Record of Event
Report of 2nd visit to Guerrero, La Aurora, Don Juan
Where: Guerrero – past Capaderillo, before La Aurora & Don Juan
When: 29.09.10 3pm .
Who: Saul, Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 22 women (no men), 12kids, 3 dogs
Purpose: This is the 2nd visit to this “cluster” of communities, we visited La Aurora last time, hence Guerrero’s turn.
We arrived early as we had come straight from Juan Gonzalez/Cinco Senores, & there was just one woman there… then 3 turned up from La Aurora, & eventually as we gathered in the shade in front of the church 22 women arrived.
Chela pointed out that participation & interest in people in their own communities to solve their own issues is crucial, that they can not rely on outsiders for that.
She asked how this community is at attending meetings? They said not very interested, but they all attend the opportunities program meetings!
The women estimated there are approx 32 families in Guerrero (prev estimate has been 45)…
Salud (one of the women) had come to the first meeting in Capaderillo, & has continued to participate & she has a cistern now. She is now attempting to gather interest in Guerrero (her community)
Chela
”are you interested? Knowing that you will have to work, & in groups to achieve these cisterns. It is important to know exactly who is interested, & not just put your name on the list, people need to be “present” ie committed to attend meetings.”
There is a list of 25 names, this needs to be very well refined, & ensure it contains only the names of the definite people wanting to participate.
Chela suggested they pass the attendance list…
3 People are attending from Aurora.
One person is representing the school, the teacher later attended.
Introductions
Chela introduced herself & explained she was not at the previous assembly in Aurora.
Saul & Laura both introduced themselves.
Chela explained the history of the projects, Los Torres, Fluoride etc, & that we have been most recently working in Capaderillo. Some of the people from Guerrero, La Aurora & Don Juan have been attending assemblies there & in Vivienda de Arriba, & invited us to this community to learn more & begin potential collaboration.
The Maestra (teacher) of the primary school arrived at the meeting & Chela took time to explain the history for the teacher.
She talked about fluoride & the damage it causes to all major organs, & for that reason we had begun work in Los Torres in 2008. Los Torres project has been central to the rest of the work we have been doing since. Rotary have funded 4 projects & Ecology department has just funded Capaderillo.
The rainwater is safe to drink, it is without contaminants & we want to work with those interested in resolving their own issues, if there is no interest we will work with other communities. A community needs to be very motivated & interested in co-operating to achieve the results/complete the cisterns.
In reality we would like to gauge the interest at this time, we have no resources currently but are gathering statistics of those interested & will assist people to find resources.
Apparently some people had attended this meeting last week, which was the original date for this meeting, but was changed as it was during the celebrations of independence day/bicentennial.
Chela explained, Rotary does not have the funding for the whole region, so we need to ask the Presidencia for help, Ecology dept. Sapasma, Desarollo Social included, we need to see how we can collaborate resources to resolve this issue for all the communities asking for assistance, we need to involve these other authorities as the demand for this is already large & growing…
Silvia Cardenas (the teacher), had heard about this project from the other Rotary Club, San Miguel Rotary club, who provided playground equipment, Elena had visited during this inauguration. She is very positive about this project as it is very important for the health of the people & she is happy to attend meetings like this.
Chela – Principally important for the kids & that’s why we’re here… Rotary has been funding this from the USA & Canadian funds, but this is essentially a problem of our Govt. one for our country to solve, & we are encouraging them to do this. We’re here for this 1st assembly in Guerrero to explain & gauge interest – what do you think? Talk to me…
“I think it’s important to have clean water to drink”
“I think it’s important to have clean rivers & presa & the river is not clean, but the pozos are clean”
Chela explained – although the pozos seem clean they are not, you can not see, smell or taste fluoride, but it’s why your teeth are damaged.
There are 2 things – the existence of need but also the interest in resolving your issues – do you want to resolve this issue?
They all responded “SI”
It is all voluntary, & so we need to begin to organise, a group/commission can come to the inauguration at Capaderillo on the 22nd October at 11am & present the documents to the govt. representatives attending. You will need to bring food & drink to share.
They will get these to Saul to give to Laura.
Next assembly is essentially the 22.10.10 inauguration/regional meeting at Capaderillo 11am
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Report of 1st visit to Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores
Record of Event
Report of 1st visit to Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores
Where: Cinco Senores, out behind Vivienda de Arriba
When: 29.09.10 10.30 in Juan Gonzalez, 11.15 in Cinco Senores.
Who: Saul, Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 20 adults incl. 1 man, 4kids, 2 dogs
Purpose: We were invited to visit these communities to talk about water issues & the potential of a water project in these communities.
A group of representatives of Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo, have attended several assemblies in neighbouring Vivienda de Arriba, as well as Capaderillo.
Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo are all within about 35 mins walk of each other.
They are in a little hidden valley with a small river running through it.
We met Saul on the highway & turned off on an unmarked dirt road just past the entrance to Vivienda de Arriba. We kept driving straight & down, past a few houses, & along a long potholed, dusty “road” & arrived at a river which we needed to ford. The River was deeper than expected but rocky so Chela just planted her foot & we ploughed through.
We rounded the corner through a bank of trees & discovered a little community, church, a couple of tienda’s. This is Juan Gonzalez, we were met by 5 women, who after much deliberation took us in the agreed best direction… we noted a few men on horseback & decided this was the preferred method of transport, especially after driving a little further!
We had to push our way through huge muddy puddles, through bushes overlapping the “track” & forded the river again, we drove at an almost 90degree sideways slant, with lower wheels on the road & upper wheels on the “other part of the road”… finally we reached another part of the river to cross, but were very perplexed as to us it looked like huge stony river banks with no crossing possibility!
We tried in one spot, & got stuck, so all the women jumped off the back & we pushed Chela’s pickup back out to solid ground, parked & walked!
We walked about 20 mins, scrambling under barbed wire fences, through maize taller than us, & along the river banks, much easier by foot! Eventually we arrived at the “meeting” house…
We had a discussion before beginning the meeting, here are some points
• Juan Gonzalez is Ejido (communal) land.
• Cinco Senores is privately owned.
• One woman visiting was originally from Shotolar – they have 6 families there, with no water or electricity (it is the furthest community of the municipality of SMA, they grow maize & frijoles same as Cinco Senores.
• Saul handed out forms for each of the communities to fill in (Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo – each received 1 for the community & 1 for each family wishing to participate in the project.
• There is lots of water in the river at the moment, so things are extra green, the river always has some water in it.
• It’s very tranquil & peaceful here, a little secluded valley (hard to find)
• Juan Gonzalez people all have bad teeth, from the water in their wells, Chela described the issues caused by Fluoride contaminations – bone problems, osteoporosis, brain, teeth, major organs.
The community insisted we eat first & provided a feast of calabasa casserole, garbanzo casserole, chicheron (pork skin), beans, rice, & the most delicious flour tortillas I’ve ever eaten!
Introductions
San Lorenzo
Humberto Alonso,Odelia Ramirez
Juan Gonzalez
Maria Gloria, Enedina Palma, Maria Elena Ramirez, Salvador Torre (represented by his wife!), Antonia Bocanegra, Marta Lanas, Margarita Hernandez.
Cinco Senores
Leticia Lopez, Beatriz Bocanegra, Josefina Herrera, Adelita Gonzalez, Maria Ramirez, Angelica Correr, Leticia Ramirez, Felisa Bocanegra, Ma Elena Bocanegra, Ester Lana, Valentina Morin (Ex Sholotar).
We then introduced ourselves too.
Laura from Rotary (& brief description of Rotary), Chela described Cedesa & the work they do to
Conserve traditions, Training of Campesinos in the region, 40 years working in the region, a commission from Presita de Santa Rosa had visited Cedesa to know more, Cedesa began work in SMA only 2 yrs ago, with Rotary.
Chela went on to talk about fluoride, how it occurs, it’s causes,
The women asked questions
• Is fluoride bad for you? How?
• How can we remove it?
• Is arsenic the problem in Tierra Blanca?
• How can we prevent this?
• Did you advertise on the radio?
Chela responded with these points
• When the water comes from the wells in this area it’s contaminated.
• Not just this area is affected also Dolores Hidalgo
• It’s damaging the health in this region
• It’s a problem with the watershed, which covers an area of 6 municipalities
• It is naturally occurring, leaching from the types of rocks in this area,
• All of the internal organs are affected by excessive fluoride.
• There is also manganese & arsenic in some areas
• The only way to prevent it is to stop drinking the water.
• This is why we started work in Los Torres, to help the people provide options for safe drinking water.
• Bacteria can be killed by the sun, but the water needs to be distilled to remove fluoride.
• That’s why we’re here today, people saw/heard about the cisterns in Los Torres & the word spread to different communities, & new project sites.
• The only information spread has been word of mouth, we have not advertised these projects on the radio.
• So far 52 cisterns in Los Torres, 30 in Montecillo de Nieto, 17 in Vivienda de Arriba, 27 in Cruz del Palmar, 40 in Capaderillo. Rotary has funded the projects in all communities, except Capaderillo, which was funded by the ecology department’s green fund.
• Chela briefly described the hydraulic cycle, in part explaining the process of distillation.
The women were interested to know where Laura came from – so there was a brief discussion about New Zealand & how long it takes to get there…
Chela asked
Why do you want to be involved in this project?
• Safe drinking water,
• Someone suggested it might be safer to drink coke! Then someone else responded then we’d all get diabetes!
• The pozos (wells) are dry when the rains stop.
• We have to carry the water a long way, if we need to get it from the river
• Some people upstream from this community have flush toilets & they are contaminating the river with fecal matter
• There are machines working in the water (to dredge out sand & rocks) & their oil contaminate the water
• “Sometimes the rocks in the river are clean, other times they are black, - can you imagine drinking this water?”
• we had analysis done – 4 tests for 600 pesos per test, I went to get the tests but they were not complete, we had tests done for fluoride, fecal matter, ecoli & bacteria (a promoter from Desarollo Social – Social Development – Helped us.
• San Lorenzo is only 4 families, so good idea for them to combine with these communities
Chela asked who wishes to participate from the community of Juan Gonzalez
They responded they were not sure how many people could come to today’s meeting so only sent representatives.
There was continued discussion re how many people wish to participate v how many people are attending the meeting today.
Chela suggested we can meet in each community separately, but it is more efficient to combine communities into one meeting, & meet in a central location, good for everyone, & with shade…
There are 17 from Juan Gonzalez on the list, 16 from Cinco Senores, & 4 from San Lorenzo.
Saul described the 2 forms, & how to complete them. The community form, describing the general water situation of the community, & the family form to list the people wishing to participate.
Chela described the meeting planned for 22nd Oct. in Capaderillo, an inauguration, but also a chance for a regional meeting, & to present requests of assistance to the municipality…
At the 22nd Oct meeting the date for the next meeting for this community will be set.
We also talked briefly about the ecocina stove project.
We asked about their current cooking arrangements, they showed us 2 kitchens, (with permission I took photos), these kitchens were blackened with soot from the open fires they use to cook their tortillas.
We also looked at the dry toilets some houses had, as part of a govt program.
The ones we looked at were not in use, the big bucket that was in place under the toilet to catch the fecal matter, had been removed & was in use as washing bucket. The toilets had been relegated to storage sheds.
I saw 2 toilets out in the middle of no-where, with signs proclaiming the program nailed to stumps.
The meeting concluded at 1.25pm, we began our “journey” back to the highway, & headed to Guerrero for our 3pm assembly.
Report of 1st visit to Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores
Where: Cinco Senores, out behind Vivienda de Arriba
When: 29.09.10 10.30 in Juan Gonzalez, 11.15 in Cinco Senores.
Who: Saul, Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 20 adults incl. 1 man, 4kids, 2 dogs
Purpose: We were invited to visit these communities to talk about water issues & the potential of a water project in these communities.
A group of representatives of Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo, have attended several assemblies in neighbouring Vivienda de Arriba, as well as Capaderillo.
Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo are all within about 35 mins walk of each other.
They are in a little hidden valley with a small river running through it.
We met Saul on the highway & turned off on an unmarked dirt road just past the entrance to Vivienda de Arriba. We kept driving straight & down, past a few houses, & along a long potholed, dusty “road” & arrived at a river which we needed to ford. The River was deeper than expected but rocky so Chela just planted her foot & we ploughed through.
We rounded the corner through a bank of trees & discovered a little community, church, a couple of tienda’s. This is Juan Gonzalez, we were met by 5 women, who after much deliberation took us in the agreed best direction… we noted a few men on horseback & decided this was the preferred method of transport, especially after driving a little further!
We had to push our way through huge muddy puddles, through bushes overlapping the “track” & forded the river again, we drove at an almost 90degree sideways slant, with lower wheels on the road & upper wheels on the “other part of the road”… finally we reached another part of the river to cross, but were very perplexed as to us it looked like huge stony river banks with no crossing possibility!
We tried in one spot, & got stuck, so all the women jumped off the back & we pushed Chela’s pickup back out to solid ground, parked & walked!
We walked about 20 mins, scrambling under barbed wire fences, through maize taller than us, & along the river banks, much easier by foot! Eventually we arrived at the “meeting” house…
We had a discussion before beginning the meeting, here are some points
• Juan Gonzalez is Ejido (communal) land.
• Cinco Senores is privately owned.
• One woman visiting was originally from Shotolar – they have 6 families there, with no water or electricity (it is the furthest community of the municipality of SMA, they grow maize & frijoles same as Cinco Senores.
• Saul handed out forms for each of the communities to fill in (Juan Gonzalez, Cinco Senores & San Lorenzo – each received 1 for the community & 1 for each family wishing to participate in the project.
• There is lots of water in the river at the moment, so things are extra green, the river always has some water in it.
• It’s very tranquil & peaceful here, a little secluded valley (hard to find)
• Juan Gonzalez people all have bad teeth, from the water in their wells, Chela described the issues caused by Fluoride contaminations – bone problems, osteoporosis, brain, teeth, major organs.
The community insisted we eat first & provided a feast of calabasa casserole, garbanzo casserole, chicheron (pork skin), beans, rice, & the most delicious flour tortillas I’ve ever eaten!
Introductions
San Lorenzo
Humberto Alonso,Odelia Ramirez
Juan Gonzalez
Maria Gloria, Enedina Palma, Maria Elena Ramirez, Salvador Torre (represented by his wife!), Antonia Bocanegra, Marta Lanas, Margarita Hernandez.
Cinco Senores
Leticia Lopez, Beatriz Bocanegra, Josefina Herrera, Adelita Gonzalez, Maria Ramirez, Angelica Correr, Leticia Ramirez, Felisa Bocanegra, Ma Elena Bocanegra, Ester Lana, Valentina Morin (Ex Sholotar).
We then introduced ourselves too.
Laura from Rotary (& brief description of Rotary), Chela described Cedesa & the work they do to
Conserve traditions, Training of Campesinos in the region, 40 years working in the region, a commission from Presita de Santa Rosa had visited Cedesa to know more, Cedesa began work in SMA only 2 yrs ago, with Rotary.
Chela went on to talk about fluoride, how it occurs, it’s causes,
The women asked questions
• Is fluoride bad for you? How?
• How can we remove it?
• Is arsenic the problem in Tierra Blanca?
• How can we prevent this?
• Did you advertise on the radio?
Chela responded with these points
• When the water comes from the wells in this area it’s contaminated.
• Not just this area is affected also Dolores Hidalgo
• It’s damaging the health in this region
• It’s a problem with the watershed, which covers an area of 6 municipalities
• It is naturally occurring, leaching from the types of rocks in this area,
• All of the internal organs are affected by excessive fluoride.
• There is also manganese & arsenic in some areas
• The only way to prevent it is to stop drinking the water.
• This is why we started work in Los Torres, to help the people provide options for safe drinking water.
• Bacteria can be killed by the sun, but the water needs to be distilled to remove fluoride.
• That’s why we’re here today, people saw/heard about the cisterns in Los Torres & the word spread to different communities, & new project sites.
• The only information spread has been word of mouth, we have not advertised these projects on the radio.
• So far 52 cisterns in Los Torres, 30 in Montecillo de Nieto, 17 in Vivienda de Arriba, 27 in Cruz del Palmar, 40 in Capaderillo. Rotary has funded the projects in all communities, except Capaderillo, which was funded by the ecology department’s green fund.
• Chela briefly described the hydraulic cycle, in part explaining the process of distillation.
The women were interested to know where Laura came from – so there was a brief discussion about New Zealand & how long it takes to get there…
Chela asked
Why do you want to be involved in this project?
• Safe drinking water,
• Someone suggested it might be safer to drink coke! Then someone else responded then we’d all get diabetes!
• The pozos (wells) are dry when the rains stop.
• We have to carry the water a long way, if we need to get it from the river
• Some people upstream from this community have flush toilets & they are contaminating the river with fecal matter
• There are machines working in the water (to dredge out sand & rocks) & their oil contaminate the water
• “Sometimes the rocks in the river are clean, other times they are black, - can you imagine drinking this water?”
• we had analysis done – 4 tests for 600 pesos per test, I went to get the tests but they were not complete, we had tests done for fluoride, fecal matter, ecoli & bacteria (a promoter from Desarollo Social – Social Development – Helped us.
• San Lorenzo is only 4 families, so good idea for them to combine with these communities
Chela asked who wishes to participate from the community of Juan Gonzalez
They responded they were not sure how many people could come to today’s meeting so only sent representatives.
There was continued discussion re how many people wish to participate v how many people are attending the meeting today.
Chela suggested we can meet in each community separately, but it is more efficient to combine communities into one meeting, & meet in a central location, good for everyone, & with shade…
There are 17 from Juan Gonzalez on the list, 16 from Cinco Senores, & 4 from San Lorenzo.
Saul described the 2 forms, & how to complete them. The community form, describing the general water situation of the community, & the family form to list the people wishing to participate.
Chela described the meeting planned for 22nd Oct. in Capaderillo, an inauguration, but also a chance for a regional meeting, & to present requests of assistance to the municipality…
At the 22nd Oct meeting the date for the next meeting for this community will be set.
We also talked briefly about the ecocina stove project.
We asked about their current cooking arrangements, they showed us 2 kitchens, (with permission I took photos), these kitchens were blackened with soot from the open fires they use to cook their tortillas.
We also looked at the dry toilets some houses had, as part of a govt program.
The ones we looked at were not in use, the big bucket that was in place under the toilet to catch the fecal matter, had been removed & was in use as washing bucket. The toilets had been relegated to storage sheds.
I saw 2 toilets out in the middle of no-where, with signs proclaiming the program nailed to stumps.
The meeting concluded at 1.25pm, we began our “journey” back to the highway, & headed to Guerrero for our 3pm assembly.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree” & inside the church.
When: Wed 9th Sept 2010 3.15 – 5.50
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 44 people incl 5 men inside the church (more waiting outside for other communities)
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
When we arrived there were many people gathered & they continued to arrive. We decided there were too many people to fit under the tree & there was a grader working so very noisy. We asked for access to the church, although not ideal as we normally like to sit in a circle to encourage participation.
Saul made a quick introduction & welcome
We discussed the agenda for today
1. who has finished – what are they missing?
2. the date of the inauguration/fiesta
3. the replacement roofs
1. revision of the project
We asked who had finished &/or what was missing…
Group 1 – all 6 cisterns finished, Dona Reynaldo is waiting on roof replacement, & Miguel just needs to connect the pipes (he will do that in the next 2 days)
Group 2 – all 6 cisterns finished.
Group 3 – 5 finished, 1 is missing a pvc t & codo (I said they cost approx 5 pesos each & asked them to arrange it themselves, as it would take hours of our time to do it)
Group 4 – Carolina needs to finish plastering & pipe connection, will finish on Saturday. All others then mentioned they need to finish their internal plastering too.
Group 5 – 6 finished, 1 (Salud) needs to connect the pipes after they have changed their roof.
Group 6 – all 6 finished.
2. Planning the inauguration
Capaderillo community has been chosen as the regional meeting place, ie for all the communities requesting projects to come & meet the municipality representatives & begin the process of seeking resources for their projects.
Cruz del Palmar was another possibility but decided against since Capaderillo is the first Municipally funded project.
Other Communities will be advised of the day to attend & will be asked to bring food & drink as contribution to the fiesta/inauguration.
It was decided that 22 Oct at 11am is a good time for all.
One of the woman from another community stood & stated they would of course bring what they can to contribute.
A question was asked “can we bring only 5 people to represent our community?” Saul responded they can bring as many as they can provide food for, & everyone laughed!
Saul asked for volunteers for a commission to organize the event. Eg balloons for the kids to pop, chairs & tables, shade etc…
Inauguration planning Commission volunteers are:
Lucia Aguilar, Reynalda Ramirez, Marina Nedi, Juana Valdez, Alicia Ariega
Holly gave an example/explained what other communities have done, eg:
• Los Torres had balloons & the kids popped them with “espina’s” ,
• each group could give a representative talk about the experience of the project, what it has meant for them personally & the impact it will have on their lives to have safe drinking water (not having to carry water, not having fluoride poisoning etc).
• kids could give a little performance/dance
• they will need to create an agenda for the day
• have an MC to announce the next item on the agenda
Action: Laura will ask Gary Reid for a copy of the cd with the photos on it to give to Saul, to organize prints of photos for the inauguration.
Saul then called for another commission to make the invitation
Invitation to Inauguration Commission:
These will be the same people that went as representatives to the Presidencia to ask why the delay of funding for the project, before the funding was released.
Ramedios, Margarita, Juana, Ermelinda, Elvia
Holly will ask Chela or Jesus to help with the process of invitation & advise (ie the protocol). The invitation should be made after 16th Sept (once the bicentennial celebrations are over).
Q&A session
One woman from Guerrero asked about the cistern for the primary school, Saul explained it will be the most likely site for the pilot training session for that community.
Is asbestos roofing ok to collect water from – Saul explained that it would need to be sealed, but that the best option is to have lamina roofing.
Holly & Saul handed out Maintenance sheets to the people who have finished their cisterns. These sheets detail what needs to be done annually to maintain the cisterns, eg cleaning the roof with the first rains after the dry season, repairing cracks with cement, resealing the outside, & roof if necessary. It also details the SODIS solar disinfection, www.sodis.ch method of water purification.
There was a general discussion about continuing assemblies after the project has been completed, as a good way to keep the community working together to resolve it’s issues. Working on projects to benefit the community for example dry toilets & back yard gardens.
Someone asked how we all feel about using the church for public meetings. No-one was prepared to comment, & agreed to keep meeting, then another woman volunteered to use her house again & everyone was animatedly in agreement to use her house (not the church).
The phase I Capaderillo people left at this point.
People from the visiting communities stayed behind, as did the 2 women who’s roofs will be replaced.
Saul explained that right now we don’t have the resources guaranteed for the projects, that we need to do a regional application for all of the communities combined, they will have the opportunity to present their requests at the Inauguration on the 22nd Oct. This will amount to more than 100 cisterns being requested.
He also explained – since resources are limited, people must live in the communities they are applying in full time…
At this announcement one woman who had been attending meetings but doesn’t live here full time was annoyed & said she wish she knew this in advance. We hadn’t thought to specify this as we had thought it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.
The communities represented at today’s meeting were:
Rincon de Canal (3 people attended) – they were given a copy of the community form & the family form, they agreed to collect the information & attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct to present the info
Action: Saul to advise Rincon de Canal people of the date 22 Oct 11am)
Presita de Santa Rosa
(they will be visiting Cedesa on Friday 24th Sept, they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Capaderillo Phase II (Vivienda de urbano)
(they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Guerrero
We have an assembly with them. Aurora & Don Juan on the 29th Sept. Some have completed forms, & they will attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct.
Don Juan (See Guerrero above)
A new person from Cabras (on the Salida Celaya) attended, her father is from Capaderillo, & she is interested to know more, she estimated they have approx 300 families, they have a Sapasma well, but the pump is not powerful enough & upper parts of the community often don’t have water.
To her knowledge they have not had their water tested.
The general meeting finished at this point & discussion continued with the 2 families to be recipients of replacement roofing. 5.20pm
Saul discussed the order/requirements for the roofing & Laura advanced the money.
Meeting finished at 5.50
The next assembly is 13th October at 3pm at the casa we first met at.
10th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo “meeting tree” & inside the church.
When: Wed 9th Sept 2010 3.15 – 5.50
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 44 people incl 5 men inside the church (more waiting outside for other communities)
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
When we arrived there were many people gathered & they continued to arrive. We decided there were too many people to fit under the tree & there was a grader working so very noisy. We asked for access to the church, although not ideal as we normally like to sit in a circle to encourage participation.
Saul made a quick introduction & welcome
We discussed the agenda for today
1. who has finished – what are they missing?
2. the date of the inauguration/fiesta
3. the replacement roofs
1. revision of the project
We asked who had finished &/or what was missing…
Group 1 – all 6 cisterns finished, Dona Reynaldo is waiting on roof replacement, & Miguel just needs to connect the pipes (he will do that in the next 2 days)
Group 2 – all 6 cisterns finished.
Group 3 – 5 finished, 1 is missing a pvc t & codo (I said they cost approx 5 pesos each & asked them to arrange it themselves, as it would take hours of our time to do it)
Group 4 – Carolina needs to finish plastering & pipe connection, will finish on Saturday. All others then mentioned they need to finish their internal plastering too.
Group 5 – 6 finished, 1 (Salud) needs to connect the pipes after they have changed their roof.
Group 6 – all 6 finished.
2. Planning the inauguration
Capaderillo community has been chosen as the regional meeting place, ie for all the communities requesting projects to come & meet the municipality representatives & begin the process of seeking resources for their projects.
Cruz del Palmar was another possibility but decided against since Capaderillo is the first Municipally funded project.
Other Communities will be advised of the day to attend & will be asked to bring food & drink as contribution to the fiesta/inauguration.
It was decided that 22 Oct at 11am is a good time for all.
One of the woman from another community stood & stated they would of course bring what they can to contribute.
A question was asked “can we bring only 5 people to represent our community?” Saul responded they can bring as many as they can provide food for, & everyone laughed!
Saul asked for volunteers for a commission to organize the event. Eg balloons for the kids to pop, chairs & tables, shade etc…
Inauguration planning Commission volunteers are:
Lucia Aguilar, Reynalda Ramirez, Marina Nedi, Juana Valdez, Alicia Ariega
Holly gave an example/explained what other communities have done, eg:
• Los Torres had balloons & the kids popped them with “espina’s” ,
• each group could give a representative talk about the experience of the project, what it has meant for them personally & the impact it will have on their lives to have safe drinking water (not having to carry water, not having fluoride poisoning etc).
• kids could give a little performance/dance
• they will need to create an agenda for the day
• have an MC to announce the next item on the agenda
Action: Laura will ask Gary Reid for a copy of the cd with the photos on it to give to Saul, to organize prints of photos for the inauguration.
Saul then called for another commission to make the invitation
Invitation to Inauguration Commission:
These will be the same people that went as representatives to the Presidencia to ask why the delay of funding for the project, before the funding was released.
Ramedios, Margarita, Juana, Ermelinda, Elvia
Holly will ask Chela or Jesus to help with the process of invitation & advise (ie the protocol). The invitation should be made after 16th Sept (once the bicentennial celebrations are over).
Q&A session
One woman from Guerrero asked about the cistern for the primary school, Saul explained it will be the most likely site for the pilot training session for that community.
Is asbestos roofing ok to collect water from – Saul explained that it would need to be sealed, but that the best option is to have lamina roofing.
Holly & Saul handed out Maintenance sheets to the people who have finished their cisterns. These sheets detail what needs to be done annually to maintain the cisterns, eg cleaning the roof with the first rains after the dry season, repairing cracks with cement, resealing the outside, & roof if necessary. It also details the SODIS solar disinfection, www.sodis.ch method of water purification.
There was a general discussion about continuing assemblies after the project has been completed, as a good way to keep the community working together to resolve it’s issues. Working on projects to benefit the community for example dry toilets & back yard gardens.
Someone asked how we all feel about using the church for public meetings. No-one was prepared to comment, & agreed to keep meeting, then another woman volunteered to use her house again & everyone was animatedly in agreement to use her house (not the church).
The phase I Capaderillo people left at this point.
People from the visiting communities stayed behind, as did the 2 women who’s roofs will be replaced.
Saul explained that right now we don’t have the resources guaranteed for the projects, that we need to do a regional application for all of the communities combined, they will have the opportunity to present their requests at the Inauguration on the 22nd Oct. This will amount to more than 100 cisterns being requested.
He also explained – since resources are limited, people must live in the communities they are applying in full time…
At this announcement one woman who had been attending meetings but doesn’t live here full time was annoyed & said she wish she knew this in advance. We hadn’t thought to specify this as we had thought it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.
The communities represented at today’s meeting were:
Rincon de Canal (3 people attended) – they were given a copy of the community form & the family form, they agreed to collect the information & attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct to present the info
Action: Saul to advise Rincon de Canal people of the date 22 Oct 11am)
Presita de Santa Rosa
(they will be visiting Cedesa on Friday 24th Sept, they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Capaderillo Phase II (Vivienda de urbano)
(they have filled in the community & family forms & will attend the inauguration on the 22nd)
Guerrero
We have an assembly with them. Aurora & Don Juan on the 29th Sept. Some have completed forms, & they will attend the inauguration on the 22nd Oct.
Don Juan (See Guerrero above)
A new person from Cabras (on the Salida Celaya) attended, her father is from Capaderillo, & she is interested to know more, she estimated they have approx 300 families, they have a Sapasma well, but the pump is not powerful enough & upper parts of the community often don’t have water.
To her knowledge they have not had their water tested.
The general meeting finished at this point & discussion continued with the 2 families to be recipients of replacement roofing. 5.20pm
Saul discussed the order/requirements for the roofing & Laura advanced the money.
Meeting finished at 5.50
The next assembly is 13th October at 3pm at the casa we first met at.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Sept. 1st 12pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Saul, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary), (Jesus absent) 39 adults (incl 10 men) 4 kids. Some people missing as there was a meeting at the school at the same time)
Purpose: The water project funded by Rotary has concluded, with the successful completion of 17 cisterns (1 school & 16 individual family).
This meeting is continuing relations & development in the community & neighbouring communities. There were representatives from 4 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez (2nd visit)
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 on the way to meeting at 5 Senores)
Cinco Senores (3rd visit, 1 in Tierra Blanca, 2 in Vivienda de Arriba)
• Cinco Senores is in front of Juan Gonzalez but the Vivienda de Arriba side of the river
• There are approx. 20 Families
• They have no wells, their only source of water is the river, which is dry in the dry season (ie most of the year!) they have to dig as much as 1mtr in the river bed to find water. This is their only water.
• Attending were Letitia Lopez, Adelita Gonzalez, Josefina Herrera, & Maria Beatriz Baranca – contact Maria Ramirez (as above) 415 149 4772, Felisa, Maria Vazquez
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 11am (after brief meet at Juan Gonzalez)
San Lorenzo (2nd visit)
• San Lorenzo is close to Juan Gonzalez (makes more sense to combine JG & SL, than with Vivienda 2nd phase).
• Approx. 4 families
• Attending were representatives of Estevan (3), Abel (4), J Piedad (9), Alfredo (4), the contact person is Rosa Maria Ramirez (the sister of Aurelia the young woman attending), 415 114 2539.
• Humberto Alfonzo – the young man, that approached us after the last assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter, was here again.
La Tinaja (3rd Visit)
Saul has the list of names.
The people attending did not have a contact phone number, they instead took the number of Saul & Holly.
The visit to La Tinaja was postponed as Saul had not made the arrangements & did not have a contact number. Saul & Chela will go to La Tinaja on the 29th Sept. 11am
Brief introductions
Holly briefly introduced us, & then went on to describe the process of a normal meeting, & that we work in the communities by having regular assemblies so the community can organise themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Steps in the process are 1. Pass the roll. 2. Appoint a co-ordinator . 3. Appoint the person to take notes (secretary). 4. Set/call for the agenda points, & prioritise them.
Agenda
I Phase I revision
II Phase II
III Traspatios
IV Activity re primary school event – water info day like Los Torres
V Dry Toilets
VI Ecocina Stoves
I Phase I revision
Senora Tomasa now has her new roof & pipes installed, & has collected a little water. All other cisterns are completed & have water!
II Phase II planning
We don’t have much to report re the $$ or progress on this phase. We are currently working on a large “combined community” project, ie combining all the current communities that have requested assistance into one large group, with subsets per neighbouring communities, eg Guerrero, La Aurora, Don Juan, San Gerardo… Vivienda de Arriba 2, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, 5 Senores, Tierra Blanca…
There is no timeline for this currently, could be 6mths or more… we are working on it.
Saul described the Capaderillo Project, in regards to the time it’s taken & the precedent it has set for possible future funding sources.
Holly explained we will need more info. Re families who wish to participate, closer to the time of receiving resources. She also mentioned the “tanda” kind of like the habitat for humanity model, or pay it forward, ie where one family has help from all, & then reciprocates until all families have a cistern, they said they would prefer to wait for the other resources opportunity event if it takes a long time.
III Water Info Day - school
Annamaria asked about arranging an event like Los Torres had for the kids “dia del agua”, Saul was asked to explain what it entailed, since no-one at the meeting had attended the day (except us).
He explained the purpose of the day was to inform the kids about the importance of all aspects of water in their lives. This was done in a fun learning way, with quizzes & games, & the ultimate winners became the “guardians of water” for their school . The community also created a big poster detailing the water history in their region.
The kids all received water bottles as participation prize, so they would fill their water bottles instead of sucking water directly from the tap (& wasting a lot).
Saul also talked about FAI (save the children) who have an environmental education program going in many schools,
Action: this was carried forward until next month, as many of the parents are absent from this meeting (attending a school meeting). An organising commission will need to be formed to ask FAI/Cedesa to facilitate.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
IV Traspatios
Holly explained that it’s expensive for Benigno (technician from Cedesa) to visit the communities unless there are a lot of people attending, she asked who was interested in attending. The people asked for more information.
Holly gave a brief explanation of what Traspatio, or backyard production entails, including soil preparation, growing fruit & veges, using animal fertilizer, nopal tunnels, chickens etc. Small plants & seeds can be bought & shared less expensively (Co-operative production),
It could be done monthly or in an intensive multi day workshop, with follow up visits.
No decision was made.
V Ecocina Stoves
Laura asked to talk about the Ecocina stoves as a potential project for these communities.
Laura (via Holly) briefly described the ecocina stove, an efficient, small, portable smokeless stove.
We asked what kind of cooking arrangements people currently have.
• Everyone has wood stoves for part of their cooking, some have gas stoves inside as well.
• Some have wood stoves inside, some outside, & some partially under cover.
• Everywhere these stoves are, there is black soot & a lot of smoke
• They usually use the wood stoves for cooking tortillas & gorditas, as large hot plate area, & gas stoves for cooking rice & beans (inside).
• They asked about the hotplate size & unfortunately I had not seen the video at that stage & so did not know the small stoves have 2 different tops, one large hotplate for tortillas, & one small with a ring for beans & rice & water etc.
• They were definitely interested to know & learn more…
Meeting concluded. We reminded the community that the next assembly would be the last one, as the training is complete (until the next project)…
Next meetings:
Next & last assembly in Vivienda de Arriba 6 Oct 2010 12pm
Commitment to visit Juan Gonzalez community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 (on the way to meeting at 5 Senores).
5 Senores at 11am on 29th Sept (in front of the Chapel), & San Lorenzo will attend
(We then headed to Annamaria’s aunty’s house for Tamales & Atole, as we were on our way to Tierra Blanca next)
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Vivienda de Arriba Water Project
Where: Vivienda de Arriba (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed Sept. 1st 12pm- 2pm
Who: Holly & Saul, (Cedesa) Laura, (Rotary), (Jesus absent) 39 adults (incl 10 men) 4 kids. Some people missing as there was a meeting at the school at the same time)
Purpose: The water project funded by Rotary has concluded, with the successful completion of 17 cisterns (1 school & 16 individual family).
This meeting is continuing relations & development in the community & neighbouring communities. There were representatives from 4 communities attending today.
Juan Gonzalez (2nd visit)
• Juan Gonzalez (located past Tierra Blanca, on the other side of the river)
• Attending were Maria Ramirez ph 415 149 4772, Soledad Lopez, Margarita Hernandez & Salvador Correa
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 on the way to meeting at 5 Senores)
Cinco Senores (3rd visit, 1 in Tierra Blanca, 2 in Vivienda de Arriba)
• Cinco Senores is in front of Juan Gonzalez but the Vivienda de Arriba side of the river
• There are approx. 20 Families
• They have no wells, their only source of water is the river, which is dry in the dry season (ie most of the year!) they have to dig as much as 1mtr in the river bed to find water. This is their only water.
• Attending were Letitia Lopez, Adelita Gonzalez, Josefina Herrera, & Maria Beatriz Baranca – contact Maria Ramirez (as above) 415 149 4772, Felisa, Maria Vazquez
• Commitment to visit their community on the 29th Sept at 11am (after brief meet at Juan Gonzalez)
San Lorenzo (2nd visit)
• San Lorenzo is close to Juan Gonzalez (makes more sense to combine JG & SL, than with Vivienda 2nd phase).
• Approx. 4 families
• Attending were representatives of Estevan (3), Abel (4), J Piedad (9), Alfredo (4), the contact person is Rosa Maria Ramirez (the sister of Aurelia the young woman attending), 415 114 2539.
• Humberto Alfonzo – the young man, that approached us after the last assembly & said he was very interested in doing social development work & learning how to be a promoter, was here again.
La Tinaja (3rd Visit)
Saul has the list of names.
The people attending did not have a contact phone number, they instead took the number of Saul & Holly.
The visit to La Tinaja was postponed as Saul had not made the arrangements & did not have a contact number. Saul & Chela will go to La Tinaja on the 29th Sept. 11am
Brief introductions
Holly briefly introduced us, & then went on to describe the process of a normal meeting, & that we work in the communities by having regular assemblies so the community can organise themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
Steps in the process are 1. Pass the roll. 2. Appoint a co-ordinator . 3. Appoint the person to take notes (secretary). 4. Set/call for the agenda points, & prioritise them.
Agenda
I Phase I revision
II Phase II
III Traspatios
IV Activity re primary school event – water info day like Los Torres
V Dry Toilets
VI Ecocina Stoves
I Phase I revision
Senora Tomasa now has her new roof & pipes installed, & has collected a little water. All other cisterns are completed & have water!
II Phase II planning
We don’t have much to report re the $$ or progress on this phase. We are currently working on a large “combined community” project, ie combining all the current communities that have requested assistance into one large group, with subsets per neighbouring communities, eg Guerrero, La Aurora, Don Juan, San Gerardo… Vivienda de Arriba 2, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, 5 Senores, Tierra Blanca…
There is no timeline for this currently, could be 6mths or more… we are working on it.
Saul described the Capaderillo Project, in regards to the time it’s taken & the precedent it has set for possible future funding sources.
Holly explained we will need more info. Re families who wish to participate, closer to the time of receiving resources. She also mentioned the “tanda” kind of like the habitat for humanity model, or pay it forward, ie where one family has help from all, & then reciprocates until all families have a cistern, they said they would prefer to wait for the other resources opportunity event if it takes a long time.
III Water Info Day - school
Annamaria asked about arranging an event like Los Torres had for the kids “dia del agua”, Saul was asked to explain what it entailed, since no-one at the meeting had attended the day (except us).
He explained the purpose of the day was to inform the kids about the importance of all aspects of water in their lives. This was done in a fun learning way, with quizzes & games, & the ultimate winners became the “guardians of water” for their school . The community also created a big poster detailing the water history in their region.
The kids all received water bottles as participation prize, so they would fill their water bottles instead of sucking water directly from the tap (& wasting a lot).
Saul also talked about FAI (save the children) who have an environmental education program going in many schools,
Action: this was carried forward until next month, as many of the parents are absent from this meeting (attending a school meeting). An organising commission will need to be formed to ask FAI/Cedesa to facilitate.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
IV Traspatios
Holly explained that it’s expensive for Benigno (technician from Cedesa) to visit the communities unless there are a lot of people attending, she asked who was interested in attending. The people asked for more information.
Holly gave a brief explanation of what Traspatio, or backyard production entails, including soil preparation, growing fruit & veges, using animal fertilizer, nopal tunnels, chickens etc. Small plants & seeds can be bought & shared less expensively (Co-operative production),
It could be done monthly or in an intensive multi day workshop, with follow up visits.
No decision was made.
V Ecocina Stoves
Laura asked to talk about the Ecocina stoves as a potential project for these communities.
Laura (via Holly) briefly described the ecocina stove, an efficient, small, portable smokeless stove.
We asked what kind of cooking arrangements people currently have.
• Everyone has wood stoves for part of their cooking, some have gas stoves inside as well.
• Some have wood stoves inside, some outside, & some partially under cover.
• Everywhere these stoves are, there is black soot & a lot of smoke
• They usually use the wood stoves for cooking tortillas & gorditas, as large hot plate area, & gas stoves for cooking rice & beans (inside).
• They asked about the hotplate size & unfortunately I had not seen the video at that stage & so did not know the small stoves have 2 different tops, one large hotplate for tortillas, & one small with a ring for beans & rice & water etc.
• They were definitely interested to know & learn more…
Meeting concluded. We reminded the community that the next assembly would be the last one, as the training is complete (until the next project)…
Next meetings:
Next & last assembly in Vivienda de Arriba 6 Oct 2010 12pm
Commitment to visit Juan Gonzalez community on the 29th Sept at 10.30 (on the way to meeting at 5 Senores).
5 Senores at 11am on 29th Sept (in front of the Chapel), & San Lorenzo will attend
(We then headed to Annamaria’s aunty’s house for Tamales & Atole, as we were on our way to Tierra Blanca next)
Report of 5th visit to Tierra Blanca
Where: Tierra Blanca – In front of old Church,
When: 01.09.10
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa) (Jesus was out of town), Laura (Rotary), 38 adults incl. 2 men, 11kids, 9 dogs & 3 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
Holly & Saul asked if the interview (stats) team were all there, they weren’t but arrived later.
Holly explained we don’t have much time for today’s meeting as we have commitments back in town & everyone agreed to a short meeting.
We also explained we had been very busy this month & had not had a chance to catch up with Jesus before he left for holiday so we need them to update us on progress.
Holly asked what the meeting was interested in having on the agenda today
Cisterns/distillers
Health – follow up, blood tests, # of volunteers for blood clinic
Census/Interviews
The bridge
Dry toilets
Cisterns
Saul described the cistern process briefly, Marisol had discussed water options with the Interviewees & they have been interested in having distillers in the lower part (they have water, but it has high fluoride level) & upper part would need cisterns as they have no water.
Holly explained there is currently no available funding but that we are working on a large combined community project to potentially cover 100-150 cisterns for all the communities who have demonstrated an interest in participating.
Reina (one of the interview team) had encountered 1 family who did not want to participate in the census, turns out this was a family who had had a recent death (so was understandable).
Marisol had not had any refusals, she stated “if we exlude any people who have deaths then the census will be incomplete”.
It was suggested that we need to ask friends of these families to sensitively do the census, to ensure the majority of the community understands what we are trying to achieve.
A father of a man who had recently died described the symptoms his son had had before he died, lung tumour, couldn’t eat, he agreed to do the census after the meeting.
We need to spend some time at the beginning of the census explaining the reason for it, not just spring into the questions. Perhaps Marisol had been doing this & Reina had not.
It was suggested that a list be kept of the people declining the census, & at the next assembly a mini commission would be assigned to visit these families.
They are also out of copies of the census
Action: Saul will bring additional copies to distribute to the Interview team at 3pm Friday (to Marisol/Vero)
We asked Marisol how she went with the interviews “all went well, no probs with names, dates etc, she has completed approx. 14.
Saul “if there are families that don’t know what’s going on, explain to them that this project is to benefit the whole community because it is a community process”
Holly asked the meeting to explain what this was all about, one young woman replied “it is to gather information to determine the cause of the major health issues in this community”
Holly asked who can help – “other investigators, doctors, govt assistance” these are all people we can go to once we have the information to present & ask for their help. Until we have the statistical info we can’t go to higher authorities, hence this part of the process is essential.
Holly said it would be good if there was a map of the whole area.
Action: Maria de la Cruz Ramirez has one & will bring a copy to the next assembly
Holly suggested we change our meeting place to the Community casa (salon), there are no chairs, so everyone will need to bring their own (or sit on the floor!).
Blood tests
At the last assembly Estela 415 194 6064 committed to collecting a list of numbers of people who were prepared to do a volunteer blood test, to test for antigens re prelim cancer diagnosis.
She has a list of 67 women & 41 men.
We need to arrange the best day for the mobile clinic to come, it was suggested that Saturday would be ideal.
Action: Jesus/(the team) to arrange clinic to visit the community – ideally on a Saturday - & advise the community in advance.
Registry of births & deaths
There is a registry office for births & deaths in Cruz del Palmar. It is a regional office servicing 37 communities. Holly mentioned this office & pointed it out as a good way for the people in this community to determine the number of deaths in this community in the last x years.
A commission was proposed to go with Saul to Cruz del Palmar & write a report.
We called for volunteers.
No one put up their hands, we had to really push the point “if you can’t help Saul we can’t get the info” “do you want to help resolve this?” again no response, oddly!
Holly really pushed, & eventually Juana Granados Guerrero, Hilda & Vero volunteered. They will need to get the info from 5-10 yrs.
Action: Saul will go 1st to see what is involved, & then arrange (by phone) for the others to meet him there.
The other items on the list will have to be carried forward, we ran out of time…
Next meeting (1st Wednesday of the mth) 6.10.10 3pm – Salon Comunitario (byo chairs)
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
When: 01.09.10
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa) (Jesus was out of town), Laura (Rotary), 38 adults incl. 2 men, 11kids, 9 dogs & 3 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
Holly & Saul asked if the interview (stats) team were all there, they weren’t but arrived later.
Holly explained we don’t have much time for today’s meeting as we have commitments back in town & everyone agreed to a short meeting.
We also explained we had been very busy this month & had not had a chance to catch up with Jesus before he left for holiday so we need them to update us on progress.
Holly asked what the meeting was interested in having on the agenda today
Cisterns/distillers
Health – follow up, blood tests, # of volunteers for blood clinic
Census/Interviews
The bridge
Dry toilets
Cisterns
Saul described the cistern process briefly, Marisol had discussed water options with the Interviewees & they have been interested in having distillers in the lower part (they have water, but it has high fluoride level) & upper part would need cisterns as they have no water.
Holly explained there is currently no available funding but that we are working on a large combined community project to potentially cover 100-150 cisterns for all the communities who have demonstrated an interest in participating.
Reina (one of the interview team) had encountered 1 family who did not want to participate in the census, turns out this was a family who had had a recent death (so was understandable).
Marisol had not had any refusals, she stated “if we exlude any people who have deaths then the census will be incomplete”.
It was suggested that we need to ask friends of these families to sensitively do the census, to ensure the majority of the community understands what we are trying to achieve.
A father of a man who had recently died described the symptoms his son had had before he died, lung tumour, couldn’t eat, he agreed to do the census after the meeting.
We need to spend some time at the beginning of the census explaining the reason for it, not just spring into the questions. Perhaps Marisol had been doing this & Reina had not.
It was suggested that a list be kept of the people declining the census, & at the next assembly a mini commission would be assigned to visit these families.
They are also out of copies of the census
Action: Saul will bring additional copies to distribute to the Interview team at 3pm Friday (to Marisol/Vero)
We asked Marisol how she went with the interviews “all went well, no probs with names, dates etc, she has completed approx. 14.
Saul “if there are families that don’t know what’s going on, explain to them that this project is to benefit the whole community because it is a community process”
Holly asked the meeting to explain what this was all about, one young woman replied “it is to gather information to determine the cause of the major health issues in this community”
Holly asked who can help – “other investigators, doctors, govt assistance” these are all people we can go to once we have the information to present & ask for their help. Until we have the statistical info we can’t go to higher authorities, hence this part of the process is essential.
Holly said it would be good if there was a map of the whole area.
Action: Maria de la Cruz Ramirez has one & will bring a copy to the next assembly
Holly suggested we change our meeting place to the Community casa (salon), there are no chairs, so everyone will need to bring their own (or sit on the floor!).
Blood tests
At the last assembly Estela 415 194 6064 committed to collecting a list of numbers of people who were prepared to do a volunteer blood test, to test for antigens re prelim cancer diagnosis.
She has a list of 67 women & 41 men.
We need to arrange the best day for the mobile clinic to come, it was suggested that Saturday would be ideal.
Action: Jesus/(the team) to arrange clinic to visit the community – ideally on a Saturday - & advise the community in advance.
Registry of births & deaths
There is a registry office for births & deaths in Cruz del Palmar. It is a regional office servicing 37 communities. Holly mentioned this office & pointed it out as a good way for the people in this community to determine the number of deaths in this community in the last x years.
A commission was proposed to go with Saul to Cruz del Palmar & write a report.
We called for volunteers.
No one put up their hands, we had to really push the point “if you can’t help Saul we can’t get the info” “do you want to help resolve this?” again no response, oddly!
Holly really pushed, & eventually Juana Granados Guerrero, Hilda & Vero volunteered. They will need to get the info from 5-10 yrs.
Action: Saul will go 1st to see what is involved, & then arrange (by phone) for the others to meet him there.
The other items on the list will have to be carried forward, we ran out of time…
Next meeting (1st Wednesday of the mth) 6.10.10 3pm – Salon Comunitario (byo chairs)
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
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