hence this part of the process is essential.
Holly said it would be good if there was a map of the whole area.
Action: Maria de la Cruz Ramirez has one & will bring a copy to the next assembly
Holly suggested we change our meeting place to the Community casa (salon), there are no chairs, so everyone will need to bring their own (or sit on the floor!).
Blood tests
At the last assembly Estela 415 194 6064 committed to collecting a list of numbers of people who were prepared to do a volunteer blood test, to test for antigens re prelim cancer diagnosis.
She has a list of 67 women & 41 men.
We need to arrange the best day for the mobile clinic to come, it was suggested that Saturday would be ideal.
Action: Jesus/(the team) to arrange clinic to visit the community – ideally on a Saturday - & advise the community in advance.
Registry of births & deaths
There is a registry office for births & deaths in Cruz del Palmar. It is a regional office servicing 37 communities. Holly mentioned this office & pointed it out as a good way for the people in this community to determine the number of deaths in this community in the last x years.
A commission was proposed to go with Saul to Cruz del Palmar & write a report.
We called for volunteers.
No one put up their hands, we had to really push the point “if you can’t help Saul we can’t get the info” “do you want to help resolve this?” again no response, oddly!
Holly really pushed, & eventually Juana Granados Guerrero, Hilda & Vero volunteered. They will need to get the info from 5-10 yrs.
Action: Saul will go 1st to see what is involved, & then arrange (by phone) for the others to meet him there.
The other items on the list will have to be carried forward, we ran out of time…
Next meeting (1st Wednesday of the mth) 6.10.10 3pm – Salon Comunitario (byo chairs)
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Where: Presita de Santa Rosa, off the GTO hwy, on the right just past Cienegita Bridge (approx. 40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 25.8.10 11.10am
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), delegado Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez, 25 adults incl 7 men, 7 kids, 3 dogs
Purpose: Initial meeting to determine community needs, outline Cedesa & explain the water projects process.
Representatives from the community of Presita had come to previous assemblies at neighbouring Capaderillo, asking about the process re the projects. They invited us to visit to know their community more. This is our first visit.
We were met at the turn off from the highway & guided to the community Salon.
It was constructed as part of a govt. program through CONAFE. This is the only community we have visited that have a public meeting place.
As we arrived women were bringing buckets of food, tortillas wrapped in embroidered cloths, rice, beans, casseroles, we thought they were for the kids who they feed at 11am at school each day, but we soon found out it was for us!
We entered the Salon, it was decorated with brightly coloured pictures for children, & I noticed what looked like a “toy library” in one corner.
We were presented with a list of the 157 people in 58 families of the community.
We noted the families were very small, mostly 3 or 4 people, unlike other communities which have been on average 7.
We asked if there were a lot of men in the USA, they said no maybe 3 or 4, the majority are still in Presita…
We were waiting for the rest of the community to gather & they insisted we eat first & then have the meeting. The food was delicious & including lentil casserole, chickpea casserole, wild greens, especially nutritious.
We revised our visits, their first was to Vivienda de Arriba on the 7th July, & 2nd was to Capaderillo on the 11th Aug, attending assemblies & asking for us to visit their community.
There was a young boy sitting on his grandmothers’ (Maria Isabel’s) knee. His name is Jesus, he is 3 yrs old & obviously handicapped, very cross eyed, rigid body movements, I asked about him & apparently he can say 3 words – Mama, Papa & Agua! He demonstrated cognitive behaviour, was sucking his thumb & can drink from a cup held for him.
An older woman came in late with a particularly huge container of rice & placed it at Holly’s feet saying it was for the “chinita” – Holly is Japanese American & looks Asian to her I guess. There was a lot of laughing, as Holly’s reputation as a big rice eater had obviously preceded her!
After eating, we got down to business..
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Introductions
Saul asked everyone in the room to say their name, this is usually a good way to break the ice as many people are embarrassed to do this, & it usually results in giggles!
Saul, Holly & I introduced ourselves.
Saul asked why we were all here.
1. To find out more info & how to get cisterns
2. One woman has a woman in Vivienda de Arriba (another project community) & wanted to know how to get cisterns
3. I don’t have clean drinking water, no running water, I have to call & ask for Pipa (water truck) to come & pay for it.
4. In the upper section of the community we only have water in the rainy season, no water in the dry season (the majority of the year)
5. My children & myself have teeth turning yellow, I think it is from the water, I would rather drink water from the sky.
Jose Luz (the delegado) went to the presidencia & was told by Ecologia dept, that there is an NGO helping resolve water issues. He was ver surprised we would respond so quickly.
Holly described Cedesa in a general description, being all about the development of communities & achieving communities to achieve sustainability & self reliance.
I described Rotary & what it is all about & the global service aspect.
Saul & Holly explained we are not here to help you but to work with you to achieve resolution to issues. We come & meet with the communities, get info regarding their water & their situations & work towards finding resources to resolve the issue.
Currently we are working on 3 sources for funding, Rotary, Sapasma (local water authority) & Fondo Verde (green fund – part of the Ecology department of the local council.
None of these sources are certain, they are possibilities re assisting with resources
1st step is to collect statistics by community & then collate by community, then we can attempt to find the necessary resources together.
Saul gave a brief history of the projects, that Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar were all funded by Rotary, & that Capaderillo is the first govt. funded project.
The commitment from the communities includes working together & participating in assemblies.
Holly reiterated that it’s not just about working to build the cisterns, but also in participating in the organisation process & learning collaboration.
Saul – today’s objective is to meet & know the community better to see what we can do together. He mentioned a change in the way Rotary funds projects & that it now makes sense to combine multiple communities in the region to work together in one big project.
Saul suggested forming a commission who can continue to co-ordinate the community & attend assemblies in Capaderillo & report back to Presita.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
One of the women described what she knew of the project process in Vivienda de Arriba, that they all worked together, agreeing what hours they would work & then committing to it.
Laura (with Holly’s help translating) described a little of the process of the project, what was involved, from pilot, to attending assemblies etc & the level of commitment expected.
These points were raised
• The 12,000 ltr cistern is sufficient for a family of 14 for drinking & cooking for the whole year.
• It’s a good idea to share cisterns if there are 2 families living near
• Older people can not help with the heavy work, but can participate & it may make sense for them to receive plastic tanks if they are living solo
• Lots of young families in this community it is a new community
• 40 years ago there were only 4 houses here.
Saul provided the delegado with a copy of the general community questionnaire.
Holly suggested a commission should come to Cedesa to know more about them
The commission to represent Presita at assemblies will be
Mayra Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez (“she is very interested in learning more” )
Maria Apdonia 415 119 2361
Joze Luz 415 155 9453 (Delegado)
Lionel Gonzalez 415 119 0737 (this is the young man that went to the presidencia)
Rosalia 415 149 3920
Rita Gabriela/Antonio
Action – (Lionel) will come up with a list of people who wish to visit Cedesa in approx. 2 wks. Holly will co-ordinate this visit with Lionel.
Next assembly will be representatives attending assembly at Capaderillo 8/9/10 at 3pm
General info on the project can be seen at
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Where: Presita de Santa Rosa, off the GTO hwy, on the right just past Cienegita Bridge (approx. 40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 25.8.10 11.10am
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), delegado Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez, 25 adults incl 7 men, 7 kids, 3 dogs
Purpose: Initial meeting to determine community needs, outline Cedesa & explain the water projects process.
Representatives from the community of Presita had come to previous assemblies at neighbouring Capaderillo, asking about the process re the projects. They invited us to visit to know their community more. This is our first visit.
We were met at the turn off from the highway & guided to the community Salon.
It was constructed as part of a govt. program through CONAFE. This is the only community we have visited that have a public meeting place.
As we arrived women were bringing buckets of food, tortillas wrapped in embroidered cloths, rice, beans, casseroles, we thought they were for the kids who they feed at 11am at school each day, but we soon found out it was for us!
We entered the Salon, it was decorated with brightly coloured pictures for children, & I noticed what looked like a “toy library” in one corner.
We were presented with a list of the 157 people in 58 families of the community.
We noted the families were very small, mostly 3 or 4 people, unlike other communities which have been on average 7.
We asked if there were a lot of men in the USA, they said no maybe 3 or 4, the majority are still in Presita…
We were waiting for the rest of the community to gather & they insisted we eat first & then have the meeting. The food was delicious & including lentil casserole, chickpea casserole, wild greens, especially nutritious.
We revised our visits, their first was to Vivienda de Arriba on the 7th July, & 2nd was to Capaderillo on the 11th Aug, attending assemblies & asking for us to visit their community.
There was a young boy sitting on his grandmothers’ (Maria Isabel’s) knee. His name is Jesus, he is 3 yrs old & obviously handicapped, very cross eyed, rigid body movements, I asked about him & apparently he can say 3 words – Mama, Papa & Agua! He demonstrated cognitive behaviour, was sucking his thumb & can drink from a cup held for him.
An older woman came in late with a particularly huge container of rice & placed it at Holly’s feet saying it was for the “chinita” – Holly is Japanese American & looks Asian to her I guess. There was a lot of laughing, as Holly’s reputation as a big rice eater had obviously preceded her!
After eating, we got down to business..
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Introductions
Saul asked everyone in the room to say their name, this is usually a good way to break the ice as many people are embarrassed to do this, & it usually results in giggles!
Saul, Holly & I introduced ourselves.
Saul asked why we were all here.
1. To find out more info & how to get cisterns
2. One woman has a woman in Vivienda de Arriba (another project community) & wanted to know how to get cisterns
3. I don’t have clean drinking water, no running water, I have to call & ask for Pipa (water truck) to come & pay for it.
4. In the upper section of the community we only have water in the rainy season, no water in the dry season (the majority of the year)
5. My children & myself have teeth turning yellow, I think it is from the water, I would rather drink water from the sky.
Jose Luz (the delegado) went to the presidencia & was told by Ecologia dept, that there is an NGO helping resolve water issues. He was ver surprised we would respond so quickly.
Holly described Cedesa in a general description, being all about the development of communities & achieving communities to achieve sustainability & self reliance.
I described Rotary & what it is all about & the global service aspect.
Saul & Holly explained we are not here to help you but to work with you to achieve resolution to issues. We come & meet with the communities, get info regarding their water & their situations & work towards finding resources to resolve the issue.
Currently we are working on 3 sources for funding, Rotary, Sapasma (local water authority) & Fondo Verde (green fund – part of the Ecology department of the local council.
None of these sources are certain, they are possibilities re assisting with resources
1st step is to collect statistics by community & then collate by community, then we can attempt to find the necessary resources together.
Saul gave a brief history of the projects, that Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar were all funded by Rotary, & that Capaderillo is the first govt. funded project.
The commitment from the communities includes working together & participating in assemblies.
Holly reiterated that it’s not just about working to build the cisterns, but also in participating in the organisation process & learning collaboration.
Saul – today’s objective is to meet & know the community better to see what we can do together. He mentioned a change in the way Rotary funds projects & that it now makes sense to combine multiple communities in the region to work together in one big project.
Saul suggested forming a commission who can continue to co-ordinate the community & attend assemblies in Capaderillo & report back to Presita.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
One of the women described what she knew of the project process in Vivienda de Arriba, that they all worked together, agreeing what hours they would work & then committing to it.
Laura (with Holly’s help translating) described a little of the process of the project, what was involved, from pilot, to attending assemblies etc & the level of commitment expected.
These points were raised
• The 12,000 ltr cistern is sufficient for a family of 14 for drinking & cooking for the whole year.
• It’s a good idea to share cisterns if there are 2 families living near
• Older people can not help with the heavy work, but can participate & it may make sense for them to receive plastic tanks if they are living solo
• Lots of young families in this community it is a new community
• 40 years ago there were only 4 houses here.
Saul provided the delegado with a copy of the general community questionnaire.
Holly suggested a commission should come to Cedesa to know more about them
The commission to represent Presita at assemblies will be
Mayra Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez (“she is very interested in learning more” )
Maria Apdonia 415 119 2361
Joze Luz 415 155 9453 (Delegado)
Lionel Gonzalez 415 119 0737 (this is the young man that went to the presidencia)
Rosalia 415 149 3920
Rita Gabriela/Antonio
Action – (Lionel) will come up with a list of people who wish to visit Cedesa in approx. 2 wks. Holly will co-ordinate this visit with Lionel.
Next assembly will be representatives attending assembly at Capaderillo 8/9/10 at 3pm
General info on the project can be seen at
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Where: Presita de Santa Rosa, off the GTO hwy, on the right just past Cienegita Bridge (approx. 40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 25.8.10 11.10am
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), delegado Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez, 25 adults incl 7 men, 7 kids, 3 dogs
Purpose: Initial meeting to determine community needs, outline Cedesa & explain the water projects process.
Representatives from the community of Presita had come to previous assemblies at neighbouring Capaderillo, asking about the process re the projects. They invited us to visit to know their community more. This is our first visit.
We were met at the turn off from the highway & guided to the community Salon.
It was constructed as part of a govt. program through CONAFE. This is the only community we have visited that have a public meeting place.
As we arrived women were bringing buckets of food, tortillas wrapped in embroidered cloths, rice, beans, casseroles, we thought they were for the kids who they feed at 11am at school each day, but we soon found out it was for us!
We entered the Salon, it was decorated with brightly coloured pictures for children, & I noticed what looked like a “toy library” in one corner.
We were presented with a list of the 157 people in 58 families of the community.
We noted the families were very small, mostly 3 or 4 people, unlike other communities which have been on average 7.
We asked if there were a lot of men in the USA, they said no maybe 3 or 4, the majority are still in Presita…
We were waiting for the rest of the community to gather & they insisted we eat first & then have the meeting. The food was delicious & including lentil casserole, chickpea casserole, wild greens, especially nutritious.
We revised our visits, their first was to Vivienda de Arriba on the 7th July, & 2nd was to Capaderillo on the 11th Aug, attending assemblies & asking for us to visit their community.
There was a young boy sitting on his grandmothers’ (Maria Isabel’s) knee. His name is Jesus, he is 3 yrs old & obviously handicapped, very cross eyed, rigid body movements, I asked about him & apparently he can say 3 words – Mama, Papa & Agua! He demonstrated cognitive behaviour, was sucking his thumb & can drink from a cup held for him.
An older woman came in late with a particularly huge container of rice & placed it at Holly’s feet saying it was for the “chinita” – Holly is Japanese American & looks Asian to her I guess. There was a lot of laughing, as Holly’s reputation as a big rice eater had obviously preceded her!
After eating, we got down to business..
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Introductions
Saul asked everyone in the room to say their name, this is usually a good way to break the ice as many people are embarrassed to do this, & it usually results in giggles!
Saul, Holly & I introduced ourselves.
Saul asked why we were all here.
1. To find out more info & how to get cisterns
2. One woman has a woman in Vivienda de Arriba (another project community) & wanted to know how to get cisterns
3. I don’t have clean drinking water, no running water, I have to call & ask for Pipa (water truck) to come & pay for it.
4. In the upper section of the community we only have water in the rainy season, no water in the dry season (the majority of the year)
5. My children & myself have teeth turning yellow, I think it is from the water, I would rather drink water from the sky.
Jose Luz (the delegado) went to the presidencia & was told by Ecologia dept, that there is an NGO helping resolve water issues. He was ver surprised we would respond so quickly.
Holly described Cedesa in a general description, being all about the development of communities & achieving communities to achieve sustainability & self reliance.
I described Rotary & what it is all about & the global service aspect.
Saul & Holly explained we are not here to help you but to work with you to achieve resolution to issues. We come & meet with the communities, get info regarding their water & their situations & work towards finding resources to resolve the issue.
Currently we are working on 3 sources for funding, Rotary, Sapasma (local water authority) & Fondo Verde (green fund – part of the Ecology department of the local council.
None of these sources are certain, they are possibilities re assisting with resources
1st step is to collect statistics by community & then collate by community, then we can attempt to find the necessary resources together.
Saul gave a brief history of the projects, that Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar were all funded by Rotary, & that Capaderillo is the first govt. funded project.
The commitment from the communities includes working together & participating in assemblies.
Holly reiterated that it’s not just about working to build the cisterns, but also in participating in the organisation process & learning collaboration.
Saul – today’s objective is to meet & know the community better to see what we can do together. He mentioned a change in the way Rotary funds projects & that it now makes sense to combine multiple communities in the region to work together in one big project.
Saul suggested forming a commission who can continue to co-ordinate the community & attend assemblies in Capaderillo & report back to Presita.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
One of the women described what she knew of the project process in Vivienda de Arriba, that they all worked together, agreeing what hours they would work & then committing to it.
Laura (with Holly’s help translating) described a little of the process of the project, what was involved, from pilot, to attending assemblies etc & the level of commitment expected.
These points were raised
• The 12,000 ltr cistern is sufficient for a family of 14 for drinking & cooking for the whole year.
• It’s a good idea to share cisterns if there are 2 families living near
• Older people can not help with the heavy work, but can participate & it may make sense for them to receive plastic tanks if they are living solo
• Lots of young families in this community it is a new community
• 40 years ago there were only 4 houses here.
Saul provided the delegado with a copy of the general community questionnaire.
Holly suggested a commission should come to Cedesa to know more about them
The commission to represent Presita at assemblies will be
Mayra Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez (“she is very interested in learning more” )
Maria Apdonia 415 119 2361
Joze Luz 415 155 9453 (Delegado)
Lionel Gonzalez 415 119 0737 (this is the young man that went to the presidencia)
Rosalia 415 149 3920
Rita Gabriela/Antonio
Action – (Lionel) will come up with a list of people who wish to visit Cedesa in approx. 2 wks. Holly will co-ordinate this visit with Lionel.
Next assembly will be representatives attending assembly at Capaderillo 8/9/10 at 3pm
General info on the project can be seen at
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
1st Mtg of the Presita de Santa Rosa Potential Water Project
Where: Presita de Santa Rosa, off the GTO hwy, on the right just past Cienegita Bridge (approx. 40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 25.8.10 11.10am
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), delegado Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez, 25 adults incl 7 men, 7 kids, 3 dogs
Purpose: Initial meeting to determine community needs, outline Cedesa & explain the water projects process.
Representatives from the community of Presita had come to previous assemblies at neighbouring Capaderillo, asking about the process re the projects. They invited us to visit to know their community more. This is our first visit.
We were met at the turn off from the highway & guided to the community Salon.
It was constructed as part of a govt. program through CONAFE. This is the only community we have visited that have a public meeting place.
As we arrived women were bringing buckets of food, tortillas wrapped in embroidered cloths, rice, beans, casseroles, we thought they were for the kids who they feed at 11am at school each day, but we soon found out it was for us!
We entered the Salon, it was decorated with brightly coloured pictures for children, & I noticed what looked like a “toy library” in one corner.
We were presented with a list of the 157 people in 58 families of the community.
We noted the families were very small, mostly 3 or 4 people, unlike other communities which have been on average 7.
We asked if there were a lot of men in the USA, they said no maybe 3 or 4, the majority are still in Presita…
We were waiting for the rest of the community to gather & they insisted we eat first & then have the meeting. The food was delicious & including lentil casserole, chickpea casserole, wild greens, especially nutritious.
We revised our visits, their first was to Vivienda de Arriba on the 7th July, & 2nd was to Capaderillo on the 11th Aug, attending assemblies & asking for us to visit their community.
There was a young boy sitting on his grandmothers’ (Maria Isabel’s) knee. His name is Jesus, he is 3 yrs old & obviously handicapped, very cross eyed, rigid body movements, I asked about him & apparently he can say 3 words – Mama, Papa & Agua! He demonstrated cognitive behaviour, was sucking his thumb & can drink from a cup held for him.
An older woman came in late with a particularly huge container of rice & placed it at Holly’s feet saying it was for the “chinita” – Holly is Japanese American & looks Asian to her I guess. There was a lot of laughing, as Holly’s reputation as a big rice eater had obviously preceded her!
After eating, we got down to business..
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Introductions
Saul asked everyone in the room to say their name, this is usually a good way to break the ice as many people are embarrassed to do this, & it usually results in giggles!
Saul, Holly & I introduced ourselves.
Saul asked why we were all here.
1. To find out more info & how to get cisterns
2. One woman has a woman in Vivienda de Arriba (another project community) & wanted to know how to get cisterns
3. I don’t have clean drinking water, no running water, I have to call & ask for Pipa (water truck) to come & pay for it.
4. In the upper section of the community we only have water in the rainy season, no water in the dry season (the majority of the year)
5. My children & myself have teeth turning yellow, I think it is from the water, I would rather drink water from the sky.
Jose Luz (the delegado) went to the presidencia & was told by Ecologia dept, that there is an NGO helping resolve water issues. He was ver surprised we would respond so quickly.
Holly described Cedesa in a general description, being all about the development of communities & achieving communities to achieve sustainability & self reliance.
I described Rotary & what it is all about & the global service aspect.
Saul & Holly explained we are not here to help you but to work with you to achieve resolution to issues. We come & meet with the communities, get info regarding their water & their situations & work towards finding resources to resolve the issue.
Currently we are working on 3 sources for funding, Rotary, Sapasma (local water authority) & Fondo Verde (green fund – part of the Ecology department of the local council.
None of these sources are certain, they are possibilities re assisting with resources
1st step is to collect statistics by community & then collate by community, then we can attempt to find the necessary resources together.
Saul gave a brief history of the projects, that Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar were all funded by Rotary, & that Capaderillo is the first govt. funded project.
The commitment from the communities includes working together & participating in assemblies.
Holly reiterated that it’s not just about working to build the cisterns, but also in participating in the organisation process & learning collaboration.
Saul – today’s objective is to meet & know the community better to see what we can do together. He mentioned a change in the way Rotary funds projects & that it now makes sense to combine multiple communities in the region to work together in one big project.
Saul suggested forming a commission who can continue to co-ordinate the community & attend assemblies in Capaderillo & report back to Presita.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
One of the women described what she knew of the project process in Vivienda de Arriba, that they all worked together, agreeing what hours they would work & then committing to it.
Laura (with Holly’s help translating) described a little of the process of the project, what was involved, from pilot, to attending assemblies etc & the level of commitment expected.
These points were raised
• The 12,000 ltr cistern is sufficient for a family of 14 for drinking & cooking for the whole year.
• It’s a good idea to share cisterns if there are 2 families living near
• Older people can not help with the heavy work, but can participate & it may make sense for them to receive plastic tanks if they are living solo
• Lots of young families in this community it is a new community
• 40 years ago there were only 4 houses here.
Saul provided the delegado with a copy of the general community questionnaire.
Holly suggested a commission should come to Cedesa to know more about them
The commission to represent Presita at assemblies will be
Mayra Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez (“she is very interested in learning more” )
Maria Apdonia 415 119 2361
Joze Luz 415 155 9453 (Delegado)
Lionel Gonzalez 415 119 0737 (this is the young man that went to the presidencia)
Rosalia 415 149 3920
Rita Gabriela/Antonio
Action – (Lionel) will come up with a list of people who wish to visit Cedesa in approx. 2 wks. Holly will co-ordinate this visit with Lionel.
Next assembly will be representatives attending assembly at Capaderillo 8/9/10 at 3pm
General info on the project can be seen at
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree, beside the church”
When: Wed 11th August 2010 2.40- 4.30
Who: Chela, Saul (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), more than 80 adults (including 8 men) (too many kids to count)
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
We arrived early (supposed to start at 3pm) as we needed to leave early for another planning meeting after this assembly).
We parked under the meeting tree & within 10 mins there was a very large group gathered. More than 80 people!
The people meeting were from the current work phase I, of the Capaderillo project, as well as people wishing to be part of the Phase II project (in planning), & there were 7 other communities represented!!!
We spoke with the visitors first:
Presita de Santa Rosa
• (previously attended Vivienda de Arriba Assembly in July)
• On the “Palenque” road – straight on past on that road.
• 5 representatives attended today’s meeting
• Approx. 40 families in their community
• In Rancho Nuevo they have a Pozo, but it is fluoride contaminated.
• Contact Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez 415 155 9453 / Roselia Ramirez 415 149 3920
• Action: speak with Saul about details, & come to next assembly with a list of who would like to participate/commit.
Vivienda de Abajo – additional representatives
• 2 new women attended from this community (some from Vd Abajo are already on phase II list)
• Approx. 60 families (not sure)
• They have only family wells – fluoride contaminated
• Contact – Erica Sanchez Vasquez 415 107 0236
• Action: come to the next meeting & see how we can begin with the rest of the people in this region
Rincon de Canal
• (in front of Los Frailes, on the road to Celaya)
• No water, no pozos (nada!!)
• Approx. 20-25 families, with around 10 families interested in participating
• Contact Jose Angelo Alvarado 415 119 0072
Don Juan
• (Close to Guerrero & La Aurora)
• This was their 3rd visit, we had canceled planned visit there after the fair when Chela was sick & the road was too muddy.
• Approx. 20 families
• Contact Manuel Cazares Rodriguez 415 117 9675 & Elvira Argote 415 119 1300
• (Manuel is a worm farmer, he sells worms & fertilizer (through a group re a govt program)
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Guerrero
• (close to Don Juan & La Aurora)
• Approx. 45 families
• Has the highest measured level of fluoride
• 6 representatives attending today’s meeting
• Contact Gloria Ramirez 415 111 0721, Maria Angelica Ramirez, Peru Silvia (no phone)
• They are here again showing their interest & we will meet next month with more info re planning
San Gerardo
• Approx. 4 families
• Contact Guadalupe Hernandez 415 8420
La Aurora
• Visiting again (we cancelled planned visit re Chela sick)
• Approx. 10 families
• Contact Olivia Juarez, Angela 415 114 3024
All visitors were thanked for showing their initiative & representing their communities & invited to return to the next assembly, where we will discuss further the plan to advance the projects in all of these communities.
At this point many of the people stayed & moved to other trees nearby, to have mini meetings, they “branched out”… Chela moved to the other meetings & discussed more details about the water project with them.
Capaderillo phase II planning
The roll was called of the Phase II list. (a copy of that list was given to Laura)
It was explained that priority must be given to people who have houses & live here full time.
10 new people were added to the list. (now 45 people on this list). It was explained funding still being worked on (re the Future Vision “challenge”) but their continued participation & motivation to resolve their own issues was assisting the process of securing funding. They will need to be patient.
Capaderillo Phase I revision
The roll was called, everyone was represented.
In group 5 2 cisterns are already completed.
In Group 2 2 cisterns are already completed
The 2 cisterns at the school have been completed.
A question was asked about glue, & it was explained that glue is only needed at the school as it is more likely to be knocked, & is easy to re-attach & relocate in private house situation.
Group 6 mentioned they were missing 2 doors but before the end of the meeting Erik (the door manufacturer) drove up with the doors & distributed them.
Group 4, 1 person is missing the length of transparent hose (they will sort this)
Cement is being ordered as required (note the cement has since all been delivered).
They have the PVC order to place – Saul will give the info to Laura. (note the PVC has since been delivered – on Friday 13th).
How are the groups working together?
Group 1 – all working well
Group 2 – mostly all working, but 2 not co-operating fully – Chela reiterated that it was a requirement for all to work in groups, or they could return their materials & buy their own if they choose to work individually.
Group 3 – all working well
Group 4 – all working well
Group 5 – all working well
Group 6 – problem, not working as a group
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Discussion continued with Group 6 as to how to resolve the issues, apparently there had been confusion as to start & finish times, & some people not showing up, or showing up at the wrong time.
Chela – When there are problems with a group, you need to meet as a group to resolve the issues, & you can resolve them together. It is essential you work in a group, if you don’t wish to participate, no problem , just detach from the group, return the materials & go your own way.
There was continued discussion as to how to resolve the issue of 3 people not pulling their weight… others said they were all working hard so the “splitters” need to work hard to. One woman was in trouble from the group as although she was working & prepared to continue doing so, her husband (an abanile/mason) was working on a job & not able to work in the group. Laura pointed out it was up to the group to resolve this, as it was not the fault of the woman that the group didn’t have an abanile. We talked about Vivienda de Arriba, where they got together to pay an abanile since there wasn’t one in their group.
It was agreed Group 6 would need to meet to resolve this themselves.
Group 2 also had an issue with someone who had not worked enough, it was suggested this guy could make up for it by helping group 6.
At this point the Teacher spoke.
He was angry at what he described as a lack of respect from the people building the cisterns for the school. He talked of missing buckets, a broken window & missing peaches off the tree & toilets were dirty.
One woman spoke back & said it would have been nice to be congratulated for the hard work many had put in to construct the 2 cisterns.
He angrily responded that the cisterns were for the kids not for him.
Chela pointed out that all of the kids at the school would benefit from the cistern, not just the kids of the parents who built it, & maybe the other parents could contribute.
Saul asked who would replace the buckets, 5 people volunteered.
Saul said he would measure the glass that needed replacing (we viewed it later, & a support put in place to hold the piping while the glue was drying had fallen sideways & broken the window (an accident!).
A parent volunteered to bring a rose plant, but all steadfastly stayed silent when volunteers to clean the toilet were called for. I am sure they thought the toilets were dirty to begin with & were refusing out of principal.
This was unusual, as all of the other teachers we have encountered have been very positive & supportive. This teacher also appeared so, but must have had a bad day.
Meeting concluded at 4.30
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
Mini meeting at Cienegita Mariscos Stand
Who: Holly, Chela, Saul, Laura
When: 5pm – 6.30
Purpose: to discuss plans for expansion of the project, how, who, funding…
We immediately decided to schedule a ½ day planning session at Cedesa, with Jesus, Chela, Holly, Saul & myself.
We discussed how to expand the Project into new communities at the same time as continuing the “process” in the communities we are currently engaged with.
Chela suggested, if we had community promoters in place, they could continue to work within their communities & we could cut back meeting with them to 2 monthly…
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
At each of the communities, the young leaders have been obvious.
Anamaria Torres & Humberto Ramirez in Vivienda de Arriba
Concha & Juan in Los Torres
Eva & Enedina in Montecillo de Nieto
Saul in Capaderillo
Veronica & Maribel in Tierra Blanca
The issue is how to retain this leadership as there is no funding for general community development, & people like Juan for example, have found jobs in other places (Juan at the new golf course)
It would be ideal to be able to offer a stipend for these young people to work in other communities, if they commit to working in their own communities for free.
To reduce the number of visits to communities & maintain the links & quality of information transfer, Chela suggested the Traspatio (back yard production) courses could be offered as 3 separate intensive workshops, instead of monthly meetings (with sporadic attendance).
Work teams were discussed, ie dividing up the region, as there are clusters of communities interested.
The subject of excess funds re the water projects was raised, if we don’t use them for the beneficiary communities the funds must be returned to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). There was discussion about using this funding as seed funding for the eco stove project which we would like to roll out in these communities. (after a pilot, needs analysis, etc)… It has since been decided (& authorized by TRF) to spend these funds ($7k)to put together with a generous direct grant from Tallahassee Club of $7k, to build 21 cisterns in a community with the highest level of fluoride & arsenic in the area.
Mini Meeting concluded at 6.30 (next meeting planning session 17.8.10)
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo potential water Project (& mini planning meeting following)
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree, beside the church”
When: Wed 11th August 2010 2.40- 4.30
Who: Chela, Saul (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), more than 80 adults (including 8 men) (too many kids to count)
Purpose: To plan the next step of the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
We arrived early (supposed to start at 3pm) as we needed to leave early for another planning meeting after this assembly).
We parked under the meeting tree & within 10 mins there was a very large group gathered. More than 80 people!
The people meeting were from the current work phase I, of the Capaderillo project, as well as people wishing to be part of the Phase II project (in planning), & there were 7 other communities represented!!!
We spoke with the visitors first:
Presita de Santa Rosa
• (previously attended Vivienda de Arriba Assembly in July)
• On the “Palenque” road – straight on past on that road.
• 5 representatives attended today’s meeting
• Approx. 40 families in their community
• In Rancho Nuevo they have a Pozo, but it is fluoride contaminated.
• Contact Jose Luz Ramirez Vazquez 415 155 9453 / Roselia Ramirez 415 149 3920
• Action: speak with Saul about details, & come to next assembly with a list of who would like to participate/commit.
Vivienda de Abajo – additional representatives
• 2 new women attended from this community (some from Vd Abajo are already on phase II list)
• Approx. 60 families (not sure)
• They have only family wells – fluoride contaminated
• Contact – Erica Sanchez Vasquez 415 107 0236
• Action: come to the next meeting & see how we can begin with the rest of the people in this region
Rincon de Canal
• (in front of Los Frailes, on the road to Celaya)
• No water, no pozos (nada!!)
• Approx. 20-25 families, with around 10 families interested in participating
• Contact Jose Angelo Alvarado 415 119 0072
Don Juan
• (Close to Guerrero & La Aurora)
• This was their 3rd visit, we had canceled planned visit there after the fair when Chela was sick & the road was too muddy.
• Approx. 20 families
• Contact Manuel Cazares Rodriguez 415 117 9675 & Elvira Argote 415 119 1300
• (Manuel is a worm farmer, he sells worms & fertilizer (through a group re a govt program)
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Guerrero
• (close to Don Juan & La Aurora)
• Approx. 45 families
• Has the highest measured level of fluoride
• 6 representatives attending today’s meeting
• Contact Gloria Ramirez 415 111 0721, Maria Angelica Ramirez, Peru Silvia (no phone)
• They are here again showing their interest & we will meet next month with more info re planning
San Gerardo
• Approx. 4 families
• Contact Guadalupe Hernandez 415 8420
La Aurora
• Visiting again (we cancelled planned visit re Chela sick)
• Approx. 10 families
• Contact Olivia Juarez, Angela 415 114 3024
All visitors were thanked for showing their initiative & representing their communities & invited to return to the next assembly, where we will discuss further the plan to advance the projects in all of these communities.
At this point many of the people stayed & moved to other trees nearby, to have mini meetings, they “branched out”… Chela moved to the other meetings & discussed more details about the water project with them.
Capaderillo phase II planning
The roll was called of the Phase II list. (a copy of that list was given to Laura)
It was explained that priority must be given to people who have houses & live here full time.
10 new people were added to the list. (now 45 people on this list). It was explained funding still being worked on (re the Future Vision “challenge”) but their continued participation & motivation to resolve their own issues was assisting the process of securing funding. They will need to be patient.
Capaderillo Phase I revision
The roll was called, everyone was represented.
In group 5 2 cisterns are already completed.
In Group 2 2 cisterns are already completed
The 2 cisterns at the school have been completed.
A question was asked about glue, & it was explained that glue is only needed at the school as it is more likely to be knocked, & is easy to re-attach & relocate in private house situation.
Group 6 mentioned they were missing 2 doors but before the end of the meeting Erik (the door manufacturer) drove up with the doors & distributed them.
Group 4, 1 person is missing the length of transparent hose (they will sort this)
Cement is being ordered as required (note the cement has since all been delivered).
They have the PVC order to place – Saul will give the info to Laura. (note the PVC has since been delivered – on Friday 13th).
How are the groups working together?
Group 1 – all working well
Group 2 – mostly all working, but 2 not co-operating fully – Chela reiterated that it was a requirement for all to work in groups, or they could return their materials & buy their own if they choose to work individually.
Group 3 – all working well
Group 4 – all working well
Group 5 – all working well
Group 6 – problem, not working as a group
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Discussion continued with Group 6 as to how to resolve the issues, apparently there had been confusion as to start & finish times, & some people not showing up, or showing up at the wrong time.
Chela – When there are problems with a group, you need to meet as a group to resolve the issues, & you can resolve them together. It is essential you work in a group, if you don’t wish to participate, no problem , just detach from the group, return the materials & go your own way.
There was continued discussion as to how to resolve the issue of 3 people not pulling their weight… others said they were all working hard so the “splitters” need to work hard to. One woman was in trouble from the group as although she was working & prepared to continue doing so, her husband (an abanile/mason) was working on a job & not able to work in the group. Laura pointed out it was up to the group to resolve this, as it was not the fault of the woman that the group didn’t have an abanile. We talked about Vivienda de Arriba, where they got together to pay an abanile since there wasn’t one in their group.
It was agreed Group 6 would need to meet to resolve this themselves.
Group 2 also had an issue with someone who had not worked enough, it was suggested this guy could make up for it by helping group 6.
At this point the Teacher spoke.
He was angry at what he described as a lack of respect from the people building the cisterns for the school. He talked of missing buckets, a broken window & missing peaches off the tree & toilets were dirty.
One woman spoke back & said it would have been nice to be congratulated for the hard work many had put in to construct the 2 cisterns.
He angrily responded that the cisterns were for the kids not for him.
Chela pointed out that all of the kids at the school would benefit from the cistern, not just the kids of the parents who built it, & maybe the other parents could contribute.
Saul asked who would replace the buckets, 5 people volunteered.
Saul said he would measure the glass that needed replacing (we viewed it later, & a support put in place to hold the piping while the glue was drying had fallen sideways & broken the window (an accident!).
A parent volunteered to bring a rose plant, but all steadfastly stayed silent when volunteers to clean the toilet were called for. I am sure they thought the toilets were dirty to begin with & were refusing out of principal.
This was unusual, as all of the other teachers we have encountered have been very positive & supportive. This teacher also appeared so, but must have had a bad day.
Meeting concluded at 4.30
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
Mini meeting at Cienegita Mariscos Stand
Who: Holly, Chela, Saul, Laura
When: 5pm – 6.30
Purpose: to discuss plans for expansion of the project, how, who, funding…
We immediately decided to schedule a ½ day planning session at Cedesa, with Jesus, Chela, Holly, Saul & myself.
We discussed how to expand the Project into new communities at the same time as continuing the “process” in the communities we are currently engaged with.
Chela suggested, if we had community promoters in place, they could continue to work within their communities & we could cut back meeting with them to 2 monthly…
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
At each of the communities, the young leaders have been obvious.
Anamaria Torres & Humberto Ramirez in Vivienda de Arriba
Concha & Juan in Los Torres
Eva & Enedina in Montecillo de Nieto
Saul in Capaderillo
Veronica & Maribel in Tierra Blanca
The issue is how to retain this leadership as there is no funding for general community development, & people like Juan for example, have found jobs in other places (Juan at the new golf course)
It would be ideal to be able to offer a stipend for these young people to work in other communities, if they commit to working in their own communities for free.
To reduce the number of visits to communities & maintain the links & quality of information transfer, Chela suggested the Traspatio (back yard production) courses could be offered as 3 separate intensive workshops, instead of monthly meetings (with sporadic attendance).
Work teams were discussed, ie dividing up the region, as there are clusters of communities interested.
The subject of excess funds re the water projects was raised, if we don’t use them for the beneficiary communities the funds must be returned to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). There was discussion about using this funding as seed funding for the eco stove project which we would like to roll out in these communities. (after a pilot, needs analysis, etc)… It has since been decided (& authorized by TRF) to spend these funds ($7k)to put together with a generous direct grant from Tallahassee Club of $7k, to build 21 cisterns in a community with the highest level of fluoride & arsenic in the area.
Mini Meeting concluded at 6.30 (next meeting planning session 17.8.10)
Next Capaderillo meeting 8th Sept at 3pm
9th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
9th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Where: Cruz del Palmar Community - Domitila’s Casa (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 11.08.10 11.15 – 2pm
Who: Chela, (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 33 adults incl 3 men, + 11kids, 4 dogs,
Purpose: Review construction of individual cisterns
There were 2 new people here today & 3 who had only attended 1 previous meeting, so we introduced ourselves.
I apologised for not speaking Spanish well, they all joked & said next month’s meeting will be in English…
Chela asked the women to describe for me what had taken place at the previous meeting (I did not attend as I was in NZ).
Last month they talked about
• back yard gardens, why it was better to grow your own food than buy it, including cheaper, more healthy, fewer chemicals, beneficial bacteria, medicinal plants, plants for human & animal food.
• Maintenance of cisterns
• Review of cisterns progress
Domitila was elected as co-ordinator
Analaura records taker.
Agenda points were called for:
• The next stage/Phase II?
• Review of cisterns progress
• Traspatios/back yard gardens
It was noted there is a govt. Oportunidades Program mtg on at the same time which is why some people are not here today.
Re (possible) Phase II Planning
There are currently 11 people on the list, including one woman who came to earlier meetings but was unable to attend re small children, so dropped out, she wants to be re-included. Elizabeth was voted able to go on the list.
There was an old woman (Euphemia), who works very hard & lives alone & was unable to attend previous meetings, she would like to be considered for a tinaco (plastic tank), she has one daughter who comes to visit her. Her only source of water is the river, which is often dry, or dirty with kitchen scraps.
The women at the assembly were asked for their opinions
Tere “ a plastic tank would be a good idea for her”
Wenseslada agreed since it would be hard for her to build a cistern & cisterns should be kept for families.
A plastic tank is less work, but she still needs to help other people & other people will need to help her, like in other communities, come together to help the older people (Tere).
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Another older woman – mother of Maria Banca (new) has not attended other meetings as they were on too early for her, right when she was working, if they were later in the day she would be able to attend. She is here representing her daughter Maria, who has 2 children.
In the end the Phase II list was amended
17 cisterns, including 2 tinacos, & 1 for pilot at the church. Ie 14 family cisterns, 2 tinacos (plastic tanks) & 1 for the church.
Analaura has the complete list in the records book.
There was some discussion as to whether to close the list or not, & I pointed out since funding has not been secured yet, it is fine to keep it open, as long as the additional people on the list are aware of the commitment & continue to participate in planning meetings in the interim.
Domitila mentioned a representative from the community of El Cortijo (near Montecillo de Nieto) had asked her about joining the project – there are approx. 12 families there, without water, (only delivered irregularly by pipa – water truck), a representative will need to attend an assembly to make contact with us.
Chela mentioned there have been many requests for assistance by many communities & there is the possibility of an extension of this project with the Presidencia.
The first phase has had the experience & training of building cisterns & co-ordinating meetings & workgroups , these people need to assist the next phase…
Revision of Phase I
25 out of 27 cisterns (20 originally planned) have been completed.
The last 2 are finished but are awaiting connection to the roof of the houses, that are being built as part of the Casa Diferente Program (materials provided, people build their own house).
All cisterns are now ½ or more full (depending on size of the roof catchment area).
Any/all problems have been resolved.
Chela & I asked them to describe the difference the cisterns have caused for their families:
“we’re happy we just have to turn the tap & fresh water that tastes good comes out – there is no need to buy water – the flavour is very good & it’s very fresh & cool” – Domitila
Josefina “ very delicious, we’re very happy, it’s worth the hard work”
Tere gave a gift of water in an empty coke bottle to friends & they couldn’t believe it tasted better than bought water.
Jesus “ very convenient, very reliable & safe to drink, a good solution:”
Domi said “it is clean out of the cistern, or black & yellow if it does arrive, out of the other pipes” (some houses in CdP have water on tap, but the delivery is sporadic & the quality is undrinkable)
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Chela reminded everyone how important the maintenance (as discussed last meeting) is, you must make sure your roofs are free of dust & other rubbish. Domi said she brushes her roof regularly between the rains now.
The subject of coke came up & Chela mentioned some interesting facts
• More than 12 spoons of sugar in one bottle
• The kidneys can’t filter this much sugar & chemicals so it gets into the pancreas & can lead to diabetes, hypertension/high blood pressure.
• 9 pesos for a small bottle of coke, 23 pesos for 2.5 ltr of coke
• 1 2.5 ltr bottle of coke per day = $8395pesos per year (this amazed people!)
• (many families buy 3 2.5ltr bottles per day!)
• Laura mentioned it takes 2.5 litres of good water to make 1 litre of coke
• Giving it to your kids is the same as giving them “poison”
• No-one personally knows the makers of coke, you are not supporting “friends” by buying it, you are supporting an anonymous corporation.
• The plastic bottles are very hard to dispose of in the countryside.
• It’s damaging to your health, then you have to spend money on doctors & clinics
• Coke is a diuretic
Children are becoming accustomed (essentially addicted) to the taste of coke, Chela suggested making fruit waters. Chela proposed they try a week of just drinking water & fruit juices (home made), & give their kidneys a break. …Most thought this was an amusing suggestion, some thought it was a good idea.
Laura & Chela asked how they would describe the experience of working in groups?
Jesus “workgroups are great, every day is different, lots of harmony & singing & laughing, sharing food & drink – cokes!! Also you begin to know people better & begin a relationship.
One woman responded that Jesus likes it for the free food! Everyone laughed & agreed!
“working in groups means you advance faster”
“each group has different experiences of working in a group, some less effective, some helped with the wire weaving but didn’t help with the concrete work.”
Chela asked the community to identify the experts on cisterns in this community.
In other communities – eg Los Torres, there are now 2 or 3 people who have become expert at the process…
This community agreed many men only helped certain days & could not identify experts, they said mainly women did the work, with the men just coming to do the cement application.
They agreed they would probably still need help with tech assistance for any Phase II people.
The Padre of the church has mentioned to some of the families he would like a cistern, they agreed it would be a good place to do the pilot for phase II.
The roll was called, 6 people missing from Phase I (they are @ the Oportunidades Program). All were present from the Phase II list.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Traspatio/Back yard gardens
Chela is going to report back about the possibility of a workshop(s) or regular meetings re this topic, there seems to be interest, but in Los Torres for example, the attendance is sporadic.
We finished at 1.15
Next assembly 8th Sept. 11am (Domitila’s house)
Chela asked Jesus if he had a few eggs he could cook up for snack for us, since we were meeting in Capaderillo next & would have no time for lunch. Jesus has many hens & she knew he would have some eggs. We went to his place & he cooked us some rice, & fried eggs & a calabash casserole!
Photos can be on this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/CruzDelPalmarWaterProject?feat=directlink
or
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
9th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Where: Cruz del Palmar Community - Domitila’s Casa (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed 11.08.10 11.15 – 2pm
Who: Chela, (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 33 adults incl 3 men, + 11kids, 4 dogs,
Purpose: Review construction of individual cisterns
There were 2 new people here today & 3 who had only attended 1 previous meeting, so we introduced ourselves.
I apologised for not speaking Spanish well, they all joked & said next month’s meeting will be in English…
Chela asked the women to describe for me what had taken place at the previous meeting (I did not attend as I was in NZ).
Last month they talked about
• back yard gardens, why it was better to grow your own food than buy it, including cheaper, more healthy, fewer chemicals, beneficial bacteria, medicinal plants, plants for human & animal food.
• Maintenance of cisterns
• Review of cisterns progress
Domitila was elected as co-ordinator
Analaura records taker.
Agenda points were called for:
• The next stage/Phase II?
• Review of cisterns progress
• Traspatios/back yard gardens
It was noted there is a govt. Oportunidades Program mtg on at the same time which is why some people are not here today.
Re (possible) Phase II Planning
There are currently 11 people on the list, including one woman who came to earlier meetings but was unable to attend re small children, so dropped out, she wants to be re-included. Elizabeth was voted able to go on the list.
There was an old woman (Euphemia), who works very hard & lives alone & was unable to attend previous meetings, she would like to be considered for a tinaco (plastic tank), she has one daughter who comes to visit her. Her only source of water is the river, which is often dry, or dirty with kitchen scraps.
The women at the assembly were asked for their opinions
Tere “ a plastic tank would be a good idea for her”
Wenseslada agreed since it would be hard for her to build a cistern & cisterns should be kept for families.
A plastic tank is less work, but she still needs to help other people & other people will need to help her, like in other communities, come together to help the older people (Tere).
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Another older woman – mother of Maria Banca (new) has not attended other meetings as they were on too early for her, right when she was working, if they were later in the day she would be able to attend. She is here representing her daughter Maria, who has 2 children.
In the end the Phase II list was amended
17 cisterns, including 2 tinacos, & 1 for pilot at the church. Ie 14 family cisterns, 2 tinacos (plastic tanks) & 1 for the church.
Analaura has the complete list in the records book.
There was some discussion as to whether to close the list or not, & I pointed out since funding has not been secured yet, it is fine to keep it open, as long as the additional people on the list are aware of the commitment & continue to participate in planning meetings in the interim.
Domitila mentioned a representative from the community of El Cortijo (near Montecillo de Nieto) had asked her about joining the project – there are approx. 12 families there, without water, (only delivered irregularly by pipa – water truck), a representative will need to attend an assembly to make contact with us.
Chela mentioned there have been many requests for assistance by many communities & there is the possibility of an extension of this project with the Presidencia.
The first phase has had the experience & training of building cisterns & co-ordinating meetings & workgroups , these people need to assist the next phase…
Revision of Phase I
25 out of 27 cisterns (20 originally planned) have been completed.
The last 2 are finished but are awaiting connection to the roof of the houses, that are being built as part of the Casa Diferente Program (materials provided, people build their own house).
All cisterns are now ½ or more full (depending on size of the roof catchment area).
Any/all problems have been resolved.
Chela & I asked them to describe the difference the cisterns have caused for their families:
“we’re happy we just have to turn the tap & fresh water that tastes good comes out – there is no need to buy water – the flavour is very good & it’s very fresh & cool” – Domitila
Josefina “ very delicious, we’re very happy, it’s worth the hard work”
Tere gave a gift of water in an empty coke bottle to friends & they couldn’t believe it tasted better than bought water.
Jesus “ very convenient, very reliable & safe to drink, a good solution:”
Domi said “it is clean out of the cistern, or black & yellow if it does arrive, out of the other pipes” (some houses in CdP have water on tap, but the delivery is sporadic & the quality is undrinkable)
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Chela reminded everyone how important the maintenance (as discussed last meeting) is, you must make sure your roofs are free of dust & other rubbish. Domi said she brushes her roof regularly between the rains now.
The subject of coke came up & Chela mentioned some interesting facts
• More than 12 spoons of sugar in one bottle
• The kidneys can’t filter this much sugar & chemicals so it gets into the pancreas & can lead to diabetes, hypertension/high blood pressure.
• 9 pesos for a small bottle of coke, 23 pesos for 2.5 ltr of coke
• 1 2.5 ltr bottle of coke per day = $8395pesos per year (this amazed people!)
• (many families buy 3 2.5ltr bottles per day!)
• Laura mentioned it takes 2.5 litres of good water to make 1 litre of coke
• Giving it to your kids is the same as giving them “poison”
• No-one personally knows the makers of coke, you are not supporting “friends” by buying it, you are supporting an anonymous corporation.
• The plastic bottles are very hard to dispose of in the countryside.
• It’s damaging to your health, then you have to spend money on doctors & clinics
• Coke is a diuretic
Children are becoming accustomed (essentially addicted) to the taste of coke, Chela suggested making fruit waters. Chela proposed they try a week of just drinking water & fruit juices (home made), & give their kidneys a break. …Most thought this was an amusing suggestion, some thought it was a good idea.
Laura & Chela asked how they would describe the experience of working in groups?
Jesus “workgroups are great, every day is different, lots of harmony & singing & laughing, sharing food & drink – cokes!! Also you begin to know people better & begin a relationship.
One woman responded that Jesus likes it for the free food! Everyone laughed & agreed!
“working in groups means you advance faster”
“each group has different experiences of working in a group, some less effective, some helped with the wire weaving but didn’t help with the concrete work.”
Chela asked the community to identify the experts on cisterns in this community.
In other communities – eg Los Torres, there are now 2 or 3 people who have become expert at the process…
This community agreed many men only helped certain days & could not identify experts, they said mainly women did the work, with the men just coming to do the cement application.
They agreed they would probably still need help with tech assistance for any Phase II people.
The Padre of the church has mentioned to some of the families he would like a cistern, they agreed it would be a good place to do the pilot for phase II.
The roll was called, 6 people missing from Phase I (they are @ the Oportunidades Program). All were present from the Phase II list.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Traspatio/Back yard gardens
Chela is going to report back about the possibility of a workshop(s) or regular meetings re this topic, there seems to be interest, but in Los Torres for example, the attendance is sporadic.
We finished at 1.15
Next assembly 8th Sept. 11am (Domitila’s house)
Chela asked Jesus if he had a few eggs he could cook up for snack for us, since we were meeting in Capaderillo next & would have no time for lunch. Jesus has many hens & she knew he would have some eggs. We went to his place & he cooked us some rice, & fried eggs & a calabash casserole!
Photos can be on this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/CruzDelPalmarWaterProject?feat=directlink
or
WWW.02h2o.blogspot.com
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