Where: Guerrero Chapel – (past Capaderillo, before La Aurora & Don Juan
When: 24.1.12 12.40pm
Who Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 22 adults (including 2 men), 14kids, 4 dogs
We arrived late as Chela was stuck behind a “pilgrimage” with 1000’s of people blocking the road, & only 1 lane occasionally opened to traffic…
We arrived seating in the shade & began the assembly.
We remembered the last planning meeting was held in September, & the roll was called. 20 people were present on the list with 3 people absent.
The format differed from usual, ie we did not appoint a co-ordinator or record taker or set agenda as it was very windy & dusty, so was to be a brief meeting.
We had a brief review of the previous meeting, with the roots of this community being discussed, the length of time & number of generations who have lived here, defending their rights to live on the land & remain productive.
The Guerrero Community participants had since attended a workshop on curative plants & nopal tunnels, & soil regeneration. They have wild nopal but many are old & have not been tended so produce less.
Chela asked “are the groups you formed complete? Or do we need to adjust the quantity?”
It was mentioned that one person had left & another participant has taken her place.
Chela suggested we revise the work groups – she asked provokingly “do you need cisterns or not?”
The answer was almost shouted, yes, we have a very high need!
Group 1 participants were Irene, Graciela, Benancia, Leticia, Salud, Berta, Elvia, Mercedes (With new member Gabriela).5 were missing & Chela asked why not – no-one was certain but they thought they were working & could not attend. Chela reiterated how much work is expected of the participants & attendance & participation is mandatory.
Group 2 & 3 participants were reviewed & the groups were shuffled around to end up with total of 19 participants & 1 pilot = 20 cisterns (down from 24 previously).
We spent some time reiterating how important this project is ie that they are unofficial community (despite 6 generations) & hence not eligible for govt. funding, that this is likely their only chance to receive assistance & participate in a cistern project.
Salud – a woman who was involved in the Capaderillo Project as she was such an excellent participant, explained how she learned during the training all that she needed to know to construct & maintain the cistern & not to be afraid of learning new skills.
Pilot date was set 6/2-10/2
Feb 3rd materials & mallas to be delivered – Pilot at the Primary School – people will need to be home to receive delivery of the mallas.
Hours of pilot were discussed, debated & decided – to start at 8am.
Tools needed were discussed & people agreed/volunteered to bring what was needed.
Conditions of work were discussed – respect & harmony, to work in solidarity & with the responsibility of future projects resting on their shoulders.
We were treated to a quick taco – rice, beans, tostadas & tortillas with agua fresca & we graciously received & ran, as we had next assembly in Corralejos to attend at 3pm.
Meeting ended at 2.40pm
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