Tallahassee Rotary Club Supports Rotary Clubs and
International Partners to Change Lives...
Go to page 7 of this link & you'll find Tallahassee's story...
Click here
Monday, October 25, 2010
Atencion article 24.4.2009
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saul's testimonial in Atencion
Check out the wonderful centrefold spread in Atencion (San Miguel's premium local newspaper) it appeared in the 22nd October 2010 edition - view it here
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo Soccer grounds beside the Primary School
When: Friday 22nd Oct 2010 11am – 3pm
Who: Communities represented: More than 250 Adults from:
Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba, Capaderillo, Tierra Blanca,
Vivienda de Abajo/Urbana/Viviendilla, La Aurora, Guerrero, Presita Santa Rosa, San Lorenzo,
Cinco Señores, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, San Isidro Capadero, Correlejo de Abajo, Nuevo
Rancho Villa de Guadalupe
Government officials
Presidencia (Vinculacion con ONGs) – Irma Rosado
Fondo Verde – Ignacio Soto
Ecologia – Julio Bernal, Helio Bastien
Desarrollo Social – Miguel Gil
Ayuntamiento (Regidor) – Jaime Martínez
NGOs
CEDESA (Graciela Martínez, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui, Abel)
Club Rotario Midday (Gary Peterson, Walter Scott, Liz Powell, Enrique
Orvañanos, Miguel Gil, David Bossman, Laura Stewart)
(Rotary Volunteers/guests Patricia Stewart (Laura’s mum), Gary Reid – photographer)
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship – Cliff DuRand
GAIA – Grupo de Acción Interdisciplinaria Ambiental – Citlali Caldera (and her partner, Mario)
Purpose: Inaugurate/celebrate the closure of the 40 cistern project funded by Ecologia’s Fondo Verde, & to have a regional meeting of all the communities who have been attending assemblies & asking for guidance on how to create a water project to construct water cisterns in their communities.
The Event was originally planned for 11am but was moved to a later start time to accommodate the Fondo Verde people who had a time clash.
The communities met at 11am to register, plan & prepare for the presentation.
We arrived at 10.50 to find Capaderillo a hive of activity. There were balloons strung around all the visible cisterns on the way into Capaderillo, many tarpaulins had been strung up from the goal posts to supports on the soccer “field”. There were chairs, tables, posters, women carrying buckets full of food topped with brightly embroidered cloths, people running hither & thither, & Saul was in the thick of it, speaking with all the communities as their representatives arrived.
Holly began passing out cardboard & pens for communities to write up their community signs, Chela arranged the seating in a semi circle – league of nations style, with people holding up their community signs & their representatives clustered behind them, tables for the food were arranged in an outer layer.
All the while the blue tarps & balloons were flapping in the breeze, the kids were running around & the dogs were trying to find their place…
I collected the completed forms 1, for each community, & 1 for each family wishing to participate in each community. We now have requests from more than 300 families for cisterns in their communities.
Irma Rosado arrived with Jesus & viewed the photos of the cisterns arranged on a poster. Chela began working with the communities, explaining they would get a few minutes to explain their water situation & history with the projects, & their request for assistance.
Chela explained the program for the day, listing & elaborating on each item on the agenda, she spoke about the water situation in the area, she asked those who had completed projects or phases of projects, to give a description/summary, ie how many cisterns, when they began & when they finished.
The agenda/ order of events was:
1. Welcome & introduction of communities & guests
2. Description of the issues of the Watershed
3. Closing ceremony of the Capaderillo project – popping balloons of the school cistern
4. Testimonies of the project participants in Capaderillo
5. Issues of concern of the communities in the region
6. Response by the govt/municipal reps
7. Conclusion follow up plan
8. Lunch
Chela described the evolution of the projects, from the first one in Los Torres – first visited in November 2008 to the Capaderillo 40 cistern project just completed. The funding from Rotary & now the Fondo Verde, & that we are all working together to seek more resources to resolve this issue for all that would like to participate.
“you are here to work on this, & we will all work towards a resolution, our goal is that ll of our families will have a cistern for safe drinking water”
She explained that logistically we can’t continue to meet in each community each month, there are just too many, the issue is too big, she suggested we combine communities & meet with several at once, taking turns in each community.
Irma spoke, she introduced herself, representing the Municipality, & said they are wanting to work on a resolution to this issue too, they are planning how to solve this & other issues, she thanked all for their participation including Cedesa, Rotary Midday & especially the communitites.
The day continued with community representatives stating their cases to the the audience including the govt. officials who had by then arrived. They articulately described their current water situations, & the projects they had completed (if they were project communities).
Liz Powell commented it was incredible to see these young women stand & speak to the municipality reps, but also a crowd of more than 250 of fellow community members in their region. Some were a little shy or embarrassed, but all overcame this & spoke well. The cisterns are one (very important) thing, but to see the difference it is making to the lives of these people is pretty amazing.
Members of the municipality & Rotary each spoke & thanked all involved, congratulating them on their achievements & assuring they were there to help.
Jesus eventually wound up the day with a commitment to create a citizens water committee, with representatives of each of the communities represented today, attending, to work on the resolution to this issue together…
After discussion it was decided the first of these working planning meetings will be held in:
Cruz del Palmar on 19/11/10 at 12 midday.
The meeting was closed, & the eating began! We all headed home with full stomachs & overflowing hearts!
12th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo Soccer grounds beside the Primary School
When: Friday 22nd Oct 2010 11am – 3pm
Who: Communities represented: More than 250 Adults from:
Los Torres, Montecillo de Nieto, Cruz del Palmar, Vivienda de Arriba, Capaderillo, Tierra Blanca,
Vivienda de Abajo/Urbana/Viviendilla, La Aurora, Guerrero, Presita Santa Rosa, San Lorenzo,
Cinco Señores, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, San Isidro Capadero, Correlejo de Abajo, Nuevo
Rancho Villa de Guadalupe
Government officials
Presidencia (Vinculacion con ONGs) – Irma Rosado
Fondo Verde – Ignacio Soto
Ecologia – Julio Bernal, Helio Bastien
Desarrollo Social – Miguel Gil
Ayuntamiento (Regidor) – Jaime Martínez
NGOs
CEDESA (Graciela Martínez, Jesús Guitierrez, Holly Yasui, Abel)
Club Rotario Midday (Gary Peterson, Walter Scott, Liz Powell, Enrique
Orvañanos, Miguel Gil, David Bossman, Laura Stewart)
(Rotary Volunteers/guests Patricia Stewart (Laura’s mum), Gary Reid – photographer)
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship – Cliff DuRand
GAIA – Grupo de Acción Interdisciplinaria Ambiental – Citlali Caldera (and her partner, Mario)
Purpose: Inaugurate/celebrate the closure of the 40 cistern project funded by Ecologia’s Fondo Verde, & to have a regional meeting of all the communities who have been attending assemblies & asking for guidance on how to create a water project to construct water cisterns in their communities.
The Event was originally planned for 11am but was moved to a later start time to accommodate the Fondo Verde people who had a time clash.
The communities met at 11am to register, plan & prepare for the presentation.
We arrived at 10.50 to find Capaderillo a hive of activity. There were balloons strung around all the visible cisterns on the way into Capaderillo, many tarpaulins had been strung up from the goal posts to supports on the soccer “field”. There were chairs, tables, posters, women carrying buckets full of food topped with brightly embroidered cloths, people running hither & thither, & Saul was in the thick of it, speaking with all the communities as their representatives arrived.
Holly began passing out cardboard & pens for communities to write up their community signs, Chela arranged the seating in a semi circle – league of nations style, with people holding up their community signs & their representatives clustered behind them, tables for the food were arranged in an outer layer.
All the while the blue tarps & balloons were flapping in the breeze, the kids were running around & the dogs were trying to find their place…
I collected the completed forms 1, for each community, & 1 for each family wishing to participate in each community. We now have requests from more than 300 families for cisterns in their communities.
Irma Rosado arrived with Jesus & viewed the photos of the cisterns arranged on a poster. Chela began working with the communities, explaining they would get a few minutes to explain their water situation & history with the projects, & their request for assistance.
Chela explained the program for the day, listing & elaborating on each item on the agenda, she spoke about the water situation in the area, she asked those who had completed projects or phases of projects, to give a description/summary, ie how many cisterns, when they began & when they finished.
The agenda/ order of events was:
1. Welcome & introduction of communities & guests
2. Description of the issues of the Watershed
3. Closing ceremony of the Capaderillo project – popping balloons of the school cistern
4. Testimonies of the project participants in Capaderillo
5. Issues of concern of the communities in the region
6. Response by the govt/municipal reps
7. Conclusion follow up plan
8. Lunch
Chela described the evolution of the projects, from the first one in Los Torres – first visited in November 2008 to the Capaderillo 40 cistern project just completed. The funding from Rotary & now the Fondo Verde, & that we are all working together to seek more resources to resolve this issue for all that would like to participate.
“you are here to work on this, & we will all work towards a resolution, our goal is that ll of our families will have a cistern for safe drinking water”
She explained that logistically we can’t continue to meet in each community each month, there are just too many, the issue is too big, she suggested we combine communities & meet with several at once, taking turns in each community.
Irma spoke, she introduced herself, representing the Municipality, & said they are wanting to work on a resolution to this issue too, they are planning how to solve this & other issues, she thanked all for their participation including Cedesa, Rotary Midday & especially the communitites.
The day continued with community representatives stating their cases to the the audience including the govt. officials who had by then arrived. They articulately described their current water situations, & the projects they had completed (if they were project communities).
Liz Powell commented it was incredible to see these young women stand & speak to the municipality reps, but also a crowd of more than 250 of fellow community members in their region. Some were a little shy or embarrassed, but all overcame this & spoke well. The cisterns are one (very important) thing, but to see the difference it is making to the lives of these people is pretty amazing.
Members of the municipality & Rotary each spoke & thanked all involved, congratulating them on their achievements & assuring they were there to help.
Jesus eventually wound up the day with a commitment to create a citizens water committee, with representatives of each of the communities represented today, attending, to work on the resolution to this issue together…
After discussion it was decided the first of these working planning meetings will be held in:
Cruz del Palmar on 19/11/10 at 12 midday.
The meeting was closed, & the eating began! We all headed home with full stomachs & overflowing hearts!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Record of Event
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo House beside the church
When: Wed 13th Oct 2010 3.15 – 5.00pm
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 61 people incl 5 men + 5 kids & 5 dogs
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
Many people were gathered inside the grounds of the house & outside, when we arrived.
Saul asked one of the women to call the roll. Of the list of 38, 29 were present 8 were missing.
There were additional people attending from other communities & the 2nd phase of the project.
The phase II people called the roll too – 25 present, 12 missing.
There were also 7 people attending from the community Presita de Santa Rosa.
The people were reminded that representatives can attend for missing people, but only 1 for 1.
Saul reminded everyone we need a co-ordinator & a person to take notes. He also described the role of the co-ordinator, to keep order, when people wish to speak they raise their hands & the co-ordinator “gives them the word”. Some people are shy to do it, but it is good to practice to be able to run your own meetings in the future said Saul.
It was decided Alma would co-ordinate, & Lupe will take notes for Phase I.
Holly reminded Alma to ask the meeting for points for the agenda today.
Alma was a little shy to do so, but repeated Holly’s words, points for the agenda were
1. Inauguration,
2. How the commission presenting the invites to the Presidencia went
3. Who is planning the program/logistics for the inauguration/regional meeting
4. Reflection on the completion of the cisterns project
5. Presita Santa Rosa’s report on their visit to Cedesa
6. Description of the cistern (for a new person attending for first time)
Item 1. Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am.
Holly asked how they wanted to arrange the day, eg inaugurate the school only or personal cisterns. One woman suggested they could visit each cistern, Holly pointed out this could take a very long time as there are 38 family cisterns a long way from eachother.
There was discussion/debate re school only or house by house, someone suggested inaugurate the school & do a tour of the others.
Saul pointed out this could be complicated as in reality the authorities/invited guests will only come for approx. 2 hrs & we need to fit in the regional meeting too, could be a bit crammed trying to fit in a tour+inauguration+speeches+ food…
Holly suggested maybe an idea to take photos of each of the cisterns & put them on a mural for the visitors to see, a picture paints a 1000 words…
Laura volunteered to take the photos.
Alma asked for a vote who would like photos of all the cisterns & families – all agreed.
There was discussion about the best time & finally agreed Saturday at 10am, all would be ready & families should be present if possible.
Subsequently Laura & her mum Trish, met with Saul & Hermelinda & toured the community taking photos from 10am to 2pm on Saturday… those photos were printed at Office Depot & given to Saul to give to the community for presentation at the Event.
Photos can be viewed on the blog www.02h2o.blogspot.com under the caption Capaderillo.
As an aside, this photo taking event was a big deal, all of the children were in their best clothes, hair brushed, waiting for photos, most people don’t have easy access to photos here in the countryside of Mexico. There was much laughter & it was a fun day…The extra incentive to be in the photos was that they get to keep them after the event…
Item 1 cont.d
Food was mentioned, & asked if there were any doubts, no… everyone knows what they need to do & bring… Many people thought it would be good to have the food first since it will be difficult to keep it hot, but after much debate it was decided food should be at the end, or people will leave before the important speaking parts.
The delegado of Presita de Santa Rosa said “he felt the business should be concluded before the food, as the primary function of the day is to celebrate the conclusion of this project & explain the community needs to the authorities, if we have the food later people are more likely to stay the distance.”
“officials may only stay ½ hr, so we need to present info urgently”
The debate continued, food first or later…
Saul raised the other potential points for discussion, food,dance, speaking, introductions, requests.
One woman mentioned they had discounted having children dancing at previous meeting & therefore have not asked the teacher.
We confirmed the teacher has been informed about the event.
After much discussion the general order of the day was decided as
1. Welcome communities & authorities
2. School balloons & inauguration
3. Experience review
4. Community requests
5. Authority speeches
6. Food
There was a vote to make Saul MC for the day.
Holly will create a program handout for the day.
A question was raised about how many other communities are coming – potentially 20 in total, & how many would speak & for how long. It was suggested a commission be created to represent clusters of communities with the same water issues.
A comment was made by one woman that only the ones who have their cisterns should provide food. Someone responded that it is not just a party but also a working meeting.
Item 2 - commission to the Presidencia – review
A commission went to the Presidencia to present invitation to Inauguration.
They spoke to Lucy’s assistant & invite was received, no confirmation.
Ecologia & Desarollo Social were invited.
Sapasma was invited separately by Jesus.
Item 3 – Logistics of Inauguration event/commission
Things needed, chairs, tables, tarps, how to arrange the tables, where to place food etc,
Any doubts? No…
Item 4 Reflection of the process of making cisterns (cisterns project)
One woman has only a little water, she didn’t get her pipes connected in time & has only a small roof. It was suggested she could extend her roof before the next rains.
“I’m very happy – my water is delicious, I want to drink even more water more often!”
“when I open the tap, I’m always very conscious of how much water I use”
“I have water only a little above my tap, I didn’t finish very much before the rains ended”
“mine is ½ full”
Item 5 – Presita de Santa Rosa community visit to Cedesa
The community of PdSR had been invited to visit Cedesa, Holly arranged transport & they all contributed to the gas. They were asked to talk about their experience, they very bravely stood in front of the Capaderillo Community, who were all seated in a circle & spoke about what they learned/saw.
They said they were lucky to visit as they did not have much of an idea of what Cedesa was. “It was so beautiful & lush, with no rubbish, we looked at the Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets). Cedesa has spent a lot of time building rich soil, & growing lots of vegetables, fruit trees, worms etc If you get a chance to go I would really recommend it.”
A young man spoke “we were invited to eat, everyone washed their own dishes, they separated the grey water, I was impressed that the men were washing their own dishes too, in my house only women wash dishes”
Questions about Cedesa
Is it a community or a family or what?
It’s an association civil, not for profit, people living nearby working on producing their own food, milk, bees, an Ecoaldea.
How can we learn more? They have workshops re nopal tunnels, health, etc
Holly described it as a non profit organization, with training of campesinos as it’s mission.
Traspatios (back yard production workshops) are happening at Cruz del Palmar already & people can attend these workshops on soil conditioning, natural production, with worms etc.
Another option is a workshop on building ovens out of adobe to cook your own bread & biscuits.
There are many workshops available, if you want to visit we really need to ask Chela about that possibility, maybe followup with her on the 22nd Oct.
Item 6 – explanation of the project for a new person
How did you hear about this?
“I tried water from a cistern in Los Torres & I really like it, it’s better than the bottled water & I’d like to know how to get a cistern”
Saul read the description from the family form, it has information on it about what is required of the participants of the projects.
Additional Item 7 – description of Lions Clinic & Patronato Pro Nino services
Saul explained there are free glasses clinics on Thursdays from 9-11am, at Correo #63
They provide diagnoses & then free glasses depending on the prescription.
It is completely free.
PPN offers medical services to children under 17 years.
Saul gave the ph numbers for both services.
The next event will be Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am
Next assembly (normally 2nd Wednesday, will this time be 3rd Wednesday since the 2nd Wed in Nov is saints day… Next assembly therefore 17/11/10 3pm
11th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Capaderillo Water Project
Where: Capaderillo House beside the church
When: Wed 13th Oct 2010 3.15 – 5.00pm
Who: Saul, Holly (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 61 people incl 5 men + 5 kids & 5 dogs
Purpose: To review the project, & to visit with other community representatives enquiring about water projects.
Many people were gathered inside the grounds of the house & outside, when we arrived.
Saul asked one of the women to call the roll. Of the list of 38, 29 were present 8 were missing.
There were additional people attending from other communities & the 2nd phase of the project.
The phase II people called the roll too – 25 present, 12 missing.
There were also 7 people attending from the community Presita de Santa Rosa.
The people were reminded that representatives can attend for missing people, but only 1 for 1.
Saul reminded everyone we need a co-ordinator & a person to take notes. He also described the role of the co-ordinator, to keep order, when people wish to speak they raise their hands & the co-ordinator “gives them the word”. Some people are shy to do it, but it is good to practice to be able to run your own meetings in the future said Saul.
It was decided Alma would co-ordinate, & Lupe will take notes for Phase I.
Holly reminded Alma to ask the meeting for points for the agenda today.
Alma was a little shy to do so, but repeated Holly’s words, points for the agenda were
1. Inauguration,
2. How the commission presenting the invites to the Presidencia went
3. Who is planning the program/logistics for the inauguration/regional meeting
4. Reflection on the completion of the cisterns project
5. Presita Santa Rosa’s report on their visit to Cedesa
6. Description of the cistern (for a new person attending for first time)
Item 1. Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am.
Holly asked how they wanted to arrange the day, eg inaugurate the school only or personal cisterns. One woman suggested they could visit each cistern, Holly pointed out this could take a very long time as there are 38 family cisterns a long way from eachother.
There was discussion/debate re school only or house by house, someone suggested inaugurate the school & do a tour of the others.
Saul pointed out this could be complicated as in reality the authorities/invited guests will only come for approx. 2 hrs & we need to fit in the regional meeting too, could be a bit crammed trying to fit in a tour+inauguration+speeches+ food…
Holly suggested maybe an idea to take photos of each of the cisterns & put them on a mural for the visitors to see, a picture paints a 1000 words…
Laura volunteered to take the photos.
Alma asked for a vote who would like photos of all the cisterns & families – all agreed.
There was discussion about the best time & finally agreed Saturday at 10am, all would be ready & families should be present if possible.
Subsequently Laura & her mum Trish, met with Saul & Hermelinda & toured the community taking photos from 10am to 2pm on Saturday… those photos were printed at Office Depot & given to Saul to give to the community for presentation at the Event.
Photos can be viewed on the blog www.02h2o.blogspot.com under the caption Capaderillo.
As an aside, this photo taking event was a big deal, all of the children were in their best clothes, hair brushed, waiting for photos, most people don’t have easy access to photos here in the countryside of Mexico. There was much laughter & it was a fun day…The extra incentive to be in the photos was that they get to keep them after the event…
Item 1 cont.d
Food was mentioned, & asked if there were any doubts, no… everyone knows what they need to do & bring… Many people thought it would be good to have the food first since it will be difficult to keep it hot, but after much debate it was decided food should be at the end, or people will leave before the important speaking parts.
The delegado of Presita de Santa Rosa said “he felt the business should be concluded before the food, as the primary function of the day is to celebrate the conclusion of this project & explain the community needs to the authorities, if we have the food later people are more likely to stay the distance.”
“officials may only stay ½ hr, so we need to present info urgently”
The debate continued, food first or later…
Saul raised the other potential points for discussion, food,dance, speaking, introductions, requests.
One woman mentioned they had discounted having children dancing at previous meeting & therefore have not asked the teacher.
We confirmed the teacher has been informed about the event.
After much discussion the general order of the day was decided as
1. Welcome communities & authorities
2. School balloons & inauguration
3. Experience review
4. Community requests
5. Authority speeches
6. Food
There was a vote to make Saul MC for the day.
Holly will create a program handout for the day.
A question was raised about how many other communities are coming – potentially 20 in total, & how many would speak & for how long. It was suggested a commission be created to represent clusters of communities with the same water issues.
A comment was made by one woman that only the ones who have their cisterns should provide food. Someone responded that it is not just a party but also a working meeting.
Item 2 - commission to the Presidencia – review
A commission went to the Presidencia to present invitation to Inauguration.
They spoke to Lucy’s assistant & invite was received, no confirmation.
Ecologia & Desarollo Social were invited.
Sapasma was invited separately by Jesus.
Item 3 – Logistics of Inauguration event/commission
Things needed, chairs, tables, tarps, how to arrange the tables, where to place food etc,
Any doubts? No…
Item 4 Reflection of the process of making cisterns (cisterns project)
One woman has only a little water, she didn’t get her pipes connected in time & has only a small roof. It was suggested she could extend her roof before the next rains.
“I’m very happy – my water is delicious, I want to drink even more water more often!”
“when I open the tap, I’m always very conscious of how much water I use”
“I have water only a little above my tap, I didn’t finish very much before the rains ended”
“mine is ½ full”
Item 5 – Presita de Santa Rosa community visit to Cedesa
The community of PdSR had been invited to visit Cedesa, Holly arranged transport & they all contributed to the gas. They were asked to talk about their experience, they very bravely stood in front of the Capaderillo Community, who were all seated in a circle & spoke about what they learned/saw.
They said they were lucky to visit as they did not have much of an idea of what Cedesa was. “It was so beautiful & lush, with no rubbish, we looked at the Sanitarios Secos (dry toilets). Cedesa has spent a lot of time building rich soil, & growing lots of vegetables, fruit trees, worms etc If you get a chance to go I would really recommend it.”
A young man spoke “we were invited to eat, everyone washed their own dishes, they separated the grey water, I was impressed that the men were washing their own dishes too, in my house only women wash dishes”
Questions about Cedesa
Is it a community or a family or what?
It’s an association civil, not for profit, people living nearby working on producing their own food, milk, bees, an Ecoaldea.
How can we learn more? They have workshops re nopal tunnels, health, etc
Holly described it as a non profit organization, with training of campesinos as it’s mission.
Traspatios (back yard production workshops) are happening at Cruz del Palmar already & people can attend these workshops on soil conditioning, natural production, with worms etc.
Another option is a workshop on building ovens out of adobe to cook your own bread & biscuits.
There are many workshops available, if you want to visit we really need to ask Chela about that possibility, maybe followup with her on the 22nd Oct.
Item 6 – explanation of the project for a new person
How did you hear about this?
“I tried water from a cistern in Los Torres & I really like it, it’s better than the bottled water & I’d like to know how to get a cistern”
Saul read the description from the family form, it has information on it about what is required of the participants of the projects.
Additional Item 7 – description of Lions Clinic & Patronato Pro Nino services
Saul explained there are free glasses clinics on Thursdays from 9-11am, at Correo #63
They provide diagnoses & then free glasses depending on the prescription.
It is completely free.
PPN offers medical services to children under 17 years.
Saul gave the ph numbers for both services.
The next event will be Inauguration/Regional meeting on 22/10 at 11am
Next assembly (normally 2nd Wednesday, will this time be 3rd Wednesday since the 2nd Wed in Nov is saints day… Next assembly therefore 17/11/10 3pm
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Reflections on my work - Saul Juarez
Introducion: Saul is a young man who we first met when he attended community assemblies in Los Torres, 45mins bicycle ride from his community Capaderillo.
Saul attended monthly meetings & with passion, participation & persistence managed to get a project in his community - Capaderillo.
He has since gone on to "apprentice" as an outreach worker with Cedesa & co-ordinate a 40 cistern project in Capaderillo. He is a natural leader, whom we are lucky found us! He has already done great things for his community & I am sure there are more to come... here is his testimony...
SAUL JUÁREZ: Reflections upon my work with CEDESA
(translation by Holly Yasui, original by Saul Juárez in Spanish available upon request)
The work that I have been doing up to now as a CEDESA “promotor” (outreach worker) has been for me the most satisfying.
Now that I have found a way to give meaning to my life, knowing that I am helping to provide solutions to some of the many problems that Mexican families are facing today, above all in the most marginalized communities, which makes me feel ever more committed to my people, to the people with whom I identify or whom I identify with my family, the people who work hard to have a better quality of life, but don’t have the resources necessary to achieve it.
Every day that passes that we are unable to accomplish much to help, I feel impotence, anger and even resentment toward those in power whose actions show that they are opposed to the self-improvement of the people most in need, instead greedily seeking benefits for only themselves and their cronies.
Although sometimes it has made me wonder if it makes sense to struggle against such obstacles, when I go to a community and see so many people gathered in assembly, their faces reflecting their dreams and hope, it is knowing that they are putting their confidence in us, that CEDESA will support them – that fills me with the energy and courage to carry on and to defend my ideals and convictions.
To say that one day I will stop doing this work that I love is not true, because I believe that in one way or another I will continue to do it for the rest of my life.
It is something I have inside of me, and even if they don’t know it, I appreciate very much the people who have helped me to discover this path that I must follow: working to give life to that which makes us what we are - the earth, the water, the air and all of nature, and the fight to live and help others to live dignified lives, in which the human element is the most important.
I think that nothing can compare with this, and that is why I am sure that it is worth it to do everything humanly possible to achieve it.
Saúl Juárez Cabrera
Saul attended monthly meetings & with passion, participation & persistence managed to get a project in his community - Capaderillo.
He has since gone on to "apprentice" as an outreach worker with Cedesa & co-ordinate a 40 cistern project in Capaderillo. He is a natural leader, whom we are lucky found us! He has already done great things for his community & I am sure there are more to come... here is his testimony...
SAUL JUÁREZ: Reflections upon my work with CEDESA
(translation by Holly Yasui, original by Saul Juárez in Spanish available upon request)
The work that I have been doing up to now as a CEDESA “promotor” (outreach worker) has been for me the most satisfying.
Now that I have found a way to give meaning to my life, knowing that I am helping to provide solutions to some of the many problems that Mexican families are facing today, above all in the most marginalized communities, which makes me feel ever more committed to my people, to the people with whom I identify or whom I identify with my family, the people who work hard to have a better quality of life, but don’t have the resources necessary to achieve it.
Every day that passes that we are unable to accomplish much to help, I feel impotence, anger and even resentment toward those in power whose actions show that they are opposed to the self-improvement of the people most in need, instead greedily seeking benefits for only themselves and their cronies.
Although sometimes it has made me wonder if it makes sense to struggle against such obstacles, when I go to a community and see so many people gathered in assembly, their faces reflecting their dreams and hope, it is knowing that they are putting their confidence in us, that CEDESA will support them – that fills me with the energy and courage to carry on and to defend my ideals and convictions.
To say that one day I will stop doing this work that I love is not true, because I believe that in one way or another I will continue to do it for the rest of my life.
It is something I have inside of me, and even if they don’t know it, I appreciate very much the people who have helped me to discover this path that I must follow: working to give life to that which makes us what we are - the earth, the water, the air and all of nature, and the fight to live and help others to live dignified lives, in which the human element is the most important.
I think that nothing can compare with this, and that is why I am sure that it is worth it to do everything humanly possible to achieve it.
Saúl Juárez Cabrera
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Report of 6th visit to Tierra Blanca
Where: Tierra Blanca – In front of old Church,
When: Wed 6.10.10 October. 3.10pm
Who: Saul, Jesus (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 19 adults incl. 4 men, 11kids, 7 dogs & 2 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
There was a Quincinera (15th birthday party for girls) in progress when we arrived & most of the town was attending the mass & then the celebrations afterwards, so the meeting today was smaller than usual.
Also the usual meeting place was occupied by a crew of people setting up equipment for the Fiesta, so we moved down to a meeting tree near the river.
Consequently today’s meeting was more informal, less structured than usual, & was essentially an information transfer session.
Health issue
Jesus began the discussion about the health issue.
He said that Lucy & Dr Bocanegra (dept of health) were aware of the issue, & they are woking on it too.
The data they have implies that the cause is not natural, ie there are outside causes to this cancer.
So we need to continue to determine the cause, either environmental or genetic.
We apologised that Holly could not make it today, she is nursing her sick partner Gerardo.
We have also eliminated the water contaminants as a cause – there is high fluoride & low arsenic levels but neither of these is the cause of cancer or the symptoms, although fluoride causes other health issues that we need to work on.
To assess whether the cause is genetic we need to process all of the “interviews”. Holly is working on the ones she has received.
Jesus asked Laura to find experts to help us with this research.
Jesus asked how many interviews are yet to be done? This could not be answered as most of the interview team/commission are attending the fiesta today.
Jesus reiterated there are new forms, fewer questions, only 2 pages to complete now so should be a lot easier.
The mobile clinic would have to be rescheduled. They were intending to come in September but couldn’t cross the river as it was too high.
Cisterns & dry toilets
Jesus explained the inauguration/regional meeting on the 22nd Oct at Capaderillo would serve as opportunity for each community to submit their request & resources be sought for the combined need.
Saul handed out the copies of forms to be completed, one per community, & one per family.
He explained this needed to be bought to the meeting on the 22nd Oct.
Saul explained what was needed on the forms, what it asked & what they should include, ie high level of fluoride & scarcity of water. He also mentioned the possibility of small families combining/sharing if they live close.
Participation in the project is mandatory, so it is not available for people currently living in the States.
Important to attend on the 22/10 & bring contributions re food & drink to share as potentially there could be as many as 22 communities attending.
One woman bought a copy of the map she had promised at the last assembly. Jesus undertook to take it home, take a copy & bring to the next assembly. Jesus clarified the region of Tierra Blanca with 2 of the men who lived there.
General information
Jesus mentioned the Lions eye clinic on Thursdays, & diabetes clinics also on Thursdays.
He passed on the appointment time to Anselmo Granado, he is booked in for 28th October. (we went to see him at the Tienda & passed him a note with the details on it).
Jesus also described the services of Patro Nato Pro Ninos, Laura had received a “pack” from Karen Livingston, & gave one to Saul for future reference too. It was explained they do work in the medical area, & any children with medical issues can attend their clinic.
Next meeting 22/10/10 at Capaderillo at 11am
Next assembly 3/11/10 at 3pm
We declined invitation for tacos since Jesus needed to urgently return home.
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
When: Wed 6.10.10 October. 3.10pm
Who: Saul, Jesus (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 19 adults incl. 4 men, 11kids, 7 dogs & 2 sheep!
Purpose: We were invited to visit this community to talk about water issues & discovered they have a major health issue, the community has requested our help to resolve the early mortality rate.
There was a Quincinera (15th birthday party for girls) in progress when we arrived & most of the town was attending the mass & then the celebrations afterwards, so the meeting today was smaller than usual.
Also the usual meeting place was occupied by a crew of people setting up equipment for the Fiesta, so we moved down to a meeting tree near the river.
Consequently today’s meeting was more informal, less structured than usual, & was essentially an information transfer session.
Health issue
Jesus began the discussion about the health issue.
He said that Lucy & Dr Bocanegra (dept of health) were aware of the issue, & they are woking on it too.
The data they have implies that the cause is not natural, ie there are outside causes to this cancer.
So we need to continue to determine the cause, either environmental or genetic.
We apologised that Holly could not make it today, she is nursing her sick partner Gerardo.
We have also eliminated the water contaminants as a cause – there is high fluoride & low arsenic levels but neither of these is the cause of cancer or the symptoms, although fluoride causes other health issues that we need to work on.
To assess whether the cause is genetic we need to process all of the “interviews”. Holly is working on the ones she has received.
Jesus asked Laura to find experts to help us with this research.
Jesus asked how many interviews are yet to be done? This could not be answered as most of the interview team/commission are attending the fiesta today.
Jesus reiterated there are new forms, fewer questions, only 2 pages to complete now so should be a lot easier.
The mobile clinic would have to be rescheduled. They were intending to come in September but couldn’t cross the river as it was too high.
Cisterns & dry toilets
Jesus explained the inauguration/regional meeting on the 22nd Oct at Capaderillo would serve as opportunity for each community to submit their request & resources be sought for the combined need.
Saul handed out the copies of forms to be completed, one per community, & one per family.
He explained this needed to be bought to the meeting on the 22nd Oct.
Saul explained what was needed on the forms, what it asked & what they should include, ie high level of fluoride & scarcity of water. He also mentioned the possibility of small families combining/sharing if they live close.
Participation in the project is mandatory, so it is not available for people currently living in the States.
Important to attend on the 22/10 & bring contributions re food & drink to share as potentially there could be as many as 22 communities attending.
One woman bought a copy of the map she had promised at the last assembly. Jesus undertook to take it home, take a copy & bring to the next assembly. Jesus clarified the region of Tierra Blanca with 2 of the men who lived there.
General information
Jesus mentioned the Lions eye clinic on Thursdays, & diabetes clinics also on Thursdays.
He passed on the appointment time to Anselmo Granado, he is booked in for 28th October. (we went to see him at the Tienda & passed him a note with the details on it).
Jesus also described the services of Patro Nato Pro Ninos, Laura had received a “pack” from Karen Livingston, & gave one to Saul for future reference too. It was explained they do work in the medical area, & any children with medical issues can attend their clinic.
Next meeting 22/10/10 at Capaderillo at 11am
Next assembly 3/11/10 at 3pm
We declined invitation for tacos since Jesus needed to urgently return home.
(report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)