Record of Event pg 1 of 5
8h Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, at the church & Angelika’s lot
When: Saturday 13.02.10 (scheduled for 5pm start, started 5.40pm)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa), + 8 women & 1 man from the community (7 kids, 1 dog) 1more man arrived 10 mins before the meeting ended.
Purpose: To define the exact list of participants in the project, (last chance), & to begin planning of the next stages of this project. The demonstration build, & creation of work groups.
We arrived on time at 5pm, & since so few people were there, we decided to wait longer. During this time Benigno, Enrique & I discussed our strategy moving forward.
We discussed our commitment to the core few that come to each meeting (approx 4 people), but also that it is a waste to have the resources for this project tied up for just a few families when there are so many other communities wanting to be the next project site.
We discussed the possibility of using partial funds here & diverting the balance of the funding to the communities who are ready & waiting now for the project. Since it is the same mission, there should be no issue to use the funds in neighbouring communities.
If the few early adopters do manage to convince others of the benefits of this project, once the cisterns are constructed, we could do a phase II in Lomas at a later date, with alternative funding.
We started the meeting at 5.40 as no more people were showing up.
We carried some rocks over to allow seating in a circle, as opposed to some seating & some standing, as in previous meetings.
Item 1. Introductions
We all introduced ourselves again & explained why we were there.
Item 2. Random discussion
Since there were so few we did not appoint co-ordinator or record taker, Angelika had the records from previous meetings & these were updated with attendance at the end of the meeting.
One of the older women, who has been regularly attending but does not want a cistern (she is representing her son in law who “probably” wants a cistern), said that she & her son Emilio had been to visit Los Torres in June 2009 & so knows about the cisterns & likes the idea, she is also keen to be involved in organisation, although is very old, she is a regular attendee of the meetings.
Benigno described (again) the construction process, the need to work in groups, & that most of the work is able to be done by women, but there is a need for at least 2 abaniles (proficient builders/concrete workers). In the other communities husbands & sons have been there for this.
The final process of plastering with concrete is more specialist.
They raised the possibility of paying an abanile to assist them – since there are none in the group attending.
Record of Event pg 2 of 5
Enrique & Angelika had discussed that the situation in Lomas is different from the Rancho communities, here there are no real roots or sense of community, & they need to create that, that is the challenge.
They discussed some more the possibility of paying for assistance, & would have to work out how many hours was needed, & who could afford to contribute or not, & how they would all co-operate in some way, either by food or work, or money, or all three.
One woman at the meeting said she had a cistern already but was there to get a dry toilet!
There was discussion rethe small turnout yet again, & apology from 1 person that could not make it even though they knew it was last chance.
They have a new list with 16 people on it, supposedly definite but they are not here today so can not really say they are definite.
The man attending said he has no space to build a cistern but was here to help. He also said if he has more proof that it works he might consider taking out some of his nopal plants to build a cistern in that space. He hadn’t been to Enrique’s place to see a cistern (had only seen one in the booklet I take to each meeting to pass around), Enrique extended the invite again to all, they are welcome to visit his property any time to see the cistern in reality.
Some of the people there were still doubtful about the cistern, & not sure if they had space.
Item 3 firm list of participants
Since we had said at the 2 previous meetings they were the last chance to get on the list, we decided we needed to stick to our word this time, & make this the last chance.
We got to the nitty gritty & took down the names of those at the meeting that were definite. They were still reluctant to commit but when pressed these are the names we have
1. Antonia Lopez Pina
2. Ansencion Rosales Ortiz
3. Teresa Bustamente Arana
4. Maria de la Luz Espinosa Alvarez
5. Angelika Ramirez Huerta (teacher)
6. Fidel Pina (not attending, but the son in law of the old woman, she thinks he wants one) ???
7. Juan Manuel Lopez Rodriguez (this man turned up just 10 mins before the meeting was ending, & added his name after looking at the booklet – this was his first time to a meeting) ???
8. Cristina Martinez Aguilar (has attended at least 4 meetings, but is still doubtful, she said she needs to check with her husband) ???
9. Jesus Martinez Aguilar (father of Cristina, he has doubts, not sure if he wants to remove his nopal/cactus to make space for a cistern)???
10. Ignacio ??? (Nacho is the english speaking guy at earlier meetings, he has not attended any meetings since June, Angelika looked embarrassed & said she had not informed him of the meetings, but thinks he is interested)???
Record of Event pg 3of 5
Item 4 decide 1st pilot build site
Benigno explained they needed to decide a site for construction of the 1st cistern. This construction would take place over 4 days (probably 5 since it is such a small group & not enough hands to finish in 4), & would be their training, & from there they would be expected to build their own family cisterns by groups.
There was discussion re the site, & we pointed out the church was not an option since it does not have a roof & all had a laugh about that!
Enrique suggested it could be at the school all their kids attend, the school is in a neighbouring community, there was no agreement on this, since they thought it would be hard to get others to help & better to help a family in Lomas. Perhaps the biggest family.
It was decided that Angelika’s should be the first, since she has been working hard to organize this & also her property is most central. We agreed to go there after the meeting to decide on the location & measure up for piping.
Item 5 all must attend the demo build
We reiterated all must attend the demo build as this is where the experts will learn.
These experts can then potentially be paid in other communities, but first must prove themselves in their own community.
All must help & attend the demonstration build, if they are physically unable to help they can at least learn the process & provide food & refreshments as their contribution.
Item 6 Dates for demo build ?
Benigno explained it is normally 4 days consecutively, since cement needs to dry in between stages.
Since the group is so small, they will more likely need at least 5 days.
Anscencion suggested Wed, Th, Fr, Sat,Sun .
What hours? Benigno said 9-5, at this there was some surprise at such long days.
He explained it was necessary to complete the tasks & get ready for the next day.
Dates were set – Wed 24th Feb, Th 25th feb, Fri 26th Feb, Sat 27th Feb & Sun 28th Feb.
Enrique called Juan at Los Torres to confirm these dates (& also the length of pipes needed for Angelika’s cistern after we visited her location – see below).
Action: Enrique will need to organize the delivery & payment of the materials (from Materiales Rivera) to the location. Juan knows what to order. Enrique to co-ordinate, & materials must be there (& securely/dryly) stored before the 24th Feb.
Item 7 Tools required
Benigno listed the tools required & asked who could bring any.
No one had any tools, not even a wheelbarrow, or shovel.
Benigno asked if we could buy them as part of the project, we explained that in other communities, they had borrowed them from neighbours, or had them themselves, we do not have a budget or facilities to store & look after tools for each of the projects.
We suggested they ask their husbands, neighbours, friends, family & borrow what they need.
Angelika took a list of what was needed.
Record of Event pg 4 of 5
Item 8 visits to each house
The Los Torres crew will need to visit each of the houses to determine the best place for each of the cisterns. The date for this day will be set during the demonstration build.
Action: Enrique, co-ordinate the date for the site visits for Los Torres. All the visits on one day.
The meeting concluded in the dark at 6.30, Benigno, Enrique, Angelika & I then went to Angelika’s location. (first via the tienda where she offered us something to drink).
Item 9 Location of the pilot/demo build
We met at Angelika’s family tienda & then went across the road to her “house”. This space is very centrally located.
Her husband is currently in the USA. She is living with her parents in the tienda across the road. At the cistern site is a metal workshop with a makeshift roof, & 2 rooms, one being used as the workshop storage, the other for her Grandmother to sleep in.
At the back of the property, there are foundations dug, with mounds of gravel & sand, as work is “in progress”, there is a makeshift toilet structure, & at the back there is more excavation, a tree, & a huge square pit dug, measuring approx 3 mtrs by 3 mtrs by 1.5 mtrs. We asked what this was for, & she said they were planning to build a cistern at some stage.
Construction in this situation is only completed when enough money is saved up from her husband’s efforts working in USA. She is a teacher so her salary is probably feeding the family of 4 kids & her, & relatives she is living with.
We asked where the cistern could go, the most ideal place could not be used as the are planning to build a room there one day, instead another spot was decided, in the middle of the excavation space.
It will need to be leveled out & lots of gravel etc removed before the demo build can begin.
There is no room to roll out the wire netting to begin the process but the road in front of the “lot” is wide enough to allow cars & work on the mesh.
I was doubtful of this location & asked lots of questions, I thought the better option would be where a family is currently living, & not where they might one day (with enough money) be living. They are living in the tienda, & there is no backyard space, the building takes up the whole lot.
I asked how they intend to use the water in the meantime, she said they would collect it from the cistern & carry it across the road to where they are currently living to use.
Enrique & I agreed this was not the ideal situation but possibly needed to compromise on this location as it is central, & had been decided upon. Angelika is a hard working mother of 4 & it would be very difficult to tell her she can’t have a cistern after all this planning & expectation.
Record of Event pg 5 of 5
Conclusion:
All projects are different
As we know, all projects & communities are different & have their own sets of challenges. Assumptions made in some communities can not be made in others. For example we never thought for a minute people would sign up if they didn’t have a) a house with a roof, or b)space to put a cistern, we now know we need to specify this in advance!
This community has the same issues (& more) as the rural communities we are working with, & would ultimately benefit as much or more from our assistance & guidance with organization. The question is - do we have the resources, ie time, money & energy to engage to this extent? Or is it better spent where we can get more leverage, momentum & flow?
Comparison water projects, we have experience now…
The other Water Project sites we are working with (at this point) appear to be prime candidates for not just Projects, but also Process, ie developing into much more than just the completion of individual water cisterns project, they are creating community, organization, mobilization, & connection/unity/bridges between communities.
In Los Torres & Montecillo de Nieto for example, we have been able to devote time during the scheduled assemblies to teach those gathered, about the environment, the watershed, health issues, benefits of self determination/organization & much more, at the same time as organize & plan for the specific project, here in Lomas it is purely project planning (albeit on a much smaller scale).
Budgetary considerations
The other issue is the financial budget, for example we have now had 3 visits from Benigno at a cost of $550 pesos each, he is well worth this money & we need his expertise, even to have gotten this far. The budget includes an assumption that we will be achieving certain things with each visit, & in this case it took visits to achieve what we expected to achieve (based on previous experience) in his first visit. Likewise, we may have to extend to 5 days, for the demo build (budget 4 days) & Benigno will need to attend 2 of those days, hence 2 more unbudgeted visits.
We believe we have achieved a cheaper materials price (see action below) so will likely still be within overall budget, but we need to factor the extra costs involved with the extra challenge of this community.
Action Enrique & Laura
We are currently in negotiation re prices of materials at Materiales Rivera.
There are many items that still need to be discounted to match even the single purchase of materials at Hierro Comercial in Dolores Hidalgo (previous supplier). Ie we are buying in bulk for the 3 projects so the prices should be significantly less than the cost of materials for just 1 cistern at Hierro Comercial.
We have had prelim discussions with the owner of Materiales Rivera, the prices need to be confirmed in agreement before we begin the project deliveries.
Next event:
Demonstration/pilot build 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, February at Angelika’s house (across from the tienda)
9-5pm each day, for demonstration build of the cisterns.
(2 people from Los Torres will attend as tech instructors, & Benigno will come on Wednesday & Saturday).
(Event finished 7pm)
Showing posts with label communities without water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communities without water. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, at the church
When: Friday 29.01.10 (scheduled for 4pm start, started 4.35pm)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa), 3 men & 12 women from the community attended (along with 6 kids & 2dogs!)
(the 3 men left during the meeting, with no interest)
Purpose: to begin planning of the next stages of this project. The demonstration build, & creation of work groups.
We arrived on time at 4pm, & a few people were there, we decided to wait longer.
A few more people arrived including 3 new faces, people who were passing & called to join in.
At 4.35pm, despite the small numbers, we decided to begin.
Item 1. Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & explained why we were there.
We met the 3 new men attending, 1 had a come as he was interested to see what it was about, he had a cistern already, so didn’t stay, one has no space for a cistern.
Item 2 Difference between an assembly & a meeting
This is the usual beginning of the meeting, reiteration of difference between a meeting & an assembly, as an incentive to organise bigger attendance.
Item 3 appointment of a co-ordinator & a records taker
Benigno reiterated these 2 roles & Carmen was appointed co-ordinator, & Cristina Record taker (Angelika had bought the notes from previous meetings as well as the “list” of people interested in participating.
Item 4 Description of the process & of working in groups
For the new people, Benigno described how the construction of the cisterns would take place, that working in groups was essential, & that there was 39 on original list & that groups of 8 had been decided back in June.
Item 5 revised list of participants
At the previous meeting it had been raised that there were people on the list that didn’t even have a building on their land, & who had gone on the list thinking they might be able to get a cistern in future, when their building was complete.
The attendees of the previous meeting had been tasked with visiting the families on the list & revising the list to be actual families with space & a building in place already, whose roof could be used to catch water for the cistern.
Angelika said there were now 30 people on the list.
The role was called, & there were several people at today’s meeting that were not on the list, & many more not attending today’s meeting, despite being told that attendance of the meetings was compulsory if they wished to be included in the project.
Item 6 How to proceed, with lack of participation
Enrique, Benigno & Laura discussed how to proceed in this situation, ie with an obvious lack of interest or motivation in this community. There are many factors to be considered
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
1. There is only a core few regularly attending the meetings, approx 4 have been at all meetings, others are coming & going, & new people showing up & not coming again.
2. We have a commitment to the four who regularly attend
3. It takes as many resources (financial/time & energy) to organise for a few families as it does for 30.
4. We have many communities in need of this project, who are demonstrating their willingness (at least at the early stages) should we split this project?
5. Is it too early for this community, do they need more time to organise themselves? Are they actually capable of organising themselves?
6. This is a semi urban community, without unity, it will take a lot of work to first create unity & some sense of “community” here, they are essentially a cluster of houses living in close proximity rather than a community with roots & history in the area (like the other project sites)
7. We came to this community offering the project, they did not come to us seeking it, we have other communities that have come to us.
8. Normally the bi product of these projects is to assist communities to become organised, & to build community spirit it will pose an additional challenge here.
Item 7 – insufficient numbers to define the project yet.
We explained the issues we discussed, & although this meeting was to be the definitive list of people to be involved in the project, there were still insufficient to set a date for demonstration demo build days, & to begin to seriously plan & organise the next steps.
We asked if they needed more time to speak with their neighbours & the people on the list to get a bigger group together & agreed to meet again in 2 wks. We told them the next assembly was the LAST chance.
We asked again if there was a better time for people to meet, more discussion on this topic again, this time it was decided that Saturday is a better day, & after much back and forth, about day, time & location was ultimately agreed
Funny things that happened...
The men (all 3 of them) slowly sloped off, one by one, when they thought we weren’t watching.
Carmen – the woman that was appointed co-ordinator, suddenly ran off mid sentence, I turned to see her climbing on the bus & driving away. It took a while for people to realise the co-ordinator had gone, & it turned out her husband was getting paid, & if she wasn’t there at the time, she would not see any of the money & he would head off to the cantina!
There was the usual pre-requisite dog fight, dispersed with a shower of stones!
Item 8 – visit to Enrique’s house
Enrique invited the remaining women at the meeting to see the cistern he has built on his property, & also to see a demonstration of a solar oven his employee’s daughter has created as part of a project Enrique has been working on.
We all piled into cars & headed to Enrique’s property.
I had to leave before they tasted the food cooking in the solar oven & then rang to apologise & to give them a laugh, told Enrique to tell them I had to go as I had the same situation as Carmen. (I really just had to pick up my kids!)
I left at 6.05pm
Next Lomas Assembly Saturday 13th Feb at 5pm in front of the Church
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, at the church
When: Friday 29.01.10 (scheduled for 4pm start, started 4.35pm)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa), 3 men & 12 women from the community attended (along with 6 kids & 2dogs!)
(the 3 men left during the meeting, with no interest)
Purpose: to begin planning of the next stages of this project. The demonstration build, & creation of work groups.
We arrived on time at 4pm, & a few people were there, we decided to wait longer.
A few more people arrived including 3 new faces, people who were passing & called to join in.
At 4.35pm, despite the small numbers, we decided to begin.
Item 1. Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & explained why we were there.
We met the 3 new men attending, 1 had a come as he was interested to see what it was about, he had a cistern already, so didn’t stay, one has no space for a cistern.
Item 2 Difference between an assembly & a meeting
This is the usual beginning of the meeting, reiteration of difference between a meeting & an assembly, as an incentive to organise bigger attendance.
Item 3 appointment of a co-ordinator & a records taker
Benigno reiterated these 2 roles & Carmen was appointed co-ordinator, & Cristina Record taker (Angelika had bought the notes from previous meetings as well as the “list” of people interested in participating.
Item 4 Description of the process & of working in groups
For the new people, Benigno described how the construction of the cisterns would take place, that working in groups was essential, & that there was 39 on original list & that groups of 8 had been decided back in June.
Item 5 revised list of participants
At the previous meeting it had been raised that there were people on the list that didn’t even have a building on their land, & who had gone on the list thinking they might be able to get a cistern in future, when their building was complete.
The attendees of the previous meeting had been tasked with visiting the families on the list & revising the list to be actual families with space & a building in place already, whose roof could be used to catch water for the cistern.
Angelika said there were now 30 people on the list.
The role was called, & there were several people at today’s meeting that were not on the list, & many more not attending today’s meeting, despite being told that attendance of the meetings was compulsory if they wished to be included in the project.
Item 6 How to proceed, with lack of participation
Enrique, Benigno & Laura discussed how to proceed in this situation, ie with an obvious lack of interest or motivation in this community. There are many factors to be considered
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
1. There is only a core few regularly attending the meetings, approx 4 have been at all meetings, others are coming & going, & new people showing up & not coming again.
2. We have a commitment to the four who regularly attend
3. It takes as many resources (financial/time & energy) to organise for a few families as it does for 30.
4. We have many communities in need of this project, who are demonstrating their willingness (at least at the early stages) should we split this project?
5. Is it too early for this community, do they need more time to organise themselves? Are they actually capable of organising themselves?
6. This is a semi urban community, without unity, it will take a lot of work to first create unity & some sense of “community” here, they are essentially a cluster of houses living in close proximity rather than a community with roots & history in the area (like the other project sites)
7. We came to this community offering the project, they did not come to us seeking it, we have other communities that have come to us.
8. Normally the bi product of these projects is to assist communities to become organised, & to build community spirit it will pose an additional challenge here.
Item 7 – insufficient numbers to define the project yet.
We explained the issues we discussed, & although this meeting was to be the definitive list of people to be involved in the project, there were still insufficient to set a date for demonstration demo build days, & to begin to seriously plan & organise the next steps.
We asked if they needed more time to speak with their neighbours & the people on the list to get a bigger group together & agreed to meet again in 2 wks. We told them the next assembly was the LAST chance.
We asked again if there was a better time for people to meet, more discussion on this topic again, this time it was decided that Saturday is a better day, & after much back and forth, about day, time & location was ultimately agreed
Funny things that happened...
The men (all 3 of them) slowly sloped off, one by one, when they thought we weren’t watching.
Carmen – the woman that was appointed co-ordinator, suddenly ran off mid sentence, I turned to see her climbing on the bus & driving away. It took a while for people to realise the co-ordinator had gone, & it turned out her husband was getting paid, & if she wasn’t there at the time, she would not see any of the money & he would head off to the cantina!
There was the usual pre-requisite dog fight, dispersed with a shower of stones!
Item 8 – visit to Enrique’s house
Enrique invited the remaining women at the meeting to see the cistern he has built on his property, & also to see a demonstration of a solar oven his employee’s daughter has created as part of a project Enrique has been working on.
We all piled into cars & headed to Enrique’s property.
I had to leave before they tasted the food cooking in the solar oven & then rang to apologise & to give them a laugh, told Enrique to tell them I had to go as I had the same situation as Carmen. (I really just had to pick up my kids!)
I left at 6.05pm
Next Lomas Assembly Saturday 13th Feb at 5pm in front of the Church
Saturday, January 23, 2010
6th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
6th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: 23.01.10 (scheduled for 4pm start, started 5pm)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos , Elena Padilla & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa), Juan, Guillermo & Jose Miguel (Tech Expert team from Los Torres),
5 men & 8 women from the community attended (along with 4 kids & 4 dogs!)
Purpose: to begin planning of the next stages of this project. The demonstration build, & creation of work groups & to introduce the Tech team & Benigno from Cedesa who will be working with them for the remainder of this project.
We arrived on time at 4pm, but the community had not gathered yet, we took the time while they were slowly arriving to discuss plans for who & how this project would be technically & organisationally supported. Ie what role the LT team would play v how Benigno from Cedesa would be involved.
Benigno was not aware that we wanted Cedesa to help with the organisational side, I think this confusion has arisen because Enrique & Laura did the early meetings with the community without involving Cedesa as funding had not been approved, so we unable to pay for their services at that point. It should be noted that Cedesa do not ask for payment for their services, but since they come all the way from Dolores Hidalgo, & have no prior connection with this community we think it is only fair.
At 5pm, despite the small numbers, we decided to begin.
Item 1. Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & explained why we were there.
Item 2 Difference between an assembly & a meeting
As part of the organisational training Benigno explained the difference between a community assembly & a meeting, & the ability of the community to make decisions for the entire community if it qualifies as an assembly (ie over half the community present).
He stressed it is better to have assemblies than just meetings as more important decisions can be made, & at meetings only possible to have discussions & plan actions for the people attending.
He described the process of a meeting & explained the following:
• the roles of Co-ordinator & record keeper,
• essential they are appointed at each meeting
• the co-ordinator “gives the word” to people to allow them to speak in turn & keep order
• the co-ordinator & record taker will be different at each meeting so everyone learns what’s involved
• the record keeper/secretary, needs to record the events of the meetings & actions decided, & should keep all the info in one book
• the process of creating an agenda
• people should raise their hands if they wish to speak
Ali was voted Co-ordinator & Angelika record taker.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
There were giggles as Ali took on her role & gave people their turn to speak when they raised their hands.
Item 3 – number of people on list v number of people attending
Angelika explained there were 44 families with their names on the list – ie wishing to be involved in the project to build cisterns, she has some apologies for people, but others have just not shown up.
We asked which day suited best for a majority attendance, they decided Friday at 4pm is best for the women, Saturday is foodshopping & fiesta day so no good.
Item 4 – purpose of today’s meeting
Benigno asked why are we here today,
“people are interested in receiving help to build cisterns”
“to get water/cisterns”
“ We only have 3 or 4 big water containers & after the truck delivery the water soon runs out”
Benigno asked who was aware of the project or knew what a cistern was, & 3 people had visited Los Torres & knew the cisterns already.
Benigno explained cisterns & the purpose of collecting rainwater, ie in 1 m2 of surface area with an average rainfall of 500mm in this area, you can collect 1500 litres of water. We can all catch that water & store it in a ferro cement cistern.
The cistern is very simple to construct, women & children can easily participate in the construction process.
Each one of you needs to help to construct these cisterns so you need to learn the steps of construction.
When there is a majority we can decide on the dates of training/demo build days.
The process is 1st to build the cistern as a pilot so everyone learns the steps.
You will need to decide where the 1st one is built, they suggested maybe the church & they would speak to Jesus Rodriguez who is the president of the church.
You will need to work on the groups.
Is it possible to visit all the 38? Families to find out
1. who has room for the cistern
2. some have just land & no home, they need to be removed from the list
There was a question from one of the women “why are there small animals in the rain water they catch from their roofs in buckets?” it was explained that these “animals” – basically mosquito larvae, enter the water after the rain is collected because there is no lid on the container, that the water from the rain is pure, but precautions must be taken to prevent contamination by insects, dust or bacteria, & that’s why the cisterns are completely closed, & have a “sieve” to prevent things entering the cistern.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
There was a little more explanation of the process, & it was reiterated how essential it is that people attend the 4 training days so they can become experts like the Los Torres
crew, & then there’s the possibility they can become technicians & paid to assist in other communities.
The group building concept was explained, ie each group builds all the cisterns for that group.
Juan & Guillermo & Jose Miguel (the Los Torres guys), all spoke about their experience with the Project, the benefits, & encouraged involvement, reduced doubts, they explained “some people work harder than others don’t, you guys are the hard workers”
They said “we have bad roads, trouble with electricity & no services, you guys have more & are lucky to get this, there are so many communities that want this, & it is really going to depend on your community, involvement & motivation”
“Many communities are interested & they come to all our assemblies, they need help & if you don’t want it – they should have it, resources are limited, this is a great opportunity, don’t lose it, or the offer to help the communities may stop.”
The Los Torres crew were very motivational, firm but kind in their approach, & were speaking peer to peer, there was great pride in what they have achieved, & they were very inspirational.
Item 5 – importance of attendance of next meeting
Because of the lack of numbers at today’s meeting no important dates were able to be set for beginning the work. It was stressed that the next meeting MUST be well attended, we need to see they are truly interested & motivated to be involved in this project.
We have had several meetings before this at which they had lists of 39 or more people interested, we have committed a lot of effort to achieve funding of this project & we need to see commitment from the community if we are to continue.
We reiterated there are many communities in the same situation, ie without drinking water, & if they are not ready & willing we will go to a community that is ready & willing.
All agreed they will spread the word & attend the next meeting scheduled
Next Lomas Assembly Friday 4pm 29.01.10 at the Church
The meeting finished at 6.15 pm. The Rotary team & Benigno headed up to the church to see whether it was a good prospect for the demonstration build.
When we arrived we discovered it is a church in construction, has only the walls & no roof! We had a good giggle, & agreed it would be difficult to collect water on a church without a roof, & maybe the community thought we would build the roof for them…To be continued…
We all agreed there needs to be a lot more participation & crossed our fingers the community would come together like they had in previous meetings.
6th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: 23.01.10 (scheduled for 4pm start, started 5pm)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos , Elena Padilla & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa), Juan, Guillermo & Jose Miguel (Tech Expert team from Los Torres),
5 men & 8 women from the community attended (along with 4 kids & 4 dogs!)
Purpose: to begin planning of the next stages of this project. The demonstration build, & creation of work groups & to introduce the Tech team & Benigno from Cedesa who will be working with them for the remainder of this project.
We arrived on time at 4pm, but the community had not gathered yet, we took the time while they were slowly arriving to discuss plans for who & how this project would be technically & organisationally supported. Ie what role the LT team would play v how Benigno from Cedesa would be involved.
Benigno was not aware that we wanted Cedesa to help with the organisational side, I think this confusion has arisen because Enrique & Laura did the early meetings with the community without involving Cedesa as funding had not been approved, so we unable to pay for their services at that point. It should be noted that Cedesa do not ask for payment for their services, but since they come all the way from Dolores Hidalgo, & have no prior connection with this community we think it is only fair.
At 5pm, despite the small numbers, we decided to begin.
Item 1. Introductions
We all introduced ourselves & explained why we were there.
Item 2 Difference between an assembly & a meeting
As part of the organisational training Benigno explained the difference between a community assembly & a meeting, & the ability of the community to make decisions for the entire community if it qualifies as an assembly (ie over half the community present).
He stressed it is better to have assemblies than just meetings as more important decisions can be made, & at meetings only possible to have discussions & plan actions for the people attending.
He described the process of a meeting & explained the following:
• the roles of Co-ordinator & record keeper,
• essential they are appointed at each meeting
• the co-ordinator “gives the word” to people to allow them to speak in turn & keep order
• the co-ordinator & record taker will be different at each meeting so everyone learns what’s involved
• the record keeper/secretary, needs to record the events of the meetings & actions decided, & should keep all the info in one book
• the process of creating an agenda
• people should raise their hands if they wish to speak
Ali was voted Co-ordinator & Angelika record taker.
Record of Event pg 2 of 3
There were giggles as Ali took on her role & gave people their turn to speak when they raised their hands.
Item 3 – number of people on list v number of people attending
Angelika explained there were 44 families with their names on the list – ie wishing to be involved in the project to build cisterns, she has some apologies for people, but others have just not shown up.
We asked which day suited best for a majority attendance, they decided Friday at 4pm is best for the women, Saturday is foodshopping & fiesta day so no good.
Item 4 – purpose of today’s meeting
Benigno asked why are we here today,
“people are interested in receiving help to build cisterns”
“to get water/cisterns”
“ We only have 3 or 4 big water containers & after the truck delivery the water soon runs out”
Benigno asked who was aware of the project or knew what a cistern was, & 3 people had visited Los Torres & knew the cisterns already.
Benigno explained cisterns & the purpose of collecting rainwater, ie in 1 m2 of surface area with an average rainfall of 500mm in this area, you can collect 1500 litres of water. We can all catch that water & store it in a ferro cement cistern.
The cistern is very simple to construct, women & children can easily participate in the construction process.
Each one of you needs to help to construct these cisterns so you need to learn the steps of construction.
When there is a majority we can decide on the dates of training/demo build days.
The process is 1st to build the cistern as a pilot so everyone learns the steps.
You will need to decide where the 1st one is built, they suggested maybe the church & they would speak to Jesus Rodriguez who is the president of the church.
You will need to work on the groups.
Is it possible to visit all the 38? Families to find out
1. who has room for the cistern
2. some have just land & no home, they need to be removed from the list
There was a question from one of the women “why are there small animals in the rain water they catch from their roofs in buckets?” it was explained that these “animals” – basically mosquito larvae, enter the water after the rain is collected because there is no lid on the container, that the water from the rain is pure, but precautions must be taken to prevent contamination by insects, dust or bacteria, & that’s why the cisterns are completely closed, & have a “sieve” to prevent things entering the cistern.
Record of Event pg 3 of 3
There was a little more explanation of the process, & it was reiterated how essential it is that people attend the 4 training days so they can become experts like the Los Torres
crew, & then there’s the possibility they can become technicians & paid to assist in other communities.
The group building concept was explained, ie each group builds all the cisterns for that group.
Juan & Guillermo & Jose Miguel (the Los Torres guys), all spoke about their experience with the Project, the benefits, & encouraged involvement, reduced doubts, they explained “some people work harder than others don’t, you guys are the hard workers”
They said “we have bad roads, trouble with electricity & no services, you guys have more & are lucky to get this, there are so many communities that want this, & it is really going to depend on your community, involvement & motivation”
“Many communities are interested & they come to all our assemblies, they need help & if you don’t want it – they should have it, resources are limited, this is a great opportunity, don’t lose it, or the offer to help the communities may stop.”
The Los Torres crew were very motivational, firm but kind in their approach, & were speaking peer to peer, there was great pride in what they have achieved, & they were very inspirational.
Item 5 – importance of attendance of next meeting
Because of the lack of numbers at today’s meeting no important dates were able to be set for beginning the work. It was stressed that the next meeting MUST be well attended, we need to see they are truly interested & motivated to be involved in this project.
We have had several meetings before this at which they had lists of 39 or more people interested, we have committed a lot of effort to achieve funding of this project & we need to see commitment from the community if we are to continue.
We reiterated there are many communities in the same situation, ie without drinking water, & if they are not ready & willing we will go to a community that is ready & willing.
All agreed they will spread the word & attend the next meeting scheduled
Next Lomas Assembly Friday 4pm 29.01.10 at the Church
The meeting finished at 6.15 pm. The Rotary team & Benigno headed up to the church to see whether it was a good prospect for the demonstration build.
When we arrived we discovered it is a church in construction, has only the walls & no roof! We had a good giggle, & agreed it would be difficult to collect water on a church without a roof, & maybe the community thought we would build the roof for them…To be continued…
We all agreed there needs to be a lot more participation & crossed our fingers the community would come together like they had in previous meetings.
Monday, January 18, 2010
5th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
5th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: Montecillo de Nieto Kindergarten
When: 18,19,20 & 21st January 2010 9am-1.30 & other times
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa) , Rafael & Jose Miguel Cruz (Los Torres Crew) + approx 12 others.
Purpose: Train the trainers demonstration, & instructional build of the 1st Cistern in the MdN water project.
Take a deep breath, there’s lots to read here!!!
A bit of background & how the day was saved!
The date for these training days was set at the previous assembly on 16th December.
During this assembly, Chela was very keen to set a date for the beginning of the training (ie the first actual action) since we had met 4 times with only talking meetings. We all optimistically believed the money would be well in hand by this stage, & I had thought to myself, well it’s only 1 cistern I could bridge it if need be...
Chela & us, would be meeting on the 13th January to nut out the details, & make sure everything was in place, so in December we thought we had it sorted.
On the 13th Jan (the supposed next meeting time for Traspatio workshop in Los Torres) it was pouring with rain!!! Great for the cisterns already constructed! – not so great for outside backyard training sessions – so we cancelled.
This had great ramifications, 1st. We were not able to get hold of Los Torres to cancel the session – so hoped they assumed like us that it was off, & left a message on the only cellphone they have... 2nd we didn’t get to plan the purchase & delivery of materials in time for the 18th or make sure the Cedesa technician was booked to appear that day!!
At midnight on the Fri 15th as I was climbing into bed, it suddenly hit me, Monday was the 18th & they had no materials or trainer!!!! I emailed Holly (our contact with Cedesa) & explained the issue, quietly hoping Chela (from Cedesa) had all of this in hand, since they always organised this side of things, & it was her that booked the dates!!. Luckily Holly was going to Cedesa the next day (Saturday) & was able to order the materials (for delivery on Mon. 18th) & book Benigno (the technician), & we put in an urgent call in to Los Torres to see if the LT Crew could come to train the MdN people on Monday.
Holly & the LT crew saved the day!!!
It snowed that night in San Miguel for the first time in more than 30 years!
What next?!
Elena & I headed to MdN on Monday morning, not really knowing what to expect. The day was crisp with blue skies.
We were greeted by Jose Miguel (one of the Los Torres Crew), he was there waiting with his bicycle!
We headed down the path to the kinder & found a few people milling around (whew, at least they remembered) & explained we were just waiting for Benigno & the materials.
Secondino – one of the men who had attended all meetings & was confident they didn’t need the LT Crew & that he knew how to do it all, was absent, he sent his son instead, who informed us his dad had a sore foot & couldn’t make it. The son said he could attend Monday & no other day, & Elena told him if there weren’t people there for the whole 4 days, they wouldn’t know the whole process. She mentioned if they couldn’t find the team in MdN we could move to another community that was ready. Within an hour 3 more men arrived! & a few more women.
The truck arrived at 11am, the MdN reps. Checked off the invoice, & then the rest of the team unloaded the truck, men carrying 1 bag of cement each & women, carrying 1 bag between 2. It was stored in the corner of the little classroom, (in case we happened to get any more of this unseasonal weather), & by the time Benigno arrived at 11.30 the metal mesh was laid out & the people were already binding it together with ganchos “metal crochet hooks”, under the LT crew’s instructions.
pg 2 of 3
MdN people bought tools with them, including a ladder that was too short, so Rafael stood behind it & held it vertical for his brother Miguel to climb onto the roof & begin the measuring!
We met the Maestra, Mireya Figaroa, very kind & accommodating, & she was happy for Elena to tell the kids what was going on in their playground.
When Benigno arrived he joined the work crew, & during a break explained more about the water situation & reinforced the purpose of building a cistern, & the beauty of solving their own issues!
We spoke with the LT Crew (in this case the Cruz brothers) & confirmed they were confident about what additional materials they needed to purchase - sand, Gravel, bricks, glue, wood & the door to the cistern, along with a couple of things missing from the delivery.
I asked their estimate for cost of these materials & after discussion decided $4000 should cover it.
We confirmed they were able to work the 4 days & complete the training & the cistern.
There were more people than ganchos, so one of the guys bought a grinder from home & cut some lengths of rebar, sharpened them with the grinder & bent a handle on each, then there were plenty.
As we were leaving one of the women arrived with 2 big buckets, one with food & the other with agua fresca... they insisted we have a snack before we left. We had tostadas with TVP, which was miraculously like chicken, with onion, tomato & cilantro, & horchata (rice drink), both delicious!
Day 2. Tuesday
We had Rotary Committee meeting from 10am, & midday meeting didn’t finish until 3pm, Elena drove out to MdN early morning & peaked through the fence, the cistern was already standing upright! Great progress! & bricks, gravel & sand were there, the Crew had done their ordering.
Day 3 Wednesday 20th Jan.
This was Los Torres Assembly day (see separate report), on the way back, at 3pm we “popped” in to MdN Kinder to see what was going on.
Again good progress, both men & women were working, & a group of about 5 very small kids were playing building games in the sandpit! They had their mini shovels out & were filling plastic containers with sand, & moving them to their own construction area! Everyone was busy!
Day 4 Thursday 21st Jan
Elena & I headed out to MdN about 12midday to find a hive of industry. The top of the cistern was being plastered, Cal (lime) was mixed in a big bucket with chunks of Nopal cactus, which adds elasticity, essentially “self heals” small fissures.
We collected the “receipts” for materials that had been itemised for us, & paid the LT Crew.
We also made arrangements to meet Miguel & Rafael Saturday morning at an alternative materials supplier here in SMA (the other one we have been using is in Dolores Hidalgo, which is too difficult for the LT crew to get to), Enrique (another Rotarian) will accompany us on Saturday, to negotiate better prices & put in place arrangements (for the LT crew to sign for & Rotary to pay) for the materials, in an effort to simplify the process.
Some other things that happened-
There was a small dead rabbit in the grounds, the kids had found, they were very carefully inspecting it with sticks, & discovered the cause of death was ticks that were still attached to it’s ears.
They discussed it amongst themselves & decided they should bury it under the tree where it lay.
They asked one of the mums if they could use her shovel, & the smallest boy tried to dig a hole, then handed it to the biggest girl. She dug the hole to agreed specifications, & the smallest boy then gently moved the rabbit into his final resting place with the shovel (they already knew not to touch it with their bare hands!). Then they carefully placed the dirt on top, & ran to the flower garden & returned with bunches of geraniums & handfuls of green weeds & decorated the grave!
We advised MdN of the forthcoming monthly workshops in Los Torres, to which MdN is invited. NB Cedesa is doing this with no funding from us, it is their own initiative! (again see Los Torres next report),
pg 3 of 3
1st Wednesday of each month is to be a Traspatio workshop (backyard food production)
3rd Wednesday of each month is Health workshop (natural health methods),
In March Cedesa will begin bee keeping workshop on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
There were some cups with bees trapped in them with stones on top, I thought this was a great sign, since bee keeping training is starting in March!
Miguel (from Los Torres) proudly mentioned that their cisterns were overflowing again, thanks to the unseasonal rain last week. The cistern at the school that was half full is now full!
The other model of cistern the Ecology dept. installed at the MdN primary school (across the road from the kindergarten) is still empty, despite the rains, & the school teachers both asked if there was a chance we could build one our ferro cement cisterns there!
We told them we might be able to as, so far we have budget for 26, built 1, & have names down for 24, & to raise the issue at the next assembly.
They asked when the rest of the materials could be purchased, I said still waiting on money to arrive to the right place, & hopefully should be 1 month.
They wrote a big schedule of the workshops at Los Torres & intend to attend! Elena organised with Benigno from Cedesa to bring a big van & stop in MdN on the way to the workshop each Wednesday, to collect anyone interested. They informed us the ones that go will spread the info to the ones that can’t.
3 of the women asked what happens to the materials for the families of the people who committed to attending but haven’t shown up. We explained it can easily be made available to the people that did turn up, & it would be discussed at the next assembly.
One cistern up, 25 to go!!
NB Next assembly will be scheduled by phone on confirmation of receipt of all funds into the Frost Account.
5th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: Montecillo de Nieto Kindergarten
When: 18,19,20 & 21st January 2010 9am-1.30 & other times
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), Benigno (Cedesa) , Rafael & Jose Miguel Cruz (Los Torres Crew) + approx 12 others.
Purpose: Train the trainers demonstration, & instructional build of the 1st Cistern in the MdN water project.
Take a deep breath, there’s lots to read here!!!
A bit of background & how the day was saved!
The date for these training days was set at the previous assembly on 16th December.
During this assembly, Chela was very keen to set a date for the beginning of the training (ie the first actual action) since we had met 4 times with only talking meetings. We all optimistically believed the money would be well in hand by this stage, & I had thought to myself, well it’s only 1 cistern I could bridge it if need be...
Chela & us, would be meeting on the 13th January to nut out the details, & make sure everything was in place, so in December we thought we had it sorted.
On the 13th Jan (the supposed next meeting time for Traspatio workshop in Los Torres) it was pouring with rain!!! Great for the cisterns already constructed! – not so great for outside backyard training sessions – so we cancelled.
This had great ramifications, 1st. We were not able to get hold of Los Torres to cancel the session – so hoped they assumed like us that it was off, & left a message on the only cellphone they have... 2nd we didn’t get to plan the purchase & delivery of materials in time for the 18th or make sure the Cedesa technician was booked to appear that day!!
At midnight on the Fri 15th as I was climbing into bed, it suddenly hit me, Monday was the 18th & they had no materials or trainer!!!! I emailed Holly (our contact with Cedesa) & explained the issue, quietly hoping Chela (from Cedesa) had all of this in hand, since they always organised this side of things, & it was her that booked the dates!!. Luckily Holly was going to Cedesa the next day (Saturday) & was able to order the materials (for delivery on Mon. 18th) & book Benigno (the technician), & we put in an urgent call in to Los Torres to see if the LT Crew could come to train the MdN people on Monday.
Holly & the LT crew saved the day!!!
It snowed that night in San Miguel for the first time in more than 30 years!
What next?!
Elena & I headed to MdN on Monday morning, not really knowing what to expect. The day was crisp with blue skies.
We were greeted by Jose Miguel (one of the Los Torres Crew), he was there waiting with his bicycle!
We headed down the path to the kinder & found a few people milling around (whew, at least they remembered) & explained we were just waiting for Benigno & the materials.
Secondino – one of the men who had attended all meetings & was confident they didn’t need the LT Crew & that he knew how to do it all, was absent, he sent his son instead, who informed us his dad had a sore foot & couldn’t make it. The son said he could attend Monday & no other day, & Elena told him if there weren’t people there for the whole 4 days, they wouldn’t know the whole process. She mentioned if they couldn’t find the team in MdN we could move to another community that was ready. Within an hour 3 more men arrived! & a few more women.
The truck arrived at 11am, the MdN reps. Checked off the invoice, & then the rest of the team unloaded the truck, men carrying 1 bag of cement each & women, carrying 1 bag between 2. It was stored in the corner of the little classroom, (in case we happened to get any more of this unseasonal weather), & by the time Benigno arrived at 11.30 the metal mesh was laid out & the people were already binding it together with ganchos “metal crochet hooks”, under the LT crew’s instructions.
pg 2 of 3
MdN people bought tools with them, including a ladder that was too short, so Rafael stood behind it & held it vertical for his brother Miguel to climb onto the roof & begin the measuring!
We met the Maestra, Mireya Figaroa, very kind & accommodating, & she was happy for Elena to tell the kids what was going on in their playground.
When Benigno arrived he joined the work crew, & during a break explained more about the water situation & reinforced the purpose of building a cistern, & the beauty of solving their own issues!
We spoke with the LT Crew (in this case the Cruz brothers) & confirmed they were confident about what additional materials they needed to purchase - sand, Gravel, bricks, glue, wood & the door to the cistern, along with a couple of things missing from the delivery.
I asked their estimate for cost of these materials & after discussion decided $4000 should cover it.
We confirmed they were able to work the 4 days & complete the training & the cistern.
There were more people than ganchos, so one of the guys bought a grinder from home & cut some lengths of rebar, sharpened them with the grinder & bent a handle on each, then there were plenty.
As we were leaving one of the women arrived with 2 big buckets, one with food & the other with agua fresca... they insisted we have a snack before we left. We had tostadas with TVP, which was miraculously like chicken, with onion, tomato & cilantro, & horchata (rice drink), both delicious!
Day 2. Tuesday
We had Rotary Committee meeting from 10am, & midday meeting didn’t finish until 3pm, Elena drove out to MdN early morning & peaked through the fence, the cistern was already standing upright! Great progress! & bricks, gravel & sand were there, the Crew had done their ordering.
Day 3 Wednesday 20th Jan.
This was Los Torres Assembly day (see separate report), on the way back, at 3pm we “popped” in to MdN Kinder to see what was going on.
Again good progress, both men & women were working, & a group of about 5 very small kids were playing building games in the sandpit! They had their mini shovels out & were filling plastic containers with sand, & moving them to their own construction area! Everyone was busy!
Day 4 Thursday 21st Jan
Elena & I headed out to MdN about 12midday to find a hive of industry. The top of the cistern was being plastered, Cal (lime) was mixed in a big bucket with chunks of Nopal cactus, which adds elasticity, essentially “self heals” small fissures.
We collected the “receipts” for materials that had been itemised for us, & paid the LT Crew.
We also made arrangements to meet Miguel & Rafael Saturday morning at an alternative materials supplier here in SMA (the other one we have been using is in Dolores Hidalgo, which is too difficult for the LT crew to get to), Enrique (another Rotarian) will accompany us on Saturday, to negotiate better prices & put in place arrangements (for the LT crew to sign for & Rotary to pay) for the materials, in an effort to simplify the process.
Some other things that happened-
There was a small dead rabbit in the grounds, the kids had found, they were very carefully inspecting it with sticks, & discovered the cause of death was ticks that were still attached to it’s ears.
They discussed it amongst themselves & decided they should bury it under the tree where it lay.
They asked one of the mums if they could use her shovel, & the smallest boy tried to dig a hole, then handed it to the biggest girl. She dug the hole to agreed specifications, & the smallest boy then gently moved the rabbit into his final resting place with the shovel (they already knew not to touch it with their bare hands!). Then they carefully placed the dirt on top, & ran to the flower garden & returned with bunches of geraniums & handfuls of green weeds & decorated the grave!
We advised MdN of the forthcoming monthly workshops in Los Torres, to which MdN is invited. NB Cedesa is doing this with no funding from us, it is their own initiative! (again see Los Torres next report),
pg 3 of 3
1st Wednesday of each month is to be a Traspatio workshop (backyard food production)
3rd Wednesday of each month is Health workshop (natural health methods),
In March Cedesa will begin bee keeping workshop on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
There were some cups with bees trapped in them with stones on top, I thought this was a great sign, since bee keeping training is starting in March!
Miguel (from Los Torres) proudly mentioned that their cisterns were overflowing again, thanks to the unseasonal rain last week. The cistern at the school that was half full is now full!
The other model of cistern the Ecology dept. installed at the MdN primary school (across the road from the kindergarten) is still empty, despite the rains, & the school teachers both asked if there was a chance we could build one our ferro cement cisterns there!
We told them we might be able to as, so far we have budget for 26, built 1, & have names down for 24, & to raise the issue at the next assembly.
They asked when the rest of the materials could be purchased, I said still waiting on money to arrive to the right place, & hopefully should be 1 month.
They wrote a big schedule of the workshops at Los Torres & intend to attend! Elena organised with Benigno from Cedesa to bring a big van & stop in MdN on the way to the workshop each Wednesday, to collect anyone interested. They informed us the ones that go will spread the info to the ones that can’t.
3 of the women asked what happens to the materials for the families of the people who committed to attending but haven’t shown up. We explained it can easily be made available to the people that did turn up, & it would be discussed at the next assembly.
One cistern up, 25 to go!!
NB Next assembly will be scheduled by phone on confirmation of receipt of all funds into the Frost Account.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 16 December 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 2pm
Who: pre planning meeting –Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela Cedesa.
Assembly, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), 25 women, 4 men, 1 youth about 17yrs & many children.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – continuing planning of the project, including designation of training days & sessions.
Summary of proceedings
It was a cold day so we held the meeting inside the classroom, in traditional classroom format. Chela led the discussions, from the front of the room. As an observation, there seems to be less participation with this format, v the sitting in a circle, which encourages more participation & eye contact.
When we arrived Hector (one of the teachers) greeted us & asked how long our session was going to take since they had another meeting planned after ours. We optimistically said we thought it should only take half an hour or so! Famous last words!
First was creation of the agenda
1. a quick review reiterating the objective of construction of the cisterns, with a Q& A session.
2. Planning of construction of the first cistern, where, when, who
3. Invitation to a traspatio (back yard) design workshop being held in neighbouring Los Torres on the 13th Jan.
4. Brief explanation of SODIS, solar disinfection purification method
For speed, Chela was the co-ordinator & the teachers were taking notes, as well as calling the roll.
Item 1. Review of objectives of cistern/water collection project.
Q&A re water quality, scarcity, pollutants etc.
Item 2. Training days/Demonstration build
The primary teachers proposed the primary school (as an aside interesting that the teachers at the primary school were keen to have the 1st cistern built at the school, despite the fact they have the ecology department model there) & others suggested the Kindergarten.
It was put to a vote & majority decided the kinder should be the first site.
a. lots of the community benefit (as will future generations)
b. they don’t currently have safe drinking water
c. the kinder teacher is very keen.
Chela confirmed the number of families on the list is still 24, (although we have a budget for 26, so this means enough to build the cistern at the kinder, & 1 spare for any late comer).
One family – Lorena asked to be removed from the list as she is moving from MdN, & another family asked to take their place Leonore Ramirez, so the list stays at 24.
More items decided/informed:
• They have already decided on 4 work groups at the previous assembly.
• The training/demonstration build takes place over a 4 day period.
• The attendees voted to start at 9 & finish at 5 each day (after much debate!)
• As many people as possible from each group need to attend as many days as possible - to ensure a full skill set.
• A minimum of 2 people per group should attend each day.
• Chela described each of the days’ processes involved, & that the first 2 days tasks are ideal for women as they involve essentially “hooking together” 2 layers of wire using a metal hook.
• There was some discussion about each cistern taking 4 days, but it was explained that while it takes 4 days to make a cistern, more than 1 cistern can be constructed in 4 days, they could do as many as 7 or 8 cisterns per 4 days per group of 8.
• There are 22 kids currently at the kinder.
Page 2 of 2
• Secondino Jimenez is an abanile (experienced builder) & has volunteered to help train during the demonstration build, they think they don’t need much help from the Los Torres crew (seemed to be some good hearted neighbourly rivalry).
• Many people have tools they can bring “ganchos” (hooks) & wire cutters.
The days for demonstration build are 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st January.
Each of the people in each group then committed to attending which ever days they could, a list was made. (Teachers & Chela have the list) This took quite some time!!
One woman raised a point
“if there are people that have kids at the kinder that haven’t volunteered to participate in the families cistern project then what?”
Solution was decided – Eva & Erendina will talk to the Maestra & ask her to co-ordinate the participation of those parents that have kids at the kinder but are not involved in the big project.
We asked where the materials should be delivered, ie a secure spot, & it was decided that into the kinder grounds was best.
Eva & Erendina will be responsible. Erendina’s cellphone number is 415 10 60 318.
Item 3. invitation to traspatio workshop.
Chela described briefly what a backyard garden was, & discussed what could be grown in it, answers were yelled out, carrots, onions, chilli, cilantro, beans, trees, fruit trees, cactus, magueys, tunas (a type of cactus fruit), herbs, chickens, etc,
The workshop is about producing your own food, first for the family & then excess to trade or sell. Money is hard to come by, so the more food you can grow yourself the better, also it is more healthy, no pesticides & not junk food.
Anyone interested in learning more about this was invited to be waiting at 11.45 on the 13th Jan when we would be driving by on our way to Los Torres. We will give them a ride.
Item 4, Sodis Solar Disinfection purification method
Laura & Elena briefly described firstly bacteria, & how they can occur & how kill them using the solar purification method. See www.sodis.ch for more info.
Actually, I think most had discounted this, since they figure the water they get from their roofs will be many times better than the water they have been drinking for years from who knows where (truck deliveries).
We concluded the assembly at 2pm. (so much for ½ an hour!)
NB Next assembly date was not decided upon, we will need to decide that at the demonstration build days on the 18th-21st..
(note from me – I noticed there were more men at this meeting, could be they had nothing better to do & it was a cold day, or hopefully, they wanted to know more & are keen to get it going, they certainly seemed to think they would not need much help from the demonstration team. Hmmmm....)
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 16 December 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 2pm
Who: pre planning meeting –Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela Cedesa.
Assembly, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), 25 women, 4 men, 1 youth about 17yrs & many children.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – continuing planning of the project, including designation of training days & sessions.
Summary of proceedings
It was a cold day so we held the meeting inside the classroom, in traditional classroom format. Chela led the discussions, from the front of the room. As an observation, there seems to be less participation with this format, v the sitting in a circle, which encourages more participation & eye contact.
When we arrived Hector (one of the teachers) greeted us & asked how long our session was going to take since they had another meeting planned after ours. We optimistically said we thought it should only take half an hour or so! Famous last words!
First was creation of the agenda
1. a quick review reiterating the objective of construction of the cisterns, with a Q& A session.
2. Planning of construction of the first cistern, where, when, who
3. Invitation to a traspatio (back yard) design workshop being held in neighbouring Los Torres on the 13th Jan.
4. Brief explanation of SODIS, solar disinfection purification method
For speed, Chela was the co-ordinator & the teachers were taking notes, as well as calling the roll.
Item 1. Review of objectives of cistern/water collection project.
Q&A re water quality, scarcity, pollutants etc.
Item 2. Training days/Demonstration build
The primary teachers proposed the primary school (as an aside interesting that the teachers at the primary school were keen to have the 1st cistern built at the school, despite the fact they have the ecology department model there) & others suggested the Kindergarten.
It was put to a vote & majority decided the kinder should be the first site.
a. lots of the community benefit (as will future generations)
b. they don’t currently have safe drinking water
c. the kinder teacher is very keen.
Chela confirmed the number of families on the list is still 24, (although we have a budget for 26, so this means enough to build the cistern at the kinder, & 1 spare for any late comer).
One family – Lorena asked to be removed from the list as she is moving from MdN, & another family asked to take their place Leonore Ramirez, so the list stays at 24.
More items decided/informed:
• They have already decided on 4 work groups at the previous assembly.
• The training/demonstration build takes place over a 4 day period.
• The attendees voted to start at 9 & finish at 5 each day (after much debate!)
• As many people as possible from each group need to attend as many days as possible - to ensure a full skill set.
• A minimum of 2 people per group should attend each day.
• Chela described each of the days’ processes involved, & that the first 2 days tasks are ideal for women as they involve essentially “hooking together” 2 layers of wire using a metal hook.
• There was some discussion about each cistern taking 4 days, but it was explained that while it takes 4 days to make a cistern, more than 1 cistern can be constructed in 4 days, they could do as many as 7 or 8 cisterns per 4 days per group of 8.
• There are 22 kids currently at the kinder.
Page 2 of 2
• Secondino Jimenez is an abanile (experienced builder) & has volunteered to help train during the demonstration build, they think they don’t need much help from the Los Torres crew (seemed to be some good hearted neighbourly rivalry).
• Many people have tools they can bring “ganchos” (hooks) & wire cutters.
The days for demonstration build are 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st January.
Each of the people in each group then committed to attending which ever days they could, a list was made. (Teachers & Chela have the list) This took quite some time!!
One woman raised a point
“if there are people that have kids at the kinder that haven’t volunteered to participate in the families cistern project then what?”
Solution was decided – Eva & Erendina will talk to the Maestra & ask her to co-ordinate the participation of those parents that have kids at the kinder but are not involved in the big project.
We asked where the materials should be delivered, ie a secure spot, & it was decided that into the kinder grounds was best.
Eva & Erendina will be responsible. Erendina’s cellphone number is 415 10 60 318.
Item 3. invitation to traspatio workshop.
Chela described briefly what a backyard garden was, & discussed what could be grown in it, answers were yelled out, carrots, onions, chilli, cilantro, beans, trees, fruit trees, cactus, magueys, tunas (a type of cactus fruit), herbs, chickens, etc,
The workshop is about producing your own food, first for the family & then excess to trade or sell. Money is hard to come by, so the more food you can grow yourself the better, also it is more healthy, no pesticides & not junk food.
Anyone interested in learning more about this was invited to be waiting at 11.45 on the 13th Jan when we would be driving by on our way to Los Torres. We will give them a ride.
Item 4, Sodis Solar Disinfection purification method
Laura & Elena briefly described firstly bacteria, & how they can occur & how kill them using the solar purification method. See www.sodis.ch for more info.
Actually, I think most had discounted this, since they figure the water they get from their roofs will be many times better than the water they have been drinking for years from who knows where (truck deliveries).
We concluded the assembly at 2pm. (so much for ½ an hour!)
NB Next assembly date was not decided upon, we will need to decide that at the demonstration build days on the 18th-21st..
(note from me – I noticed there were more men at this meeting, could be they had nothing better to do & it was a cold day, or hopefully, they wanted to know more & are keen to get it going, they certainly seemed to think they would not need much help from the demonstration team. Hmmmm....)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
3Rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
3Rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 18 November 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 3.05
Who: pre planning meeting –Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela Cedesa.
Assembly, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), 26 women, 1 man & many children.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – continuing planning of the project, including deciding which families will be receiving cisterns in the first phase, (limited to 26 cisterns) & establishing working groups.
We decided to hold the meeting outside under a big tree, so we could sit in a circle, & be less constrained by the desks & layout in the classroom. It was more conducive to participation & involvement.
When we first arrived only a few women were there, & about 6 women were washing dishes after the lunch. (Feed the Hungry provides this school lunch program).
Elena & I looked more closely at the water collection system the municipal govt. had put in place. The membrane tank & it´s lid are ill fitting, for the support structure, & when we peered into the tank the level is only about 3 inches of water at the bottom. This is at the end of the rainy season, so the tank should be almost full!
We walked around the tank, & found a slimy puddle leading from under the tank, which seems to indicate there is a slow leak. We mentioned this to Leon (one of the teachers) who said they know about it & have informed the Ecology department, who are waiting for it to empty before repairing. This is additional confirmation for us that the ferro cement tank is the better solution.
Chela, Elena & I asked to be shown the kindergarten, which is across the road. We were led there by Eva & Enerina. Chela asked lots of questions about the community. The kinder is a lovely building with a grove of about 8 mature mesquites shading most of the grounds. They have a 1500ltr tinaco (plastic tank) at the kinder, not connected to the roof, but for delivery by the water truck.
Most people in the community have sold their land to foreigners. Only about 3 locals still own parcels of land. The lots they now live on are small unproductive lots. The people sold their land out of ignorance, & have spent the money in most cases.
There is a small springfed creek at the back of the kindergarten, but it is dry except in the rainy season, most of the year the “spring” is dry.
The meeting started at 1.20pm.
1. Hello & thank you for coming. (Chela)
2. “Reflection” (Elena)
a review of what has happened since the last assembly 1 month ago.
The women who committed to collecting a census of the community, listing who would be like to participate in the project, collected all the names & ages of each of the members of all the families (42 in total).
Elena thanked them for their hard & excellent work. She thanked everyone for coming today, walking here to attend the meeting, & described this as the seed, or beginnings, & congratulated them on their motivation to attend.
Is there anything pending from the previous meeting? No.
3. Chela engaged the community´s responses with a number of statements & questions
• It´s important for everyone to take responsibility in their own hands & make their family & community wellbeing a priority.
• “in this community you have a problem with water – what´s the problem?”
• They all responded the water is contaminated, & that fluoride was the contaminant. Chela gave a bit more background re the contamination issue around their region.
Page 2 of 3
• “You have yellow teeth from drinking this water, we are here to work to solve this issue for who?” & they all responded “for our kids!”
• How many people are at today´s meeting who also attended the 1st meeting – 20 people raised their hands. She congratulated them for organising themselves to attend this 2nd meeting.
• Is it a free project? – no! we need to work.
• People have rights, but with rights come obligations.
• Chela asked where else it talks about rights & obligations, Elena offered – in the bible, & Chela said, also in the Constitution of Mexico, & talked a little about the rights of the people as described in the constitution. An example was described using a book the teachers use in the 3rd grade class.
• The right to drinking water is a basic human right.
• One of the men at the meeting has been buying bottled water for 30 years.
• They all want clean water for their kids & grand kids.
• “you can all speak, not just listen”
• What are you prepared to do for safe drinking water – work & participate, by building the cisterns & attending the meetings.
They all recorded their names in the “roll book” from the first meeting.
4.What future do you see for your kids? What can you imagine?
Interestingly, this was a difficult one for the women to answer. Either they were trying to work out what it was we were expecting them to say, or they weren´t able to visualise anything for their kids´future… I suspect from their eventual answers, it was the former.
a. safe drinking water
b. the awareness to conserve water (because it´s not a renewable resource!)
c. for the kids to learn the bible, know the words of the bible. (living in harmony with eachother & resources, learn values).
(I was imagining how a group of American women would answer this question, with things like to be happy, to have good jobs, be passionate about what they do, be successful in their fields, travel the world, be good people, but nothing like this came up, again maybe they were wanting to provide the “right” answer).
5. Phase 1 Participants selection
The list of people interested in participating has 42 families.
The scope of this project (at least phase 1) is 26 cisterns, we communicated this & then set about determining who the first 26 families would be.
There were 28 people attending the meeting. We worked through the attendees, & called out the name & asked each person how many in their family. This is how the list transpired.
1. Maria del Carmen Villa Franco 7 people (2 families will share, 1 of 3, 1 of 4 people)
2. Margarita Pastor 6
3. Irene Jimenez 8
4. Maria Griselda 5
5. Soledara Ramirez 5
6. Alicia Peña 8 (2 families will share)
7. Marie Elena Cortez 6
8. Nancy Galvan 6
9. Lorena Garcia 5
10. Maria Irene Ramirez 6
11. Emelia Ramirez 7
12. Gloria Peña 6
13. Maria Cruz Jimenez 13 (2 families)
14. Victoria Vazquez 5
15. Lorena Ramirez 3
16. Hermalinda Barranca 7
17. Micaela Muñoz 7
18. Casilda Ramirez 8
19. Aurelia Peña 7
20. Secondido Ramirez 11 (3 families)
21. Eva Garcia 5
Page 3 of 3
22. Enerina Ramirez 3
23. Irma Carmona 9 (2 families)
24. Maria Blanca Ramirez (Taboada) 4
One elderly woman (with just her & her husband) said her husband can not help build it since he has a job, but she still wanted one, we pointed out that she could do the work herself, but since there are only 2 of them, maybe she could share with her close neighbours (family), she said she had not organised this, in the meantime we have her as the next phase, in an attempt to maximise the number of people we can serve.
We were lucky that so many families have chosen to co-operate as this will definitely maximise the solution!
6. Dividing into working groups
We explained the process of work groups, ie to build one cistern would take 1 family for days, but that 7 families could build 7 cisterns in 4 days, & that the group was collectively responsible for ensuring all cisterns are built.
There are currently 24 people on the list (with a space for 2 more if they attend the meetings in future & seek permission of the community).
It was decided to work in 4 groups of 6 (not 3 groups of 8). The names in bold are the leaders of each group.
Group 1. Group 2. Group 3. Group 4.
Margarita Carmen Griselda Gloria
Casilda Victoria Alicia Soledad
Eva Secondino Elena Audelia
Micaela Emelia Lorena R Enedina
Irene Nancy Maria Cruz Lorena G
Maria Blanca Maria Irene Irma Hermelinda
The next Assembly (#3) date was set for December 16th at 12.30
With luck we will have the funding approved by TRF, & be ready to begin the project by this date.
Photo album http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=steve.mckee&target=ALBUM&id=5395898476865345153&authkey=Gv1sRgCN3a_7DOi7iACg&feat=email
3Rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 18 November 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 3.05
Who: pre planning meeting –Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela Cedesa.
Assembly, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), 26 women, 1 man & many children.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – continuing planning of the project, including deciding which families will be receiving cisterns in the first phase, (limited to 26 cisterns) & establishing working groups.
We decided to hold the meeting outside under a big tree, so we could sit in a circle, & be less constrained by the desks & layout in the classroom. It was more conducive to participation & involvement.
When we first arrived only a few women were there, & about 6 women were washing dishes after the lunch. (Feed the Hungry provides this school lunch program).
Elena & I looked more closely at the water collection system the municipal govt. had put in place. The membrane tank & it´s lid are ill fitting, for the support structure, & when we peered into the tank the level is only about 3 inches of water at the bottom. This is at the end of the rainy season, so the tank should be almost full!
We walked around the tank, & found a slimy puddle leading from under the tank, which seems to indicate there is a slow leak. We mentioned this to Leon (one of the teachers) who said they know about it & have informed the Ecology department, who are waiting for it to empty before repairing. This is additional confirmation for us that the ferro cement tank is the better solution.
Chela, Elena & I asked to be shown the kindergarten, which is across the road. We were led there by Eva & Enerina. Chela asked lots of questions about the community. The kinder is a lovely building with a grove of about 8 mature mesquites shading most of the grounds. They have a 1500ltr tinaco (plastic tank) at the kinder, not connected to the roof, but for delivery by the water truck.
Most people in the community have sold their land to foreigners. Only about 3 locals still own parcels of land. The lots they now live on are small unproductive lots. The people sold their land out of ignorance, & have spent the money in most cases.
There is a small springfed creek at the back of the kindergarten, but it is dry except in the rainy season, most of the year the “spring” is dry.
The meeting started at 1.20pm.
1. Hello & thank you for coming. (Chela)
2. “Reflection” (Elena)
a review of what has happened since the last assembly 1 month ago.
The women who committed to collecting a census of the community, listing who would be like to participate in the project, collected all the names & ages of each of the members of all the families (42 in total).
Elena thanked them for their hard & excellent work. She thanked everyone for coming today, walking here to attend the meeting, & described this as the seed, or beginnings, & congratulated them on their motivation to attend.
Is there anything pending from the previous meeting? No.
3. Chela engaged the community´s responses with a number of statements & questions
• It´s important for everyone to take responsibility in their own hands & make their family & community wellbeing a priority.
• “in this community you have a problem with water – what´s the problem?”
• They all responded the water is contaminated, & that fluoride was the contaminant. Chela gave a bit more background re the contamination issue around their region.
Page 2 of 3
• “You have yellow teeth from drinking this water, we are here to work to solve this issue for who?” & they all responded “for our kids!”
• How many people are at today´s meeting who also attended the 1st meeting – 20 people raised their hands. She congratulated them for organising themselves to attend this 2nd meeting.
• Is it a free project? – no! we need to work.
• People have rights, but with rights come obligations.
• Chela asked where else it talks about rights & obligations, Elena offered – in the bible, & Chela said, also in the Constitution of Mexico, & talked a little about the rights of the people as described in the constitution. An example was described using a book the teachers use in the 3rd grade class.
• The right to drinking water is a basic human right.
• One of the men at the meeting has been buying bottled water for 30 years.
• They all want clean water for their kids & grand kids.
• “you can all speak, not just listen”
• What are you prepared to do for safe drinking water – work & participate, by building the cisterns & attending the meetings.
They all recorded their names in the “roll book” from the first meeting.
4.What future do you see for your kids? What can you imagine?
Interestingly, this was a difficult one for the women to answer. Either they were trying to work out what it was we were expecting them to say, or they weren´t able to visualise anything for their kids´future… I suspect from their eventual answers, it was the former.
a. safe drinking water
b. the awareness to conserve water (because it´s not a renewable resource!)
c. for the kids to learn the bible, know the words of the bible. (living in harmony with eachother & resources, learn values).
(I was imagining how a group of American women would answer this question, with things like to be happy, to have good jobs, be passionate about what they do, be successful in their fields, travel the world, be good people, but nothing like this came up, again maybe they were wanting to provide the “right” answer).
5. Phase 1 Participants selection
The list of people interested in participating has 42 families.
The scope of this project (at least phase 1) is 26 cisterns, we communicated this & then set about determining who the first 26 families would be.
There were 28 people attending the meeting. We worked through the attendees, & called out the name & asked each person how many in their family. This is how the list transpired.
1. Maria del Carmen Villa Franco 7 people (2 families will share, 1 of 3, 1 of 4 people)
2. Margarita Pastor 6
3. Irene Jimenez 8
4. Maria Griselda 5
5. Soledara Ramirez 5
6. Alicia Peña 8 (2 families will share)
7. Marie Elena Cortez 6
8. Nancy Galvan 6
9. Lorena Garcia 5
10. Maria Irene Ramirez 6
11. Emelia Ramirez 7
12. Gloria Peña 6
13. Maria Cruz Jimenez 13 (2 families)
14. Victoria Vazquez 5
15. Lorena Ramirez 3
16. Hermalinda Barranca 7
17. Micaela Muñoz 7
18. Casilda Ramirez 8
19. Aurelia Peña 7
20. Secondido Ramirez 11 (3 families)
21. Eva Garcia 5
Page 3 of 3
22. Enerina Ramirez 3
23. Irma Carmona 9 (2 families)
24. Maria Blanca Ramirez (Taboada) 4
One elderly woman (with just her & her husband) said her husband can not help build it since he has a job, but she still wanted one, we pointed out that she could do the work herself, but since there are only 2 of them, maybe she could share with her close neighbours (family), she said she had not organised this, in the meantime we have her as the next phase, in an attempt to maximise the number of people we can serve.
We were lucky that so many families have chosen to co-operate as this will definitely maximise the solution!
6. Dividing into working groups
We explained the process of work groups, ie to build one cistern would take 1 family for days, but that 7 families could build 7 cisterns in 4 days, & that the group was collectively responsible for ensuring all cisterns are built.
There are currently 24 people on the list (with a space for 2 more if they attend the meetings in future & seek permission of the community).
It was decided to work in 4 groups of 6 (not 3 groups of 8). The names in bold are the leaders of each group.
Group 1. Group 2. Group 3. Group 4.
Margarita Carmen Griselda Gloria
Casilda Victoria Alicia Soledad
Eva Secondino Elena Audelia
Micaela Emelia Lorena R Enedina
Irene Nancy Maria Cruz Lorena G
Maria Blanca Maria Irene Irma Hermelinda
The next Assembly (#3) date was set for December 16th at 12.30
With luck we will have the funding approved by TRF, & be ready to begin the project by this date.
Photo album http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=steve.mckee&target=ALBUM&id=5395898476865345153&authkey=Gv1sRgCN3a_7DOi7iACg&feat=email
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 21 October 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 2.45
Who: pre planning meeting – Bob, Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela & Holly Cedesa.
Assembly, Bob, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), + 32 Adults (including 1 man, Luis from Taboada), & 6 kids, with about a million kids playing outside in the school grounds.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – first public notification of possible project & call for interest in involvement in this project.
We arrived to the school & were welcomed by a bunch of happy & curious school kids, we entered the class room & the Teachers had already written up an agenda for the day, including the first item, which was a visit by a Govt. Official inviting parents to become involved in a program on parenting & health. The mums sat there pretty passively, looked at the handout books & were advised to attend the kinder if they were interested.
Next it was our turn, more people came in, a total of about 32, + the 2 professors who were very helpful, & co-operative, preparing printouts for people to sign their attendance & chalk for blackboards etc.
One of the teachers speaks English well, & was able to help with translation on a few points.
1stly Chela introduced us all, & spoke a little about Rotary, & Cedesa & what we were there for.
• The theme of the meeting was noted as water, & they were asked for their input on what they knew about water in the area. Some of the responses follow
• We have contaminated fluoride
• Contaminated by rubbish & drains
• & high fluoride
Chela asked what they knew about fluoride contamination, they were aware that it damages teeth, & she added that it also damages bones & major organs.
Chela asked them if they thought this was a problem or not, there was a resounding yes...
Chela talked about the watershed in general & the fact that the aquifer is reducing at a rapid rate & asked me to explain more, I talked about the slow recharge rate, that the water moves 1 mtr per year, so for example the rain we receive today will not enter the aquifer for 60 years if the water table is 60 metres deep in this area, in many areas the wells are deeper than 180 metres!
There was talk of pipes being layed to pipe the water from the Sapasma drilled well in Los Torres to MdN, but there has been no further action by govt on this. There has also been a rumour they might drill another well in MdN, but apparently this would go against current policy, re proximity of wells in regions.
Next we talked about a solution.
Only 2 people were aware of the Los Torres cisterns, but all were aware of the govt. Project to catch water at the school The tank is made of polypropelene (?) & is essentially supported in a structure with a loose fitting lid. There are mosquitos in the water. They have pumps & filters.
Pg 2 of 2
The most crucial point is that although there is a capacity of 30,000 litres it is estimated to be only 1/3rd full at the end of the rainy season. This is because only a small part of the available roof was piped to the cistern, it seems no followup has been done to check the efficiency of
the project, or they would have added the additional piping required to fill the tank. Pipes are cheap!
It was discussed that the community are not able to replicate this model (incidentally the same model as the project Rotary did at San Miguel Viejo, prior to our new development approach & revised model).
The maestro also mentioned that this project was very expensive, 1million pesos for just 9 schools.
Chela invited us to describe what Rotary was offering, & also asked why we were doing this.
Elena kindly translated for me, & in many cases guessed what I was going to say next & said it for me!!
We explained what Rotary was, & that there are members globally that care about the rest of the world & want to assist in making the world a better place.
We described the process of the project completed in Los Torres, including census, working in groups & positive outcomes. We handed around the instruction booklet which describes the process.
We also pointed out that there were many more families involved at the beginning, then some dropped out, & then some came back on board & that this was normal in the process.
We asked if they would like to be involved & all agreed.
We explained the next step was to form a mini committee.
5 people volunteered
Margarita (MdN)
Carmen (MdN)
Luis Cisneros (Taboada)
Irene Jimenez (MdN)
Emilia Ramirez (MdN)
These people will go house to house & explain the project, & ask who wants to be involved. They will record
Families, no. of people, roof material, size of roof
& they will invite them to attend the next meeting.
The committee will report back to the next meeting. (they agreed to do the census by Monday)
Next Meeting Wednesday 18th November 12.30 at the MdN School
Photo album http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=steve.mckee&target=ALBUM&id=5395898476865345153&authkey=Gv1sRgCN3a_7DOi7iACg&feat=email
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: El Cortijo & Montecillo de Nieto Primary School
When: 21 October 2009 11.20-12.10, & 12.30 – 2.45
Who: pre planning meeting – Bob, Elena & Laura (Rotary), Chela & Holly Cedesa.
Assembly, Bob, Elena, Laura & Chela, Hector & Leon (2 professors), + 32 Adults (including 1 man, Luis from Taboada), & 6 kids, with about a million kids playing outside in the school grounds.
Purpose: Pre planning session at El Cortijo & then Community Assembly at MdN Primary School – first public notification of possible project & call for interest in involvement in this project.
We arrived to the school & were welcomed by a bunch of happy & curious school kids, we entered the class room & the Teachers had already written up an agenda for the day, including the first item, which was a visit by a Govt. Official inviting parents to become involved in a program on parenting & health. The mums sat there pretty passively, looked at the handout books & were advised to attend the kinder if they were interested.
Next it was our turn, more people came in, a total of about 32, + the 2 professors who were very helpful, & co-operative, preparing printouts for people to sign their attendance & chalk for blackboards etc.
One of the teachers speaks English well, & was able to help with translation on a few points.
1stly Chela introduced us all, & spoke a little about Rotary, & Cedesa & what we were there for.
• The theme of the meeting was noted as water, & they were asked for their input on what they knew about water in the area. Some of the responses follow
• We have contaminated fluoride
• Contaminated by rubbish & drains
• & high fluoride
Chela asked what they knew about fluoride contamination, they were aware that it damages teeth, & she added that it also damages bones & major organs.
Chela asked them if they thought this was a problem or not, there was a resounding yes...
Chela talked about the watershed in general & the fact that the aquifer is reducing at a rapid rate & asked me to explain more, I talked about the slow recharge rate, that the water moves 1 mtr per year, so for example the rain we receive today will not enter the aquifer for 60 years if the water table is 60 metres deep in this area, in many areas the wells are deeper than 180 metres!
There was talk of pipes being layed to pipe the water from the Sapasma drilled well in Los Torres to MdN, but there has been no further action by govt on this. There has also been a rumour they might drill another well in MdN, but apparently this would go against current policy, re proximity of wells in regions.
Next we talked about a solution.
Only 2 people were aware of the Los Torres cisterns, but all were aware of the govt. Project to catch water at the school The tank is made of polypropelene (?) & is essentially supported in a structure with a loose fitting lid. There are mosquitos in the water. They have pumps & filters.
Pg 2 of 2
The most crucial point is that although there is a capacity of 30,000 litres it is estimated to be only 1/3rd full at the end of the rainy season. This is because only a small part of the available roof was piped to the cistern, it seems no followup has been done to check the efficiency of
the project, or they would have added the additional piping required to fill the tank. Pipes are cheap!
It was discussed that the community are not able to replicate this model (incidentally the same model as the project Rotary did at San Miguel Viejo, prior to our new development approach & revised model).
The maestro also mentioned that this project was very expensive, 1million pesos for just 9 schools.
Chela invited us to describe what Rotary was offering, & also asked why we were doing this.
Elena kindly translated for me, & in many cases guessed what I was going to say next & said it for me!!
We explained what Rotary was, & that there are members globally that care about the rest of the world & want to assist in making the world a better place.
We described the process of the project completed in Los Torres, including census, working in groups & positive outcomes. We handed around the instruction booklet which describes the process.
We also pointed out that there were many more families involved at the beginning, then some dropped out, & then some came back on board & that this was normal in the process.
We asked if they would like to be involved & all agreed.
We explained the next step was to form a mini committee.
5 people volunteered
Margarita (MdN)
Carmen (MdN)
Luis Cisneros (Taboada)
Irene Jimenez (MdN)
Emilia Ramirez (MdN)
These people will go house to house & explain the project, & ask who wants to be involved. They will record
Families, no. of people, roof material, size of roof
& they will invite them to attend the next meeting.
The committee will report back to the next meeting. (they agreed to do the census by Monday)
Next Meeting Wednesday 18th November 12.30 at the MdN School
Photo album http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=steve.mckee&target=ALBUM&id=5395898476865345153&authkey=Gv1sRgCN3a_7DOi7iACg&feat=email
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community,
When: 2009 (???)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Lee Carter
Purpose: An informal visit by Lee & Enrique, so Lee can see the project site, & to keep in touch with the community while we are waiting for the Matching Grant process to take place with Rotary International & Partners.
Next contact ?? commitment by Enrique??
Please note, I was not able to write up this report as I was not present. Enrique has had no time to fill in more details.
See report 6…
5th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community,
When: 2009 (???)
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Lee Carter
Purpose: An informal visit by Lee & Enrique, so Lee can see the project site, & to keep in touch with the community while we are waiting for the Matching Grant process to take place with Rotary International & Partners.
Next contact ?? commitment by Enrique??
Please note, I was not able to write up this report as I was not present. Enrique has had no time to fill in more details.
See report 6…
Thursday, June 25, 2009
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, visiting Los Torres Community
When: 25th June 2009
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & ???
Purpose: For the people of Lomas who are interested in seeing the project at Los Torres.
History
A plan was made to take 3 or 4 Lomas community members to visit Los Torres during the next Los Torres community assembly on Thurs 25th June, to see the assembly process, meet with the LT community & learn from their experience & also view the completed water collection systems (including roof piping, & cistern)
Enrique will pick up the Lomas people at 10am on the 25th June, & drive them to LT & back.
Anjelika expressed her regret in not being able to make it, as she is a teacher & will be at school at that time of day.
The people are now aware of the time, & the process & are ready when we are!
Next contact ?? commitment by Enrique??
Visit to Los Torres community was done as planned on Jun 25th. 3 people (2 ladies & 1 man) from Lomas de San Jose community came with me and we walk around and observe how LT meeting was starting.
They were glad to be able to see the progress and will coment to their neighbors what they saw.
I (Enrique) decided to build one water cistern on my land, so to be able to have it as a sample and train one person in the community to build it. This was done with Enrique`s own resources during July.
Please note, I was not able to write up this report as I was not present. Enrique has had no time to fill in more details.
Also, is it possible that you could write up report 4 (the 25th June to Los Torres visit), & report 5, (the informal visit by you & Lee),
so we can keep a full history for our partners.
Lee & Enrique went to drive through Lomas de San Jose, to see the size of the community (Colonia). They observed that the size of lots were smaller than at the campo & the poverty of the people.
So the conclusion was to analyze with more detail each of the houses were we are planing to install the rain water cisterns.
4th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, visiting Los Torres Community
When: 25th June 2009
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & ???
Purpose: For the people of Lomas who are interested in seeing the project at Los Torres.
History
A plan was made to take 3 or 4 Lomas community members to visit Los Torres during the next Los Torres community assembly on Thurs 25th June, to see the assembly process, meet with the LT community & learn from their experience & also view the completed water collection systems (including roof piping, & cistern)
Enrique will pick up the Lomas people at 10am on the 25th June, & drive them to LT & back.
Anjelika expressed her regret in not being able to make it, as she is a teacher & will be at school at that time of day.
The people are now aware of the time, & the process & are ready when we are!
Next contact ?? commitment by Enrique??
Visit to Los Torres community was done as planned on Jun 25th. 3 people (2 ladies & 1 man) from Lomas de San Jose community came with me and we walk around and observe how LT meeting was starting.
They were glad to be able to see the progress and will coment to their neighbors what they saw.
I (Enrique) decided to build one water cistern on my land, so to be able to have it as a sample and train one person in the community to build it. This was done with Enrique`s own resources during July.
Please note, I was not able to write up this report as I was not present. Enrique has had no time to fill in more details.
Also, is it possible that you could write up report 4 (the 25th June to Los Torres visit), & report 5, (the informal visit by you & Lee),
so we can keep a full history for our partners.
Lee & Enrique went to drive through Lomas de San Jose, to see the size of the community (Colonia). They observed that the size of lots were smaller than at the campo & the poverty of the people.
So the conclusion was to analyze with more detail each of the houses were we are planing to install the rain water cisterns.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: 13 June 2009
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Franciso Y Sigrid (friends of Enrique) & 23 adults
Purpose: General follow up meeting, to advise next steps.
1stly a welcome & re-introduction of ourselves & the purpose of Rotary.
During conversation, it was communicated Lomas de San Jose are an “irregular community” ie not officialised, which is why the govt. Has not extended services to this area.
We explained that funding application & receipt will take time,
In the meantime they should organise their groups of 5x 8 people, with leaders.
They mentioned they had already had meetings between themselves & are ready for more.
A plan was made to take 3 or 4 Lomas community members to visit Los Torres during the next Los Torres community assembly on Thurs 25th June, to see the assembly process, meet with the LT community & learn from their experience & also view the completed water collection systems (including roof piping, & cistern)
Enrique will pick up the Lomas people at 10am on the 25th June, & drive them to LT & back.
Anjelika expressed her regret in not being able to make it, as she is a teacher & will be at school at that time of day.
The people are now aware of the time, & the process & are ready when we are!
Next contact will be 25th June 2009 (Enrique).
3rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: 13 June 2009
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary), Franciso Y Sigrid (friends of Enrique) & 23 adults
Purpose: General follow up meeting, to advise next steps.
1stly a welcome & re-introduction of ourselves & the purpose of Rotary.
During conversation, it was communicated Lomas de San Jose are an “irregular community” ie not officialised, which is why the govt. Has not extended services to this area.
We explained that funding application & receipt will take time,
In the meantime they should organise their groups of 5x 8 people, with leaders.
They mentioned they had already had meetings between themselves & are ready for more.
A plan was made to take 3 or 4 Lomas community members to visit Los Torres during the next Los Torres community assembly on Thurs 25th June, to see the assembly process, meet with the LT community & learn from their experience & also view the completed water collection systems (including roof piping, & cistern)
Enrique will pick up the Lomas people at 10am on the 25th June, & drive them to LT & back.
Anjelika expressed her regret in not being able to make it, as she is a teacher & will be at school at that time of day.
The people are now aware of the time, & the process & are ready when we are!
Next contact will be 25th June 2009 (Enrique).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
28th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 3
28th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: El Cortijo (behind La Gruta) & Los Torres Casa of Chuy.
When: 11.06.09 10.30 – 2.40pm
Who: Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), Britta (Bi lingual visitor), & approx 26 community members
Purpose: Pre-assembly planning meeting & details catch up.
& Community assembly/meeting follow up.
I asked Chela (Cedesa), if she was able to continue her good work in another community that we are proposing as our next water Project – Lomas de San Jose.
She agreed, & we will need to firm up details closer to the time, when we have funding committed etc.
Chela mentioned 2 communities Cedesa have been working with for a long time that have horrendously high levels of fluoride. In the municipality of Palencia there are 8 communities with high levels of Fluoride & Arsenic. 4 of those are particularly high, San Deigo de la Union & San Luis de la Paz. SLdlP has approx 200 families, their levels are 6.8mg/l fluoride (1.5 is maximum safe level), & 60-70 ppm for Arsenic (25-30 parts per million is max safe level).
I said I would raise it at the Community Service Committee meeting – NB I did & it was decided that we should concentrate on communities in our own region first, this is outside the municipality of SMA.
We continued on to Los Torres.
There was a school meeting at the same time so slightly fewer people than normal, but still a good turnout on a very hot day.
The four groups constructing the 27 cisterns were roll called,
Attending were 5/7 group 1, 4/6 group 2, 6/7 group 3, & 3/7 group 4.
There were 4 phase III attendees.
The co-ordinator & records keeper were elected. Co-ordinator Veronica, Records Maricela.
The following agenda items were first decided & then discussed in order.
1. Review of the work to date.
Group 1. 3 almost finished (pipes to be connected)
Group 2 2 almost finished
Group 3 People in the group are not helping
Group 4 No materials have been delivered yet.
As of today the sand has arrived & there are materials for 6 more.
Group 1, only have materials for 1 more
Group 2 only have materials for 1 more
Group 3 only have materials for 3 more
Group 4 only have materials for 1 more
There was a lot of discussion about the difficulties they are finding working in groups. Working in groups is a new concept for many of these people. Some comments Concha “it is important to be in groups & not split off by family” Juan “when men are working with women around they should be aware of their language if women want to work with them” this was echoed by another young man. Juana “her husband started in a group, thought it was too much work now wants to just do it with his neighbours.”
Page 2 of 3
Porfiria “they have been too busy washing clothes, because of the swine flu the teacher has said they have to wash the kids clothes every day, so they have no time to help building the cisterns”
Veronica was the co-ordinator of this meeting & was very firm with everyone, she was a complete natural at the role, & had the meeting running very smoothly.
There was more discussion about what makes good groups, respect, motivation etc, & it was agreed that group 1 would help group 4 solve their problems. Also Benigno (Cedesa) will visit to help resolve any outstanding issues.
Group 2 said that they have 2 people working 100% of the time & others a lot less. Some people are helping by lending their tools.
Hilaria “ there needs to be an arrangement made re lending of tools, eg trade, gift, exchange”
Guillermo “ has had training, knows the full process is happy to help & his tools are used everywhere, still waiting for materials”
Concha “if people need help they should ask for it, otherwise who will know?”
Chela mentioned that asking shows interest, & then explained the definition of solidarity.
Group 3
Was some dispute about mis communication of arranged time to meet at someone´s house. Veronica asked the meeting if the rest of the people were prepared to help the woman or not, they all said they would. Another woman said if someone offers to help doesn’t mean they will do it for you!
Priority was decided – people with more knowledge should get their materials & build their cisterns 1st, then those people will help the next ones.
A new priority list for order of delivery of materials was created.
A young man said “at a lot of the meetings people say they will do things, & then don’t do it, people should stick to their word”.
2. Phase IV the school cisterns (funded by San Miguel Community fund 2nd Grant)
Who went to meet with the teacher (to plan re school phase IV)
Chuy, Hilaria, Catalina (Juan´s wife), Ofelia, Nicolasa & Elana
At first the Teacher said No, because she thought it was the same as the Montecillo de Nieto school Project completed by the govt & Ilan, & she thought it was dangerous, too easy to damage.
When they explained the cisterns would be the same as the one at the Kinder she happily agreed.
They asked when the materials would be available, I said whenever they are ready.
There was a discussion as to whether it should happen during or after phase II, some suggested during, as no-one would help afterwards.
Guillermo suggested small groups as big groups are inefficient.
The mini committee (as above) need to inform all of the parents of the school that they need to help with construction of the cisterns in 15 days at a meeting at the school.
There are approx 80 kids at school
Page 3 of 3
There should be a representative at school when the Maestra cant be there.
Make up the groups with the people here & then ask others at school to join the groups.
The 3 groups were decided.
It was agreed that they should either work or if they cant work then pay $100 pesos, this will pay the leaders of the groups who will be there all day every day to co-ordinate & need to be reimbursed for time off work.
There will be 2 abiniles for the 3 cisterns, they will be paid $250 pesos per day from the money collected from the people that are unable to work.
Meeting finished at 2.40pm
The next meeting is scheduled for 25.06.09 (I will be away in NZ)
It needs to be noted that the meeting today was so well organized, the community involvement was huge & there is a real sense of progress organization & motivation & an attitude of “we can do this!”… Amazing!
28th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: El Cortijo (behind La Gruta) & Los Torres Casa of Chuy.
When: 11.06.09 10.30 – 2.40pm
Who: Chela (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), Britta (Bi lingual visitor), & approx 26 community members
Purpose: Pre-assembly planning meeting & details catch up.
& Community assembly/meeting follow up.
I asked Chela (Cedesa), if she was able to continue her good work in another community that we are proposing as our next water Project – Lomas de San Jose.
She agreed, & we will need to firm up details closer to the time, when we have funding committed etc.
Chela mentioned 2 communities Cedesa have been working with for a long time that have horrendously high levels of fluoride. In the municipality of Palencia there are 8 communities with high levels of Fluoride & Arsenic. 4 of those are particularly high, San Deigo de la Union & San Luis de la Paz. SLdlP has approx 200 families, their levels are 6.8mg/l fluoride (1.5 is maximum safe level), & 60-70 ppm for Arsenic (25-30 parts per million is max safe level).
I said I would raise it at the Community Service Committee meeting – NB I did & it was decided that we should concentrate on communities in our own region first, this is outside the municipality of SMA.
We continued on to Los Torres.
There was a school meeting at the same time so slightly fewer people than normal, but still a good turnout on a very hot day.
The four groups constructing the 27 cisterns were roll called,
Attending were 5/7 group 1, 4/6 group 2, 6/7 group 3, & 3/7 group 4.
There were 4 phase III attendees.
The co-ordinator & records keeper were elected. Co-ordinator Veronica, Records Maricela.
The following agenda items were first decided & then discussed in order.
1. Review of the work to date.
Group 1. 3 almost finished (pipes to be connected)
Group 2 2 almost finished
Group 3 People in the group are not helping
Group 4 No materials have been delivered yet.
As of today the sand has arrived & there are materials for 6 more.
Group 1, only have materials for 1 more
Group 2 only have materials for 1 more
Group 3 only have materials for 3 more
Group 4 only have materials for 1 more
There was a lot of discussion about the difficulties they are finding working in groups. Working in groups is a new concept for many of these people. Some comments Concha “it is important to be in groups & not split off by family” Juan “when men are working with women around they should be aware of their language if women want to work with them” this was echoed by another young man. Juana “her husband started in a group, thought it was too much work now wants to just do it with his neighbours.”
Page 2 of 3
Porfiria “they have been too busy washing clothes, because of the swine flu the teacher has said they have to wash the kids clothes every day, so they have no time to help building the cisterns”
Veronica was the co-ordinator of this meeting & was very firm with everyone, she was a complete natural at the role, & had the meeting running very smoothly.
There was more discussion about what makes good groups, respect, motivation etc, & it was agreed that group 1 would help group 4 solve their problems. Also Benigno (Cedesa) will visit to help resolve any outstanding issues.
Group 2 said that they have 2 people working 100% of the time & others a lot less. Some people are helping by lending their tools.
Hilaria “ there needs to be an arrangement made re lending of tools, eg trade, gift, exchange”
Guillermo “ has had training, knows the full process is happy to help & his tools are used everywhere, still waiting for materials”
Concha “if people need help they should ask for it, otherwise who will know?”
Chela mentioned that asking shows interest, & then explained the definition of solidarity.
Group 3
Was some dispute about mis communication of arranged time to meet at someone´s house. Veronica asked the meeting if the rest of the people were prepared to help the woman or not, they all said they would. Another woman said if someone offers to help doesn’t mean they will do it for you!
Priority was decided – people with more knowledge should get their materials & build their cisterns 1st, then those people will help the next ones.
A new priority list for order of delivery of materials was created.
A young man said “at a lot of the meetings people say they will do things, & then don’t do it, people should stick to their word”.
2. Phase IV the school cisterns (funded by San Miguel Community fund 2nd Grant)
Who went to meet with the teacher (to plan re school phase IV)
Chuy, Hilaria, Catalina (Juan´s wife), Ofelia, Nicolasa & Elana
At first the Teacher said No, because she thought it was the same as the Montecillo de Nieto school Project completed by the govt & Ilan, & she thought it was dangerous, too easy to damage.
When they explained the cisterns would be the same as the one at the Kinder she happily agreed.
They asked when the materials would be available, I said whenever they are ready.
There was a discussion as to whether it should happen during or after phase II, some suggested during, as no-one would help afterwards.
Guillermo suggested small groups as big groups are inefficient.
The mini committee (as above) need to inform all of the parents of the school that they need to help with construction of the cisterns in 15 days at a meeting at the school.
There are approx 80 kids at school
Page 3 of 3
There should be a representative at school when the Maestra cant be there.
Make up the groups with the people here & then ask others at school to join the groups.
The 3 groups were decided.
It was agreed that they should either work or if they cant work then pay $100 pesos, this will pay the leaders of the groups who will be there all day every day to co-ordinate & need to be reimbursed for time off work.
There will be 2 abiniles for the 3 cisterns, they will be paid $250 pesos per day from the money collected from the people that are unable to work.
Meeting finished at 2.40pm
The next meeting is scheduled for 25.06.09 (I will be away in NZ)
It needs to be noted that the meeting today was so well organized, the community involvement was huge & there is a real sense of progress organization & motivation & an attitude of “we can do this!”… Amazing!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: Sunday 070609 6pm – 7.40pm
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary) & 25 adults & 6 kids
Purpose: Follow up re 1st meeting last week, to determine interest in participating in a water collection project to be co-ordinated by Rotary with Cedesa to provide training & operations expertise.
1stly a welcome & re-introduction of ourselves & the purpose of Rotary.
The members of the community were a little embarrassed at the smaller number of people attending today. We agreed that it was normal, & that Sunday is a difficult day, a lot of people are visiting family in other locations.
Angelika – a teacher – is one of the leaders, she volunteered at the last meeting to collect a mini-census of the families interested in participating. She has a list of 39 families.
Angelika is in the lower part of the community.
Another leader José Luis (the guy with the black glasses that works for Pepsi) is collecting info for the upper part of the community, he was not able to attend the meeting today, they believe he has approx 30 names on his list.
We discussed the next steps & we described the process as completed in Los Torres.
They decided to form 5 groups of 8 families (with one having 7 families) to make up the 39 families.
The first step is for the community to decide the leaders of these groups, & then for those leaders to form their groups & begin to organise.
This should be achieved by the next meeting date.
Enrique left at 6.55 (he had an important talk on the environment to attend) & Laura stayed behind to answer any questions, during that time Ignacio came forward as he spoke very good English & helped to translate questions & answers.
• The questions at the end of the session were largely on dimensions of the cistern, what to do if they don´t have space for a large cistern & dry toilets.
• It was agreed that the next highest priority besides water for this community is dry toilets
• They also asked for computers in their community, they do not have a school, their kids go to the neighbouring school, & that school does not have computers either.
Contact phone numbers are
Angelika Ramirez 110 2027
Ignacio 110 2028
Action: Enrique is confirming Greenfund commitment/laura confirm cedesa schedule
Next meeting is Saturday 13th June at 6pm
2nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: Sunday 070609 6pm – 7.40pm
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary) & 25 adults & 6 kids
Purpose: Follow up re 1st meeting last week, to determine interest in participating in a water collection project to be co-ordinated by Rotary with Cedesa to provide training & operations expertise.
1stly a welcome & re-introduction of ourselves & the purpose of Rotary.
The members of the community were a little embarrassed at the smaller number of people attending today. We agreed that it was normal, & that Sunday is a difficult day, a lot of people are visiting family in other locations.
Angelika – a teacher – is one of the leaders, she volunteered at the last meeting to collect a mini-census of the families interested in participating. She has a list of 39 families.
Angelika is in the lower part of the community.
Another leader José Luis (the guy with the black glasses that works for Pepsi) is collecting info for the upper part of the community, he was not able to attend the meeting today, they believe he has approx 30 names on his list.
We discussed the next steps & we described the process as completed in Los Torres.
They decided to form 5 groups of 8 families (with one having 7 families) to make up the 39 families.
The first step is for the community to decide the leaders of these groups, & then for those leaders to form their groups & begin to organise.
This should be achieved by the next meeting date.
Enrique left at 6.55 (he had an important talk on the environment to attend) & Laura stayed behind to answer any questions, during that time Ignacio came forward as he spoke very good English & helped to translate questions & answers.
• The questions at the end of the session were largely on dimensions of the cistern, what to do if they don´t have space for a large cistern & dry toilets.
• It was agreed that the next highest priority besides water for this community is dry toilets
• They also asked for computers in their community, they do not have a school, their kids go to the neighbouring school, & that school does not have computers either.
Contact phone numbers are
Angelika Ramirez 110 2027
Ignacio 110 2028
Action: Enrique is confirming Greenfund commitment/laura confirm cedesa schedule
Next meeting is Saturday 13th June at 6pm
Friday, May 29, 2009
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: Friday 29.05.09 6pm – 7.40pm
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary) & 65 adults & 25 kids from the community.
Purpose: Introduction meeting with members of the community potentially interested in participating in a water collection project.
Enriqué visited the tienda (the focal point) earlier in the week to ask if there was any interest in a community meeting to discuss the possibility of a solution to their water issues. He asked the tienda owners to inform the community.
At 6pm Enriqué & I arrived to find a large welcoming group gathered across from the Tienda.
We introduced ourselves & described Rotary & it´s purpose worldwide & told them of the pilot water collection project we completed in Los Torres, & phase II of that project currently in progress.
We took a whiteboard & drew pictures of the cistern & water collection system, & described how it was done. We also passed around the newspaper article published in the Atención that showed the LT kinder & community & the cistern.
We also explained the co-ordination & teaching was done by an organisation called Cedesa.
We asked where they get their water from currently:
• They receive it by pipa (municipality trucks)
• the deliveries are from 8-20 days apart
• sometimes during the rainy season the trucks can not get through to make the deliveries
• They receive 200 ltrs per family per delivery
• They often run out of water between deliveries.
• They do not drink the water, it often smells of chlorine & is a yellowish colour,
• They can not afford the fuel to boil the water so -
• They buy their drinking water
• There are no wells in the community (although a ranch nearby has a well)
We asked if there was any interest in participating in a project if we were to provide the materials & train the trainer, & they build the cisterns in groups for use by individual families. With a show of hands, almost 100% responded yes.
It is very interesting to note that this community was immediately animated & participating in 2 way discussion, other communities that I have visited have been very shy & did not volunteer to “tomar la palabra” (take the word, or speak…),
This community was happily the opposite! They immediately began asking questions & discussing plans amongst themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
They asked the next steps –
• since they did not know the size of their community, number of families etc. we asked for them to do a mini-census of those interested in participating in the project
• They were happy to do this in 1 wk
• We agreed to meet the following Sunday at 6pm
Interesting observations:
• Although this community is only 10 minutes from town, the living standards are as bad, if not worse than those of the more rural communities, the rural communities tend to have more space in which to have crops or backyard gardens, this community has smaller (less productive) lots.
• Many of the households are without fathers (working in the USA or absent)
• They have no delegado or community committee organised as they are in the municipality (ie under the Mayor)
• They have no school, the children must attend school in the neighbouring community (apparently a bone of contention)
After the meeting concluded, a number of the people remained milling around asking us questions,
• they would like help to build dry toilets,
• & 2 of the mothers bought forward an 8 year old boy (whose mum was not at the meeting), he does not attend school as his mother can not afford the fees or to buy a uniform, he said he would really like to go to school.
Next meeting Sunday 7 June 6pm – outside the Tienda.
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
Where: Lomas de San José Community, opposite Candelaria on the Road to Dolores.
When: Friday 29.05.09 6pm – 7.40pm
Who: Enrique Orvañanos & Laura Stewart (Rotary) & 65 adults & 25 kids from the community.
Purpose: Introduction meeting with members of the community potentially interested in participating in a water collection project.
Enriqué visited the tienda (the focal point) earlier in the week to ask if there was any interest in a community meeting to discuss the possibility of a solution to their water issues. He asked the tienda owners to inform the community.
At 6pm Enriqué & I arrived to find a large welcoming group gathered across from the Tienda.
We introduced ourselves & described Rotary & it´s purpose worldwide & told them of the pilot water collection project we completed in Los Torres, & phase II of that project currently in progress.
We took a whiteboard & drew pictures of the cistern & water collection system, & described how it was done. We also passed around the newspaper article published in the Atención that showed the LT kinder & community & the cistern.
We also explained the co-ordination & teaching was done by an organisation called Cedesa.
We asked where they get their water from currently:
• They receive it by pipa (municipality trucks)
• the deliveries are from 8-20 days apart
• sometimes during the rainy season the trucks can not get through to make the deliveries
• They receive 200 ltrs per family per delivery
• They often run out of water between deliveries.
• They do not drink the water, it often smells of chlorine & is a yellowish colour,
• They can not afford the fuel to boil the water so -
• They buy their drinking water
• There are no wells in the community (although a ranch nearby has a well)
We asked if there was any interest in participating in a project if we were to provide the materials & train the trainer, & they build the cisterns in groups for use by individual families. With a show of hands, almost 100% responded yes.
It is very interesting to note that this community was immediately animated & participating in 2 way discussion, other communities that I have visited have been very shy & did not volunteer to “tomar la palabra” (take the word, or speak…),
This community was happily the opposite! They immediately began asking questions & discussing plans amongst themselves.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
1st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Lomas de San José Water Project
They asked the next steps –
• since they did not know the size of their community, number of families etc. we asked for them to do a mini-census of those interested in participating in the project
• They were happy to do this in 1 wk
• We agreed to meet the following Sunday at 6pm
Interesting observations:
• Although this community is only 10 minutes from town, the living standards are as bad, if not worse than those of the more rural communities, the rural communities tend to have more space in which to have crops or backyard gardens, this community has smaller (less productive) lots.
• Many of the households are without fathers (working in the USA or absent)
• They have no delegado or community committee organised as they are in the municipality (ie under the Mayor)
• They have no school, the children must attend school in the neighbouring community (apparently a bone of contention)
After the meeting concluded, a number of the people remained milling around asking us questions,
• they would like help to build dry toilets,
• & 2 of the mothers bought forward an 8 year old boy (whose mum was not at the meeting), he does not attend school as his mother can not afford the fees or to buy a uniform, he said he would really like to go to school.
Next meeting Sunday 7 June 6pm – outside the Tienda.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 4th April 2009 12:30 – 3:30
Who: Chella, Holly Yasui, Quika & Benigno (Cedesa), John & Sharon Doherty, Gary & Marilyn Peterson, Steve & Laura & Abe & Ella Mae, David Bossman, Enrique Orvañanos (Rotary), Suzanne Ludekins (Atencion Newspaper), Jose Miguel & Ma Jesus (delegados), many members of the LT community.
Apologies: Enrique Nuñez (Presidencia), Donna Foudray (San Miguel Community Foundation).
Purpose: To celebrate the completion of the 12,000 litre cistern, by the Community assisted by CEDESA (& Funded by SMCF Grant) for the Kinder.
Summary of the day
We arrived at 12.30 to find the Kinder decorated with balloons & streamers. Everything was in place for a big feast & singing & dancing.
We first went into the kinder where CEDESA presented a power point slide show on the topic of water.
The show was set in 2070 & demonstrated the drastic situation that will exist if we don´t begin to treasure & conserve our water supplies.
It showed the dire health effects of not having sufficient water to drink & the effects on the environment. It was a very thought provoking display & the whole audience sat mesmerised (including young children).
Chela explained a little about the local situation, where the rivers (or should I say river beds) are & used her hat as a prop to explain the rapidly reducing aquifer & the resulting increasing concentration of fluoride.
This was followed by a presentation by 2 different speakers. One on the topic of genetically modified corn seed – there is currently a move by some of the large seed producers to introduce a new strain of corn that is genetically designed germinate only once.
This corn is patented & is being given to the people for free or for very low cost. The problem is you are not able to grow future crops with the seed from this strand of corn & the people will therefore have to purchase all future seed from these suppliers.
The other issue is even if you do not choose to grow this strand, it is likely to cross pollinate from neighbours & could cause your corn to not germinate in future.
It was impressed upon the Community, they should look very seriously at any corn seed before they buy it or accept it & do their utmost to protect the heritage of the seed they currently grow.
The other speaker spoke on the topic of nutritional health & wellbeing. She explained some of the issues relating to eating “junk” food, ie instant lunches & cheetos (which are predominant in the rural communities). She listed the benefits of growing food in backyard gardens & the link to general health & wellbeing. She stated that it was important for children to develop the habit & taste for good food.
At least 50 adults & 30 children had crammed into the small kinder to listen to these speakers & all of the information was well received.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
The Community then moved outside to the Cistern. The kinder children were given small spikes from a cactus & loved popping the balloons skirting the cistern.
The delegada cut the ribbon, thank you´s were exchanged & the feast began!
We were treated to homemade tortillas, nopal, rice, & beans. With many cups of agua fresca. With a plate of fruit & cake for desert.
We staggered (with our full tummies) to sit & watch, first a song performed by Chela & the team from Cedesa & then a dance by the young children.
A fun day was had by all, & everyone left feeling uplifted by what we had experienced.
Photos abound – please see the links below.
Suzanne Ludekins from our local Newspaper attended & plans to do an article on the 24th April. I will forward this when we receive it.
photo albums:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.ca/sharondoherty008/LosTorresWaterHarvestingInaugeration?feat=directlink
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 4th April 2009 12:30 – 3:30
Who: Chella, Holly Yasui, Quika & Benigno (Cedesa), John & Sharon Doherty, Gary & Marilyn Peterson, Steve & Laura & Abe & Ella Mae, David Bossman, Enrique Orvañanos (Rotary), Suzanne Ludekins (Atencion Newspaper), Jose Miguel & Ma Jesus (delegados), many members of the LT community.
Apologies: Enrique Nuñez (Presidencia), Donna Foudray (San Miguel Community Foundation).
Purpose: To celebrate the completion of the 12,000 litre cistern, by the Community assisted by CEDESA (& Funded by SMCF Grant) for the Kinder.
Summary of the day
We arrived at 12.30 to find the Kinder decorated with balloons & streamers. Everything was in place for a big feast & singing & dancing.
We first went into the kinder where CEDESA presented a power point slide show on the topic of water.
The show was set in 2070 & demonstrated the drastic situation that will exist if we don´t begin to treasure & conserve our water supplies.
It showed the dire health effects of not having sufficient water to drink & the effects on the environment. It was a very thought provoking display & the whole audience sat mesmerised (including young children).
Chela explained a little about the local situation, where the rivers (or should I say river beds) are & used her hat as a prop to explain the rapidly reducing aquifer & the resulting increasing concentration of fluoride.
This was followed by a presentation by 2 different speakers. One on the topic of genetically modified corn seed – there is currently a move by some of the large seed producers to introduce a new strain of corn that is genetically designed germinate only once.
This corn is patented & is being given to the people for free or for very low cost. The problem is you are not able to grow future crops with the seed from this strand of corn & the people will therefore have to purchase all future seed from these suppliers.
The other issue is even if you do not choose to grow this strand, it is likely to cross pollinate from neighbours & could cause your corn to not germinate in future.
It was impressed upon the Community, they should look very seriously at any corn seed before they buy it or accept it & do their utmost to protect the heritage of the seed they currently grow.
The other speaker spoke on the topic of nutritional health & wellbeing. She explained some of the issues relating to eating “junk” food, ie instant lunches & cheetos (which are predominant in the rural communities). She listed the benefits of growing food in backyard gardens & the link to general health & wellbeing. She stated that it was important for children to develop the habit & taste for good food.
At least 50 adults & 30 children had crammed into the small kinder to listen to these speakers & all of the information was well received.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
The Community then moved outside to the Cistern. The kinder children were given small spikes from a cactus & loved popping the balloons skirting the cistern.
The delegada cut the ribbon, thank you´s were exchanged & the feast began!
We were treated to homemade tortillas, nopal, rice, & beans. With many cups of agua fresca. With a plate of fruit & cake for desert.
We staggered (with our full tummies) to sit & watch, first a song performed by Chela & the team from Cedesa & then a dance by the young children.
A fun day was had by all, & everyone left feeling uplifted by what we had experienced.
Photos abound – please see the links below.
Suzanne Ludekins from our local Newspaper attended & plans to do an article on the 24th April. I will forward this when we receive it.
photo albums:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.ca/sharondoherty008/LosTorresWaterHarvestingInaugeration?feat=directlink
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
13th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 1
13th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres – Health Fair (organised by Judy & Bill in conjunction with Health Dept)
When: Saturday 15th November 8am – 4pm
Who: Bob & Sue Leonard, Laura (Rotary), Judy & Bill (Patronato Pro Ninos) The patronato board, volunteers & staff & Health Department staff, Casa Volunteers & the whole community of Los Torres (& I suspect neighbouring communities)
Project Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.
Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.
Visit Purpose:
To volunteer at the Health Fair, get to know the community better, see how this day was organised & what it achieved.
Summary of Visit
We met at the Fabrica Aurora carpark & carpooled. I met Mary Caruso (medical director for Patronato Pro Nino) & Maria Aguilar & Juan Camacho – 2 Casa volunteers.
The day was a focus on health, there were various components, first priority was for the kids of the community to have fun.
Medical staff saw each of the 150 children, recorded names & health statistics.
There were 3 different “talks” for the mothers to attend, on preventing accidents in the home, diet & nutrition, hygiene/handwashing, health in pregnancy, & dental health.
The women received diploma’s for attending the talks.
The children received a free colgate toothbrush for visiting the doctor
We collated & the issued goody bags for the mothers, included were – liquid soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, thermometer, brochures on the topics.
We served beans, rice, chicken, tortillas, fruit, juice & water to approx 500 men, women & children from the community (& neighbours).
Important points
The focus was on having fun
There were 2 clowns that provided a fantastic service 1. keeping the kids entertained whilst their mums were in the “talks” but most importantly 2. to organise the children to see the doctors.
150 children were happily led to see the doctor with minimum waiting time. They were given stickers with number on them, the clowns then called for the children in groups, ie all the kids with number 1 stickers, came up to “play” with the clowns then were taken in 2’s to visit the doctor. They were rewarded with a toothbrush – which seemed like a great novelty!
There were 3 bouncy castles & soccer games going on as well.
At the end of the day there were a lot of smiling faces, they had received a goody bag, their diploma’s, information, health checks & a huge nutritious meal. They even had leftovers to take home!
Everyone agreed it was a very successful day (except Judy fell & broke her wrist very badly & had to leave before the end)!
13th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres – Health Fair (organised by Judy & Bill in conjunction with Health Dept)
When: Saturday 15th November 8am – 4pm
Who: Bob & Sue Leonard, Laura (Rotary), Judy & Bill (Patronato Pro Ninos) The patronato board, volunteers & staff & Health Department staff, Casa Volunteers & the whole community of Los Torres (& I suspect neighbouring communities)
Project Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.
Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.
Visit Purpose:
To volunteer at the Health Fair, get to know the community better, see how this day was organised & what it achieved.
Summary of Visit
We met at the Fabrica Aurora carpark & carpooled. I met Mary Caruso (medical director for Patronato Pro Nino) & Maria Aguilar & Juan Camacho – 2 Casa volunteers.
The day was a focus on health, there were various components, first priority was for the kids of the community to have fun.
Medical staff saw each of the 150 children, recorded names & health statistics.
There were 3 different “talks” for the mothers to attend, on preventing accidents in the home, diet & nutrition, hygiene/handwashing, health in pregnancy, & dental health.
The women received diploma’s for attending the talks.
The children received a free colgate toothbrush for visiting the doctor
We collated & the issued goody bags for the mothers, included were – liquid soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, thermometer, brochures on the topics.
We served beans, rice, chicken, tortillas, fruit, juice & water to approx 500 men, women & children from the community (& neighbours).
Important points
The focus was on having fun
There were 2 clowns that provided a fantastic service 1. keeping the kids entertained whilst their mums were in the “talks” but most importantly 2. to organise the children to see the doctors.
150 children were happily led to see the doctor with minimum waiting time. They were given stickers with number on them, the clowns then called for the children in groups, ie all the kids with number 1 stickers, came up to “play” with the clowns then were taken in 2’s to visit the doctor. They were rewarded with a toothbrush – which seemed like a great novelty!
There were 3 bouncy castles & soccer games going on as well.
At the end of the day there were a lot of smiling faces, they had received a goody bag, their diploma’s, information, health checks & a huge nutritious meal. They even had leftovers to take home!
Everyone agreed it was a very successful day (except Judy fell & broke her wrist very badly & had to leave before the end)!
Friday, October 31, 2008
11th exploratory meeting for water project
This report is in the form of an email from Judy Fisher who made the initial introduction to the Los Torres community for us, for which we are very grateful - who knew then, how it would develop!!
Hi Holly,
As I mentioned on our conversation by cell phone, the visit with Los Torres went very well today. The attendees at the meeting were the Delegado and 3 of the Group Leaders. We introduced the discussion with the topic of water because that is the theme that has been prevalent in our last meetings. They discussed what they perceive as their water issues and brought up the following:
1) No water well in the upper village; need to walk 2 hours 3 times a week for water
2) Wells in lower village sometime are dry in very dry season; and, these wells they understand are causing the dark teeth that the women have. The Patronato Dental Van has been at the village for the last week and the Dentist has been informing them of the problems of fluoride for the teeth.
3) 2 Tinacos from Patronato and large "botes" for the families in the upper community, but insufficient water trucks from the city to keep them filled
4) Contamination of private "botes"
5) Can't keep the level of cleanliness they wish to have in the home because of scarce water.
Next, we read to them the invitation from CEDESA and asked their opinion about going to a meeting to discuss water issues with other community leaders who have or have had water issues. They were in agreement that it would be beneficial to understand more since they are in the process of discussions with SAPASMA (drilling a well) and the Rotary Club (installing water catchments systems.)
Then, we showed them the DVD. At the conclusion, the Delegado said she was very interested in meeting with CEDSESA as she felt she could get help on other issues, not the least of which is cooperation from the Community for a variety of projects. We left the DVD and the Booklet for them to review again before next Friday and asked them to go over both to be prepared for the meeting.
I am attaching 2 files, one the census of Los Torres by family and the second a list of the contacts that I have for Los Torres--people in the community and contacts who are involved with helping the community.
For the meeting on Friday, November 4, we can expect 6 from Los Torres (the Delegado, the 4 Group Leaders and one 4 year old boy), from the Rotary 1 (Laura Stewart) and from PPN 2 (Bill and Judy Fisher). The community leaders did request that the meeting be limited to 10 am to 2 pm as it will take another hour to return to the community.
Laura and I discussed that she would send to you her outline of all of the facts on water in the Community so that CEDESA would have a though understanding before the meeting on Friday, Nov 7.
Should there be any further changes as to attendees, Laura and I will communicate to you very early next week.
Saludos,
Judy Fisher
Hi Holly,
As I mentioned on our conversation by cell phone, the visit with Los Torres went very well today. The attendees at the meeting were the Delegado and 3 of the Group Leaders. We introduced the discussion with the topic of water because that is the theme that has been prevalent in our last meetings. They discussed what they perceive as their water issues and brought up the following:
1) No water well in the upper village; need to walk 2 hours 3 times a week for water
2) Wells in lower village sometime are dry in very dry season; and, these wells they understand are causing the dark teeth that the women have. The Patronato Dental Van has been at the village for the last week and the Dentist has been informing them of the problems of fluoride for the teeth.
3) 2 Tinacos from Patronato and large "botes" for the families in the upper community, but insufficient water trucks from the city to keep them filled
4) Contamination of private "botes"
5) Can't keep the level of cleanliness they wish to have in the home because of scarce water.
Next, we read to them the invitation from CEDESA and asked their opinion about going to a meeting to discuss water issues with other community leaders who have or have had water issues. They were in agreement that it would be beneficial to understand more since they are in the process of discussions with SAPASMA (drilling a well) and the Rotary Club (installing water catchments systems.)
Then, we showed them the DVD. At the conclusion, the Delegado said she was very interested in meeting with CEDSESA as she felt she could get help on other issues, not the least of which is cooperation from the Community for a variety of projects. We left the DVD and the Booklet for them to review again before next Friday and asked them to go over both to be prepared for the meeting.
I am attaching 2 files, one the census of Los Torres by family and the second a list of the contacts that I have for Los Torres--people in the community and contacts who are involved with helping the community.
For the meeting on Friday, November 4, we can expect 6 from Los Torres (the Delegado, the 4 Group Leaders and one 4 year old boy), from the Rotary 1 (Laura Stewart) and from PPN 2 (Bill and Judy Fisher). The community leaders did request that the meeting be limited to 10 am to 2 pm as it will take another hour to return to the community.
Laura and I discussed that she would send to you her outline of all of the facts on water in the Community so that CEDESA would have a though understanding before the meeting on Friday, Nov 7.
Should there be any further changes as to attendees, Laura and I will communicate to you very early next week.
Saludos,
Judy Fisher
Monday, September 29, 2008
9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres (via Salida Dolores)
When: Monday 29th Sept 2008, 9.15-2pm
Who: Bill & Judy Fisher, Patronato Pro Ninos, Maria de Jesus (Los Torres delegada) Jose Miguel (delegada’s husband), Gary, Gordon, Bob, David & Laura (Rotary),
Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.
Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.
Patronato Pro Ninos: are a local non profit organisation. They work closely with the department of health to provide medical & dental services to the communities in need. They have a relationship with the people of Los Torres, they have been providing them with vitamin supplements to add to their tortillas. An interesting point they made is in future they would do more work before providing the supplements, to educate & inform. The take-up time would be faster then. There had been some resistance from the people that were unaware of the benefits, but the word is now spreading & the mothers are now keen to keep adding the supplements.
We met at the Fabrica Aurora & drove out the road to Dolores. We turned at the turnoff for Casa de Aves continued towards Casa de Aves & then took the right fork (with Casa de Aves to the left). We carried on a dirt road for some time with a few muddy patches to negotiate. (drive is approx 45mins from La Aurora).
2nd Meeting with the delegada.
We were very lucky to be taken to the community with Bill, Judy as they already have a relationship with the community delegada (community organiser) Maria de Jesus.
This was the 2nd meeting with the delegada on this topic. It included a bigger team to gather more information & for more of the team to see what the Los Torres scenario would involve.
Judy facilitated a Q&A session between the delegada & her husband & our team.
Points of interest
The previous meeting in Los Torres yielded a lot of information. This report covers just the additional points/information raised.
The lower community have 10 pozos (wells), family owned, some families share the water with others that don’t have a well.
The pozos are very shallow (by comparison with other communities) only 10-15 mtrs deep.
The wells were only 3 mtrs deep 20 years ago, they have to be dug deeper each year (i.e. 1988 3 mtrs deep, 2008 15 mtrs deep)
At the end of the dry season the wells are almost dried up.
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
The wells are used for household & gardens but not agriculture.
Approx. 6 wks ago Sapasma visited the village to see whether it was feasible to drill a well (in the top community)
Sapasma said the well would need to be 80 mtrs deep.
The community had to pay for the feasibility study – US$3000
If Sapasma digs the well it is supposed to service 3 communities, Los Torres, Cruz del Palmar & Montecillo de ?
The other 2 communities were not asked to pay for the feasibility study (according to the delegada’s husband).
Sapasma would apparently pipe the water to the other 2 communities, from Los Torres.
Sapasma is to return in October, with a proposal. Each family will be expected to contribute to the cost of the drilling of the well (nb in another community that community was charged US$300 per family).
It is not known if the other 2 communities – to benefit from the well – will be asked to contribute.
As mentioned in previous notes, the Los Torres mothers already meet on Friday’s at 3pm to discuss Health Department topics (from Health dept supplied Topic Cards), approx ¾ of the mums meet at 3 on Friday, the other ¼ meet on Saturday. The sessions are led by Maria Concepcion.
The delegada & her family put on a large lunch for us all including freshly made tortillas, chicheron, beans, rice & the contribution of baking goods we bought.
The team ate a scrumptious lunch, then viewed the gardens & looked at the roofs of the houses. Then we drove to the upper community to look at the school & water facilities there.
Action:
Contact Sapasma to determine their plans for Los Torres (Bob will ask Enrique to email Ernesto Lopez (the chief engineer) to ask our questions.
9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres (via Salida Dolores)
When: Monday 29th Sept 2008, 9.15-2pm
Who: Bill & Judy Fisher, Patronato Pro Ninos, Maria de Jesus (Los Torres delegada) Jose Miguel (delegada’s husband), Gary, Gordon, Bob, David & Laura (Rotary),
Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.
Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.
Patronato Pro Ninos: are a local non profit organisation. They work closely with the department of health to provide medical & dental services to the communities in need. They have a relationship with the people of Los Torres, they have been providing them with vitamin supplements to add to their tortillas. An interesting point they made is in future they would do more work before providing the supplements, to educate & inform. The take-up time would be faster then. There had been some resistance from the people that were unaware of the benefits, but the word is now spreading & the mothers are now keen to keep adding the supplements.
We met at the Fabrica Aurora & drove out the road to Dolores. We turned at the turnoff for Casa de Aves continued towards Casa de Aves & then took the right fork (with Casa de Aves to the left). We carried on a dirt road for some time with a few muddy patches to negotiate. (drive is approx 45mins from La Aurora).
2nd Meeting with the delegada.
We were very lucky to be taken to the community with Bill, Judy as they already have a relationship with the community delegada (community organiser) Maria de Jesus.
This was the 2nd meeting with the delegada on this topic. It included a bigger team to gather more information & for more of the team to see what the Los Torres scenario would involve.
Judy facilitated a Q&A session between the delegada & her husband & our team.
Points of interest
The previous meeting in Los Torres yielded a lot of information. This report covers just the additional points/information raised.
The lower community have 10 pozos (wells), family owned, some families share the water with others that don’t have a well.
The pozos are very shallow (by comparison with other communities) only 10-15 mtrs deep.
The wells were only 3 mtrs deep 20 years ago, they have to be dug deeper each year (i.e. 1988 3 mtrs deep, 2008 15 mtrs deep)
At the end of the dry season the wells are almost dried up.
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
The wells are used for household & gardens but not agriculture.
Approx. 6 wks ago Sapasma visited the village to see whether it was feasible to drill a well (in the top community)
Sapasma said the well would need to be 80 mtrs deep.
The community had to pay for the feasibility study – US$3000
If Sapasma digs the well it is supposed to service 3 communities, Los Torres, Cruz del Palmar & Montecillo de ?
The other 2 communities were not asked to pay for the feasibility study (according to the delegada’s husband).
Sapasma would apparently pipe the water to the other 2 communities, from Los Torres.
Sapasma is to return in October, with a proposal. Each family will be expected to contribute to the cost of the drilling of the well (nb in another community that community was charged US$300 per family).
It is not known if the other 2 communities – to benefit from the well – will be asked to contribute.
As mentioned in previous notes, the Los Torres mothers already meet on Friday’s at 3pm to discuss Health Department topics (from Health dept supplied Topic Cards), approx ¾ of the mums meet at 3 on Friday, the other ¼ meet on Saturday. The sessions are led by Maria Concepcion.
The delegada & her family put on a large lunch for us all including freshly made tortillas, chicheron, beans, rice & the contribution of baking goods we bought.
The team ate a scrumptious lunch, then viewed the gardens & looked at the roofs of the houses. Then we drove to the upper community to look at the school & water facilities there.
Action:
Contact Sapasma to determine their plans for Los Torres (Bob will ask Enrique to email Ernesto Lopez (the chief engineer) to ask our questions.
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