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
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
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
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 5
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 4th 2010 12.10pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Jesus, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary),
(Chela was ill & so Jesus attended in her absence), + 39 adults including 9 men.
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 3 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• There are approx. 75 families in Juan Gonzalez
• their water comes from Family Pozos (water in the Pozos in this area are fluoride contaminated), not all families have Pozos (wells) but they share.
• The wells are approx. 20-35 mtrs deep, some are 7-10 mtrs if they are closer to the river
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
Cinco Senores
• 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
San Isidro Capadero
• San Isidro is on the road to Cruz del Palmar, on the left, ie between Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar.
• Approx. 35 families of which there are 30 on the list of potential participants in a water Project.
• They have family wells (also contaminated with fluoride) approx. 10-20 mtrs.
• They buy water to drink
• Attending were Jesus Rico (the sand guy – ph 415 155 9406, 415 112 5703), Roberto Reyes, Roberto Caldino, Jose Rodriguez.
San Lorenzo
• 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 – a young man, approached us after the assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter. Holly took his details.
Record of Event pg 2 of 5
We talked with the representatives from the new communities first, we asked them the above details & Jesus explained that we are just at the beginning of a long process, that Rotary & Cedesa do not have a big pile of $$$ to offer. What we are offering is the opportunity to gather together to begin to work on the solution to lack of drinking water.
Jesus specifically emphasised we are not able to guarantee funding, but that we are taking statistics of communities who are motivated to resolve this issue, we are just beginning the process.
He suggested that in the meantime we could do a workshop in Cinco Senores re how to avoid bugs & minimise germs since their only source of water is a dirty river.
Jesus stated we are not a religious organisation or a bank or a source of funds, we are here to talk & begin to organise to find the solution, & we can begin to work to seek resources. We are not many people, for example Chela is not here today because she is sick from working too hard 24/7, & we don’t have 20 Chela’s.
Cedesa is only Benigno, Juanita, Chela, Tere, Pancho, Justy, Abel, Holly, Jesus & part time Saul. & there are more than 140 communities Cedesa is engaged with.
“It is very important you realise this & don’t have unrealistic expectations.”
Annamaria (young leader from Vivienda de Arriba), suggested creating a commission of representatives of all the communities & having just one assembly to discuss all the issues of all the communities.
Holly asked Anna to describe the process of the water project from the beginning to it’s conclusion for the new people attending.
She first visited Los Torres assembly in October 2009 & continued to visit each assembly every month, until we began to visit Vivienda de Arriba & hold assemblies there. After the first assembly she returned to Los Torres the following month with a list of who wanted to be involved, not just in the cistern construction, but also attending & participating in assemblies.
They all kept attending assemblies & were very lucky that $$ came through quickly as a project in another community had cancelled. The pilot was completed at the primary school & then the whole community worked together in groups to construct their cisterns.
Jesus explained the components of commitment required
• Assembly participation
• Taking the roll
• Organising & co-ordinating planning meetings
• Understanding the work process
• Learning the construction process
• Working in groups to complete the cisterns
•
One of the women from Vivienda de Arriba stated, it is more than just getting a list of people’s names, they have to be prepared to come to meetings & participate in the whole process.
We asked for contact details of all the new groups, (some are attending for 2nd or 3rd time).
Holly & Jesus gave their contact details
We then introduced ourselves - a little late!!
Record of Event pg 3 of 5
One of the women from Cinco Senores had come on the first day of the month, thinking the assemblies were then, but they are actually the 1st Wednesday of the month, we reiterated that.
The visiting communities were given the option to leave or stay & observe the process, some had to leave to go back to work, others stayed.
The Vivienda de Arriba Assembly proper, started then
The Roll was called, 1 person was absent, visiting the funeral of a young man that had died in Tierra Blanca (2 have died in the last 2 wks, one age 34 & the other age 38, we are working on the mortality rate issue in Tierra Blanca).
Anna, co-ordinating & record taking for this meeting.
She added 3 new names to the list of people for phase II.
Anna reiterated to someone they can not continue to send representatives on their behalf, they must attend themselves.
The 2nd Phase list is growing.
Holly asked Anna to call for agenda items for this meeting.
• Sanitarios Secos
• Revision of Phase I
• Planning of Phase II
• Assemblies, when to have them in future
• Backyard gardens
Item 1 Phase I revision
All 17 cisterns completed & catching water.
The tinaco is installed, catching water already! (tinaco/plastic water tank installed for the elderly woman who lives on her own)
2 roof replacements, materials have arrived, not fully installed (need screwing on) will be installed by Tuesday.
Item 2 Phase II planning
There are basically 2 lists of people for phase II
1 list of people living in Vivienda de Arriba = 12
The other list of people currently living in the USA, but planning on returning = 10
Living here
Leovardo, Evarista, Francisca R, Nicolasa (absent), Luis, Gloria, Rogelia, Jose, Marta, Urbaldo, Irene, Francisca M, Cristina (12 here)
Living in USA
Juan Carlos, Gerardo, Federico R, Aderina R, Santos T, Noz, Valentino, Soloman, Elias, Marcos.
It should be pointed out that this region has a huge number of men in the USA. The people who stay behind feel very indebted to these guys who make the sacrifice to go to the states, so are petitioning on their behalves to have the cisterns provided for them. We of course think the priority should go to the people who live here & currently have no (or contaminated) water, but have to be diplomatic in conveying this.
Record of Event pg 4 of 5
Jesus explained the Funding situation:
Rotary has a long time frame, we need to wait months for approval & if approved, wait further months before $$ are actually available.
The Green Fund, from the Ecologia is currently funding their first project in Capaderillo, this is a Test Case, & if the people do a good job of the project it will open doors to more projects being funded by the Green Fund.
In the case of the “migrantes” – they’re not here & can’t participate. No one is sure if they’re coming back & when, so because we don’t have certainty it is difficult to plan.
There is the possibility of a “pay it forward” program (Tanda), whereby the first one is co-operatively paid for, then those people pay for the next one, & so on. A period to “payback/forward” would have to be a requirement. This is a suggestion – what do you think?
“We would prefer to wait, & then they could become phase III, we have received assistance with materials, & it would be good for them too”. So the suggestion then became those people would become the phase III list.
Holly reiterated it might be a good option to begin sooner, if the people in the States could send money back for the people in VdA to begin building them now for them…
Item 3 Sanitarios Secos
Anna mentioned they only became interested in Sanitarios Secos when the point was raised by visitors to their assembly from La Tinaja. La Tinaja are aware of sanitarios secos because of a save the laja project going on in a neighbouring community.
Holly suggested delaying discussion on this topic, for Chela since it is her specialty.
Jesus wanted to clarify a few things first
1. The existing model is very expensive (twice the cost of a cistern!)
2. It is important to find & design a cheaper model
3. It is important to understand the importance of toilets re health issues/germs/poo problems etc – to know the way the toilet works re the breakdown of bacteria, diversion of urine & lots of other details
4. If they are interested Jesus suggested a workshop would be a good way to learn these things before beginning a toilet project.
5. Other things to learn would be eg, the number of litres to flush a flush toilet, & the expense to maintain a flush toilet
6. Lots of people use toilets as chicken houses or storage sheds because the decide not to use the toilets
2 of the women from Juan Gonzalez mentioned they have dry toilets, they have had them more than 12 years & use them properly. “the materials from the dry toilets are a great fertilizer, if you use them properly” “it converts to dirt & where you put the dirt from the toilet the corn grows bigger!”
Item 4 – assemblies
Holly asked “how do you want to keep having your assemblies?”
Anna responded “we’d like to continue with backyard gardens, the possibility of dry toilets & other things”
Jesus talked about regional meetings – assemblies bringing together multiple communities.
It was suggested that we do 2 more assemblies as training, & then they would take up the reins on their own.
Record of Event pg 5 of 5
Item 5 – extra point – maintenance of cisterns & Sodis
Holly handed out the final information sheet containing information re on-going maintenance of the cisterns & also the SODIS method of purifying the water.
Next assembly was planned for Wednesday 1st September at 11am
(other communities were invited to attend then too)
Next we headed off for Tierra Blanca for our 3pm Assembly there.
Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Aug 4th 2010 12.10pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Jesus, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary),
(Chela was ill & so Jesus attended in her absence), + 39 adults including 9 men.
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 3 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• There are approx. 75 families in Juan Gonzalez
• their water comes from Family Pozos (water in the Pozos in this area are fluoride contaminated), not all families have Pozos (wells) but they share.
• The wells are approx. 20-35 mtrs deep, some are 7-10 mtrs if they are closer to the river
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
Cinco Senores
• 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
San Isidro Capadero
• San Isidro is on the road to Cruz del Palmar, on the left, ie between Vivienda de Arriba & Cruz del Palmar.
• Approx. 35 families of which there are 30 on the list of potential participants in a water Project.
• They have family wells (also contaminated with fluoride) approx. 10-20 mtrs.
• They buy water to drink
• Attending were Jesus Rico (the sand guy – ph 415 155 9406, 415 112 5703), Roberto Reyes, Roberto Caldino, Jose Rodriguez.
San Lorenzo
• 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 – a young man, approached us after the assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter. Holly took his details.
Record of Event pg 2 of 5
We talked with the representatives from the new communities first, we asked them the above details & Jesus explained that we are just at the beginning of a long process, that Rotary & Cedesa do not have a big pile of $$$ to offer. What we are offering is the opportunity to gather together to begin to work on the solution to lack of drinking water.
Jesus specifically emphasised we are not able to guarantee funding, but that we are taking statistics of communities who are motivated to resolve this issue, we are just beginning the process.
He suggested that in the meantime we could do a workshop in Cinco Senores re how to avoid bugs & minimise germs since their only source of water is a dirty river.
Jesus stated we are not a religious organisation or a bank or a source of funds, we are here to talk & begin to organise to find the solution, & we can begin to work to seek resources. We are not many people, for example Chela is not here today because she is sick from working too hard 24/7, & we don’t have 20 Chela’s.
Cedesa is only Benigno, Juanita, Chela, Tere, Pancho, Justy, Abel, Holly, Jesus & part time Saul. & there are more than 140 communities Cedesa is engaged with.
“It is very important you realise this & don’t have unrealistic expectations.”
Annamaria (young leader from Vivienda de Arriba), suggested creating a commission of representatives of all the communities & having just one assembly to discuss all the issues of all the communities.
Holly asked Anna to describe the process of the water project from the beginning to it’s conclusion for the new people attending.
She first visited Los Torres assembly in October 2009 & continued to visit each assembly every month, until we began to visit Vivienda de Arriba & hold assemblies there. After the first assembly she returned to Los Torres the following month with a list of who wanted to be involved, not just in the cistern construction, but also attending & participating in assemblies.
They all kept attending assemblies & were very lucky that $$ came through quickly as a project in another community had cancelled. The pilot was completed at the primary school & then the whole community worked together in groups to construct their cisterns.
Jesus explained the components of commitment required
• Assembly participation
• Taking the roll
• Organising & co-ordinating planning meetings
• Understanding the work process
• Learning the construction process
• Working in groups to complete the cisterns
•
One of the women from Vivienda de Arriba stated, it is more than just getting a list of people’s names, they have to be prepared to come to meetings & participate in the whole process.
We asked for contact details of all the new groups, (some are attending for 2nd or 3rd time).
Holly & Jesus gave their contact details
We then introduced ourselves - a little late!!
Record of Event pg 3 of 5
One of the women from Cinco Senores had come on the first day of the month, thinking the assemblies were then, but they are actually the 1st Wednesday of the month, we reiterated that.
The visiting communities were given the option to leave or stay & observe the process, some had to leave to go back to work, others stayed.
The Vivienda de Arriba Assembly proper, started then
The Roll was called, 1 person was absent, visiting the funeral of a young man that had died in Tierra Blanca (2 have died in the last 2 wks, one age 34 & the other age 38, we are working on the mortality rate issue in Tierra Blanca).
Anna, co-ordinating & record taking for this meeting.
She added 3 new names to the list of people for phase II.
Anna reiterated to someone they can not continue to send representatives on their behalf, they must attend themselves.
The 2nd Phase list is growing.
Holly asked Anna to call for agenda items for this meeting.
• Sanitarios Secos
• Revision of Phase I
• Planning of Phase II
• Assemblies, when to have them in future
• Backyard gardens
Item 1 Phase I revision
All 17 cisterns completed & catching water.
The tinaco is installed, catching water already! (tinaco/plastic water tank installed for the elderly woman who lives on her own)
2 roof replacements, materials have arrived, not fully installed (need screwing on) will be installed by Tuesday.
Item 2 Phase II planning
There are basically 2 lists of people for phase II
1 list of people living in Vivienda de Arriba = 12
The other list of people currently living in the USA, but planning on returning = 10
Living here
Leovardo, Evarista, Francisca R, Nicolasa (absent), Luis, Gloria, Rogelia, Jose, Marta, Urbaldo, Irene, Francisca M, Cristina (12 here)
Living in USA
Juan Carlos, Gerardo, Federico R, Aderina R, Santos T, Noz, Valentino, Soloman, Elias, Marcos.
It should be pointed out that this region has a huge number of men in the USA. The people who stay behind feel very indebted to these guys who make the sacrifice to go to the states, so are petitioning on their behalves to have the cisterns provided for them. We of course think the priority should go to the people who live here & currently have no (or contaminated) water, but have to be diplomatic in conveying this.
Record of Event pg 4 of 5
Jesus explained the Funding situation:
Rotary has a long time frame, we need to wait months for approval & if approved, wait further months before $$ are actually available.
The Green Fund, from the Ecologia is currently funding their first project in Capaderillo, this is a Test Case, & if the people do a good job of the project it will open doors to more projects being funded by the Green Fund.
In the case of the “migrantes” – they’re not here & can’t participate. No one is sure if they’re coming back & when, so because we don’t have certainty it is difficult to plan.
There is the possibility of a “pay it forward” program (Tanda), whereby the first one is co-operatively paid for, then those people pay for the next one, & so on. A period to “payback/forward” would have to be a requirement. This is a suggestion – what do you think?
“We would prefer to wait, & then they could become phase III, we have received assistance with materials, & it would be good for them too”. So the suggestion then became those people would become the phase III list.
Holly reiterated it might be a good option to begin sooner, if the people in the States could send money back for the people in VdA to begin building them now for them…
Item 3 Sanitarios Secos
Anna mentioned they only became interested in Sanitarios Secos when the point was raised by visitors to their assembly from La Tinaja. La Tinaja are aware of sanitarios secos because of a save the laja project going on in a neighbouring community.
Holly suggested delaying discussion on this topic, for Chela since it is her specialty.
Jesus wanted to clarify a few things first
1. The existing model is very expensive (twice the cost of a cistern!)
2. It is important to find & design a cheaper model
3. It is important to understand the importance of toilets re health issues/germs/poo problems etc – to know the way the toilet works re the breakdown of bacteria, diversion of urine & lots of other details
4. If they are interested Jesus suggested a workshop would be a good way to learn these things before beginning a toilet project.
5. Other things to learn would be eg, the number of litres to flush a flush toilet, & the expense to maintain a flush toilet
6. Lots of people use toilets as chicken houses or storage sheds because the decide not to use the toilets
2 of the women from Juan Gonzalez mentioned they have dry toilets, they have had them more than 12 years & use them properly. “the materials from the dry toilets are a great fertilizer, if you use them properly” “it converts to dirt & where you put the dirt from the toilet the corn grows bigger!”
Item 4 – assemblies
Holly asked “how do you want to keep having your assemblies?”
Anna responded “we’d like to continue with backyard gardens, the possibility of dry toilets & other things”
Jesus talked about regional meetings – assemblies bringing together multiple communities.
It was suggested that we do 2 more assemblies as training, & then they would take up the reins on their own.
Record of Event pg 5 of 5
Item 5 – extra point – maintenance of cisterns & Sodis
Holly handed out the final information sheet containing information re on-going maintenance of the cisterns & also the SODIS method of purifying the water.
Next assembly was planned for Wednesday 1st September at 11am
(other communities were invited to attend then too)
Next we headed off for Tierra Blanca for our 3pm Assembly there.
Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
Report of 4th visit to Tierra Blanca
Where: Tierra Blanca – In front of old Church,
When: 04.08.10
Who: Saul, Jesus, Holly (Chela was ill) (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), 41 adults incl, 5 men, 13kids, at least 8 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.
Introductions:
Saul, Jesus, Holly & Laura introduced ourselves.
The “roll” was called (passed the list)
Agenda was set
1. Results of water samples taken
2. Advances re funding
3. Interviews/surveys
4. Method of interview/survey
Jesus explained that water test samples were taken, from 4 different levels, & different times.
Unfortunately the levels of fluoride in all the samples were higher than 3 (almost 4mg/l). Safe max. is 1.5mg/l.
Arsenic tests have also been done & we are still awaiting results.
For clarification, fluoride is not the cause of the cancer, it is still a serious health issue, but not the cause, so we have to things to solve.
Tierra Blanca has not been drinking this water for too long (well is approx. 10 yrs old), so the symptoms are not obvious in the adults yet, but it is definitely affecting the children already, especially since they are so small it is concentrated in their bodies. It is worse in Los Torres, where they have been drinking this water for many more years.
We can have a workshop at Cedesa & demonstrate how to construct a solar distiller, the only effective way to remove fluoride from water.
We suggest the creation of a committee to work on water options, discuss the options & look at alternatives, unfortunately there is no option for the people living at the top of the hill as they have no water…
It was suggested that the same people carrying out the census/interviews can do the stats re the water, there are already 2 sets of census takers appointed for each side of the community.
Laura suggested each person at this meeting could learn the details & be the ones to transfer the information to the rest of their community.
One man came forward & spoke about his ill health, he has the beginnings of the symptoms that people complain of before dying of cancer & was obviously worried about it. He was planning to visit the clinic in SMA “Similares” this afternoon.
Jesus,& Laura discussed the possibility of finding a doctor in SMA willing to take all the cases in TB, so there is consistency & medical expertise. Jesus has a friend who is a Doctor & naturopath, he will approach him.
Jesus explained he had spoken with the Secretary of Salud to have a mobile Cancer clinic (normally for breast cancer testing) come to the community to take blood samples for antigens which would be the first indicator of the presence of cancer… The blood tests would be on a voluntary basis, for everyone over the age of 16.
The plan therefore is
1. Census for all
2. At same time explain water issues to all
3. Lab test/blood test for those who want it.
Estela volunteered to receive info re who would like to go on the list for giving blood. She will not take names (as she can’t read or write) but will record the number of people.
Boys 15 & older, Girls 16 & older
She will collect the numbers before Saturday & give this information to Jesus.
Once the information is received Jesus, thought the clinic would take approx. 2-3 wks to schedule the visit.
Jesus explained Genetics & family trees & the reason for collecting census info that may point to a genetic origin of this issue. It is also important to describe the geographical limits the people move about in in their daily lives. Eg house, fields, river
Saul suggested creating a “map” so people can demonstrate pictorially where they move.
One woman spoke “ a friend told her there were some people that came with big machines & they had a hand held device with a needle that moved a lot, she assumed it was measuring radiation”
Jesus described the form the census takers will use.
The house, who lives there, general info per household, rooms for sleeping, rooms for kitchen, material of the house (ie adobe/brick), Electricity si/no, gas si/.no, use wood for fires? Etc
There are 3 pages for the genealogical tree. The oldest person in the house should answer the questions.
Main assembly finished at this point 4.20
The census committee stayed for extra training, including each completing one census.
Marisol & Vero
Pedro & Lucia
Enedina & Reyna
Session ended 5.45pm
(we arrived back in SMA at 6.40)
Next assembly in Tierra Blanca 4th Sept at 2pm
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
When: 04.08.10
Who: Saul, Jesus, Holly (Chela was ill) (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), 41 adults incl, 5 men, 13kids, at least 8 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.
Introductions:
Saul, Jesus, Holly & Laura introduced ourselves.
The “roll” was called (passed the list)
Agenda was set
1. Results of water samples taken
2. Advances re funding
3. Interviews/surveys
4. Method of interview/survey
Jesus explained that water test samples were taken, from 4 different levels, & different times.
Unfortunately the levels of fluoride in all the samples were higher than 3 (almost 4mg/l). Safe max. is 1.5mg/l.
Arsenic tests have also been done & we are still awaiting results.
For clarification, fluoride is not the cause of the cancer, it is still a serious health issue, but not the cause, so we have to things to solve.
Tierra Blanca has not been drinking this water for too long (well is approx. 10 yrs old), so the symptoms are not obvious in the adults yet, but it is definitely affecting the children already, especially since they are so small it is concentrated in their bodies. It is worse in Los Torres, where they have been drinking this water for many more years.
We can have a workshop at Cedesa & demonstrate how to construct a solar distiller, the only effective way to remove fluoride from water.
We suggest the creation of a committee to work on water options, discuss the options & look at alternatives, unfortunately there is no option for the people living at the top of the hill as they have no water…
It was suggested that the same people carrying out the census/interviews can do the stats re the water, there are already 2 sets of census takers appointed for each side of the community.
Laura suggested each person at this meeting could learn the details & be the ones to transfer the information to the rest of their community.
One man came forward & spoke about his ill health, he has the beginnings of the symptoms that people complain of before dying of cancer & was obviously worried about it. He was planning to visit the clinic in SMA “Similares” this afternoon.
Jesus,& Laura discussed the possibility of finding a doctor in SMA willing to take all the cases in TB, so there is consistency & medical expertise. Jesus has a friend who is a Doctor & naturopath, he will approach him.
Jesus explained he had spoken with the Secretary of Salud to have a mobile Cancer clinic (normally for breast cancer testing) come to the community to take blood samples for antigens which would be the first indicator of the presence of cancer… The blood tests would be on a voluntary basis, for everyone over the age of 16.
The plan therefore is
1. Census for all
2. At same time explain water issues to all
3. Lab test/blood test for those who want it.
Estela volunteered to receive info re who would like to go on the list for giving blood. She will not take names (as she can’t read or write) but will record the number of people.
Boys 15 & older, Girls 16 & older
She will collect the numbers before Saturday & give this information to Jesus.
Once the information is received Jesus, thought the clinic would take approx. 2-3 wks to schedule the visit.
Jesus explained Genetics & family trees & the reason for collecting census info that may point to a genetic origin of this issue. It is also important to describe the geographical limits the people move about in in their daily lives. Eg house, fields, river
Saul suggested creating a “map” so people can demonstrate pictorially where they move.
One woman spoke “ a friend told her there were some people that came with big machines & they had a hand held device with a needle that moved a lot, she assumed it was measuring radiation”
Jesus described the form the census takers will use.
The house, who lives there, general info per household, rooms for sleeping, rooms for kitchen, material of the house (ie adobe/brick), Electricity si/no, gas si/.no, use wood for fires? Etc
There are 3 pages for the genealogical tree. The oldest person in the house should answer the questions.
Main assembly finished at this point 4.20
The census committee stayed for extra training, including each completing one census.
Marisol & Vero
Pedro & Lucia
Enedina & Reyna
Session ended 5.45pm
(we arrived back in SMA at 6.40)
Next assembly in Tierra Blanca 4th Sept at 2pm
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
Report of 4th visit to Tierra Blanca
Where: Tierra Blanca – In front of old Church,
When: 04.08.10
Who: Saul, Jesus, Holly (Chela was ill) (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), 41 adults incl, 5 men, 13kids, at least 8 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.
Introductions:
Saul, Jesus, Holly & Laura introduced ourselves.
The “roll” was called (passed the list)
Agenda was set
1. Results of water samples taken
2. Advances re funding
3. Interviews/surveys
4. Method of interview/survey
Jesus explained that water test samples were taken, from 4 different levels, & different times.
Unfortunately the levels of fluoride in all the samples were higher than 3 (almost 4mg/l). Safe max. is 1.5mg/l.
Arsenic tests have also been done & we are still awaiting results.
For clarification, fluoride is not the cause of the cancer, it is still a serious health issue, but not the cause, so we have to things to solve.
Tierra Blanca has not been drinking this water for too long (well is approx. 10 yrs old), so the symptoms are not obvious in the adults yet, but it is definitely affecting the children already, especially since they are so small it is concentrated in their bodies. It is worse in Los Torres, where they have been drinking this water for many more years.
We can have a workshop at Cedesa & demonstrate how to construct a solar distiller, the only effective way to remove fluoride from water.
We suggest the creation of a committee to work on water options, discuss the options & look at alternatives, unfortunately there is no option for the people living at the top of the hill as they have no water…
It was suggested that the same people carrying out the census/interviews can do the stats re the water, there are already 2 sets of census takers appointed for each side of the community.
Laura suggested each person at this meeting could learn the details & be the ones to transfer the information to the rest of their community.
One man came forward & spoke about his ill health, he has the beginnings of the symptoms that people complain of before dying of cancer & was obviously worried about it. He was planning to visit the clinic in SMA “Similares” this afternoon.
Jesus,& Laura discussed the possibility of finding a doctor in SMA willing to take all the cases in TB, so there is consistency & medical expertise. Jesus has a friend who is a Doctor & naturopath, he will approach him.
Jesus explained he had spoken with the Secretary of Salud to have a mobile Cancer clinic (normally for breast cancer testing) come to the community to take blood samples for antigens which would be the first indicator of the presence of cancer… The blood tests would be on a voluntary basis, for everyone over the age of 16.
The plan therefore is
1. Census for all
2. At same time explain water issues to all
3. Lab test/blood test for those who want it.
Estela volunteered to receive info re who would like to go on the list for giving blood. She will not take names (as she can’t read or write) but will record the number of people.
Boys 15 & older, Girls 16 & older
She will collect the numbers before Saturday & give this information to Jesus.
Once the information is received Jesus, thought the clinic would take approx. 2-3 wks to schedule the visit.
Jesus explained Genetics & family trees & the reason for collecting census info that may point to a genetic origin of this issue. It is also important to describe the geographical limits the people move about in in their daily lives. Eg house, fields, river
Saul suggested creating a “map” so people can demonstrate pictorially where they move.
One woman spoke “ a friend told her there were some people that came with big machines & they had a hand held device with a needle that moved a lot, she assumed it was measuring radiation”
Jesus described the form the census takers will use.
The house, who lives there, general info per household, rooms for sleeping, rooms for kitchen, material of the house (ie adobe/brick), Electricity si/no, gas si/.no, use wood for fires? Etc
There are 3 pages for the genealogical tree. The oldest person in the house should answer the questions.
Main assembly finished at this point 4.20
The census committee stayed for extra training, including each completing one census.
Marisol & Vero
Pedro & Lucia
Enedina & Reyna
Session ended 5.45pm
(we arrived back in SMA at 6.40)
Next assembly in Tierra Blanca 4th Sept at 2pm
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
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