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.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
27th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
27th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: El Cortijo (behind La Gruta)
When: 22.05.09 10.30 – 12pm
Who: Holly Yasui & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary),
Purpose: Discuss some points re Phase II of the project , discuss the school cisterns project & how many families for phase III.
Roofing – we discussed the possibility of not needing to replace the asbestos roofing. Some research has found that drinking asbestos may not be too damaging, compared to breathing it! Benigno pointed out that the roofs get very dry & powdery & we decided it is not worth the risk.
Benigno will get price comparison of three types of roofing
• Plastic lamina
• Metal lamina
• Onduline
Benigno is in Venezuela from 26/5 – 1/6.
Holly is in hospital for hip operation for 4 days, June 4,5,6 & 7, then will be in bed recuperating for 2-4 wks.
B will check emails as often as possible, he doesn’t have email at home, but will check whenever he is at Cedesa.
B will also check that they diverted the first rains at the kinder, he told them they needed to. This is the first visit since some rain.
At the meeting of 28th May we need to discuss:
how many families would like to be involved in phase III.
The plan for the school cisterns (Re the SMCF grant number 2)
There was some problem with the cashing of the cheque that was deposited directly into the account for Hierro Comercial, there is a rumour that the cheque was rejected for some reason, we are therefore not sure if the delivery to the community has been made. B will be checking that today, Holly will check on the Chq when she is in Dolores next.
Later discovered – cheque was rejected, something to do with signatures, not sure why & a fee of $172 was charged, with no proper explanation. A big mystery (& huge hassle!)
Next meeting 28.5.09 Los Torres, 11am @ Chucha’s house.
27th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: El Cortijo (behind La Gruta)
When: 22.05.09 10.30 – 12pm
Who: Holly Yasui & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary),
Purpose: Discuss some points re Phase II of the project , discuss the school cisterns project & how many families for phase III.
Roofing – we discussed the possibility of not needing to replace the asbestos roofing. Some research has found that drinking asbestos may not be too damaging, compared to breathing it! Benigno pointed out that the roofs get very dry & powdery & we decided it is not worth the risk.
Benigno will get price comparison of three types of roofing
• Plastic lamina
• Metal lamina
• Onduline
Benigno is in Venezuela from 26/5 – 1/6.
Holly is in hospital for hip operation for 4 days, June 4,5,6 & 7, then will be in bed recuperating for 2-4 wks.
B will check emails as often as possible, he doesn’t have email at home, but will check whenever he is at Cedesa.
B will also check that they diverted the first rains at the kinder, he told them they needed to. This is the first visit since some rain.
At the meeting of 28th May we need to discuss:
how many families would like to be involved in phase III.
The plan for the school cisterns (Re the SMCF grant number 2)
There was some problem with the cashing of the cheque that was deposited directly into the account for Hierro Comercial, there is a rumour that the cheque was rejected for some reason, we are therefore not sure if the delivery to the community has been made. B will be checking that today, Holly will check on the Chq when she is in Dolores next.
Later discovered – cheque was rejected, something to do with signatures, not sure why & a fee of $172 was charged, with no proper explanation. A big mystery (& huge hassle!)
Next meeting 28.5.09 Los Torres, 11am @ Chucha’s house.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
26th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
26th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: Los Torres – Maria de Jesus & José Miguel´s house
When: 23.04.09 12.00 -3.30pm
Who: Chela, Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), Ma Jesus, + 29 adults (including 3 men),
Purpose: Plan Phase II of the project with the community.
Order of discussion –
Chela welcomed everyone, & thanked Ma Jesus for hosting the meeting. Great under the shade! Chela re-iterated the difference between a meeting & an assembly, & asked for volunteer co-ordinator & secretary.
Concha was voted meeting co-ord, & Tere to take the notes.
3 things to cover
1. A review of the project, what have we learnt? Why are we having this meeting? Contaminated water, quality of water. One of the women mentioned that only 1 person in her family has obvious problems with their teeth from the water, & wondered if there was an explanation. (we couldn’t answer that).
It was re-iterated that only those that choose to participate will be able to receive the cisterns.
Ma Jesus (the delegada) said that she hopes that they will have more meetings of this type so they can take more responsibility for issues in their community & speak up more. They would also like to learn how to improve their lives without destroying or negatively impacting the environment.
Chela said
• “people who are quiet will never be heard” as a motivation for others to speak.
• Dont be embarrassed to talk
• You have the right to protest
• If we don’t speak we remain objects, we need to speak to become subjects
Others said
“it´s useful to come to meetings to learn how to come to agreement”
“they learn & decide many things”
& the kindly town drunk said “come to meetings to refresh your heart”.
One very shy man spoke up for the first time to say that he was really surprised how easy it was to build a cistern, he thought it was going to be much more difficult & that it involved welding.
Everyone agreed that they enjoyed the inauguracion on 4.4.
2. Monday & Tues Next week Benigno will come to LT to look at spec.s of each location (with each family).
A number of people decided to wait until phase III so that others could have their cisterns built. Josefina Barranca, Rosa, Dulce, Consuelo, Cruz Rodriguez, Matilde, & Alejandro.
New groups were created for co-operative construction.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
26th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Group 1
Jose Miguel & Maria de Jesus
Hilaria Cruz & Elerterio Ramirez
Concha Alvarado & Santiago Cruz
Juana Barranca & Geronimo Maya
Ma de Carmen Barranca & Rafael Cruz
Porfiria Alvara & Guibino Ferrer
Juana Ramirez & Candido Soria
Group 2
Juan Alvarado & Catalina Landin
Guillermo Alvarado & Delvina Navarro
Reyna Alvarado & Pedro Barranca
Teresa Ramirez & Delfino Alvarado
Juan Sanchenz & Gudelia Alvarado
Maricela Barranca & Guillermo Alvarado
Fabiana Maya & Videl Ferrer
Group 3
Primo Barranca & Ofelia Alvarado
Domingo Mendez & Maria del Ramirez
Maria Soria & Sabino Maya
Maria Dolores Ramirez & Augustin Lara
Cecilia Cruz & Abel Gonzalez
Magdalena Barranca & Leobardo Gonzalez
Group 4
Lucia Gonzalez
Leova Barranca & Samuel Garcia
Maria Guadalupe Barranca & Jesus Martinez
Pabla Ramirez & Hermelando Ferrer
Carolina Cruz & Gerardo Gonzalez
Cecilia Barranca & Aurelio Barranca
(NB I did not get all the groups correct, as there is a total of 27 families & I only have 26)
The plan is to work simultaneously in each group, ie each group to build all the cisterns in that group at once. Once they have worked with Benigno to design the system & cistern placement & piping for each house.
Two from each group will go with Benigno to each of the family houses & arrange the date materials to be delivered & work to begin. Benigno will meet at 10am at the school.
Meeting closed 3.30pm
Next meeting 11am 28.05.09 at Chucha’s house
26th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: Los Torres – Maria de Jesus & José Miguel´s house
When: 23.04.09 12.00 -3.30pm
Who: Chela, Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), Ma Jesus, + 29 adults (including 3 men),
Purpose: Plan Phase II of the project with the community.
Order of discussion –
Chela welcomed everyone, & thanked Ma Jesus for hosting the meeting. Great under the shade! Chela re-iterated the difference between a meeting & an assembly, & asked for volunteer co-ordinator & secretary.
Concha was voted meeting co-ord, & Tere to take the notes.
3 things to cover
1. A review of the project, what have we learnt? Why are we having this meeting? Contaminated water, quality of water. One of the women mentioned that only 1 person in her family has obvious problems with their teeth from the water, & wondered if there was an explanation. (we couldn’t answer that).
It was re-iterated that only those that choose to participate will be able to receive the cisterns.
Ma Jesus (the delegada) said that she hopes that they will have more meetings of this type so they can take more responsibility for issues in their community & speak up more. They would also like to learn how to improve their lives without destroying or negatively impacting the environment.
Chela said
• “people who are quiet will never be heard” as a motivation for others to speak.
• Dont be embarrassed to talk
• You have the right to protest
• If we don’t speak we remain objects, we need to speak to become subjects
Others said
“it´s useful to come to meetings to learn how to come to agreement”
“they learn & decide many things”
& the kindly town drunk said “come to meetings to refresh your heart”.
One very shy man spoke up for the first time to say that he was really surprised how easy it was to build a cistern, he thought it was going to be much more difficult & that it involved welding.
Everyone agreed that they enjoyed the inauguracion on 4.4.
2. Monday & Tues Next week Benigno will come to LT to look at spec.s of each location (with each family).
A number of people decided to wait until phase III so that others could have their cisterns built. Josefina Barranca, Rosa, Dulce, Consuelo, Cruz Rodriguez, Matilde, & Alejandro.
New groups were created for co-operative construction.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
26th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Group 1
Jose Miguel & Maria de Jesus
Hilaria Cruz & Elerterio Ramirez
Concha Alvarado & Santiago Cruz
Juana Barranca & Geronimo Maya
Ma de Carmen Barranca & Rafael Cruz
Porfiria Alvara & Guibino Ferrer
Juana Ramirez & Candido Soria
Group 2
Juan Alvarado & Catalina Landin
Guillermo Alvarado & Delvina Navarro
Reyna Alvarado & Pedro Barranca
Teresa Ramirez & Delfino Alvarado
Juan Sanchenz & Gudelia Alvarado
Maricela Barranca & Guillermo Alvarado
Fabiana Maya & Videl Ferrer
Group 3
Primo Barranca & Ofelia Alvarado
Domingo Mendez & Maria del Ramirez
Maria Soria & Sabino Maya
Maria Dolores Ramirez & Augustin Lara
Cecilia Cruz & Abel Gonzalez
Magdalena Barranca & Leobardo Gonzalez
Group 4
Lucia Gonzalez
Leova Barranca & Samuel Garcia
Maria Guadalupe Barranca & Jesus Martinez
Pabla Ramirez & Hermelando Ferrer
Carolina Cruz & Gerardo Gonzalez
Cecilia Barranca & Aurelio Barranca
(NB I did not get all the groups correct, as there is a total of 27 families & I only have 26)
The plan is to work simultaneously in each group, ie each group to build all the cisterns in that group at once. Once they have worked with Benigno to design the system & cistern placement & piping for each house.
Two from each group will go with Benigno to each of the family houses & arrange the date materials to be delivered & work to begin. Benigno will meet at 10am at the school.
Meeting closed 3.30pm
Next meeting 11am 28.05.09 at Chucha’s house
Thursday, April 16, 2009
25th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
25th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: Cedesa Dolores
When: 16.04.09 2.30 – 4:30
Who: Chela, Holly Yasui Benigno (Cedesa), Laura
Purpose: Planning of Phase II of the project (Cisterns for 27 families), discussion re roof types, filter possibilities, purchase of materials & general catch up.
Filter options, there are various methods of removing bacteria & viruses (should there be any) from the water.
Cedesa have been testing the efficacy of the methods during their weekend water diploma workshops. Still to determine the best option. Or whether in fact any filter is necessary.
Maintenance instructions, Benigno & Chela gave me a copy of each of their booklets, (they have booklets for each technology they teach). I will copy the cistern booklet & give it to the Delegada & her husband in Los Torres, for community reference.
Cisterns in school, maybe the children at the school could join in during construction.
Nopal orchard at the school – Benigno to look at the orchard when he is at the school overseeing the construction of the cisterns.
Purchase of materials in bulk – there could be a big discount on the cost of the materials, since we are purchasing in bulk. There may be the possibility of putting this saving towards phase III & reducing the cost of Phase III.
25th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project
Where: Cedesa Dolores
When: 16.04.09 2.30 – 4:30
Who: Chela, Holly Yasui Benigno (Cedesa), Laura
Purpose: Planning of Phase II of the project (Cisterns for 27 families), discussion re roof types, filter possibilities, purchase of materials & general catch up.
Filter options, there are various methods of removing bacteria & viruses (should there be any) from the water.
Cedesa have been testing the efficacy of the methods during their weekend water diploma workshops. Still to determine the best option. Or whether in fact any filter is necessary.
Maintenance instructions, Benigno & Chela gave me a copy of each of their booklets, (they have booklets for each technology they teach). I will copy the cistern booklet & give it to the Delegada & her husband in Los Torres, for community reference.
Cisterns in school, maybe the children at the school could join in during construction.
Nopal orchard at the school – Benigno to look at the orchard when he is at the school overseeing the construction of the cisterns.
Purchase of materials in bulk – there could be a big discount on the cost of the materials, since we are purchasing in bulk. There may be the possibility of putting this saving towards phase III & reducing the cost of Phase III.
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, March 4, 2009
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Part I
Where: Under a tree at El Cortijo Hotel (at the turn off to Los Torres)
When: 4th March 2009 10.30am- 11.45am
Who: Holly, Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary).
Purpose: To discuss the planned topics for today’s community meeting at Los Torres.
Benigno informed us all that the cistern & roofing system were completed on time & under budget. (budget info collated separately).
Today’s community assembly is to
* ask for & give feedback to the community re the process
* discuss attendance of each of the groups, ask for community feedback
* plan inauguration day – celebration of cistern & information about the watershed, fluoride etc
* discuss possibility of training session on “solicitation” to govt. community planning, issues management etc (Chela would like to offer a workshop & wants to see if there is interest).
* Chela would also like to offer the community a workshop on natural health options
* suggest to the community that the first people that receive the cisterns from the big project should be those that have participated so well in the demo build days.
End of Part I
Part II
Where: The Kindergarten at Los Torres
When: 4th March 2009 12.30pm – 3.20pm
Who: Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 7 men & 38 women from the community of Los Torres (including Ma, Hilaria, Concha, Leova)
Purpose:
As outlined above.
It should be noted that Holly was not able to attend this meeting so it was all in Spanish with no translation, my Spanish is only rudimentary so this is an outline of what went on.
Chela re-iterated the definition of a community meeting v assembly. She does this each time, so that the community will be able to run their own meetings/assemblies without her assistance in future.
1. Chela called for nominations for a co-ordinator for this meeting, Guillermo & Concha were nomitated. The meeting then voted, & Guillermo was deemed co-ordinator, & Concha to take the records.
2. Benigno gave a review of the building of the ferrocement cistern. Asked for the ingredients, tela, grava, maya, cemento, cal, arena.
Discussed the process of 4 groups, mentioned that it took 1 month for the talking/planning stage, 4 days to build & they will take about 1 hour to review the process.
There was some discussion about Group 3’s lack of attendance/attendees, one of the women in group 3 said they bought refreshments instead, the others pointed out that all the groups provided refreshments but that that wasn’t what got the cistern built. After much back & forth it was decided that group 3 should still be allowed to participate in the big project.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Each of the groups was asked how they felt about the process, would they feel confident to build one from start to finish. Group 3, needs help. Group 1 are fine, 2 people, group 2 are fine 2 people, group 4 fine 2 people.
Benigno asked that for the next assembly people have the following information
a. where their cistern will be placed
b. how much piping they will need (approximately)
c. what type of roof they have
The community asked when the big project will begin, I explained we are still waiting on approval, but hoped to be able to tell them by the end of April.
They are all very keen to start now!!!
It was mentioned that the kinder teacher is VERY HAPPY that the kids now have safe drinking water, I believe she has been providing it herself in garafons that she brings from San Miguel.
Planning of the inauguration day:
• Date was decided 4.4.09 at 12 for the community & 12.30 start for the invited guests.
• Responsibilities Group 1 – games, Group 2 decorations, Group 3 chairs & tables, Group 4 dancers
• Invitees to include, Enrique Nunez, Don P, Atencion, Rotary, Bill & Judy Fisher, San Miguel Community Foundation, Sapasma
Chela offered the community the chance to attend a workshop covering the topic of “solicitacions & Acta’s”, there was a lot of interest in this, attendees will be Concha, Guillermo, Catalina, Ma, Carmela, Rosa, Ofelia, Hilaria, Leova, Cecilia. It will be held on Thursday 23rd April 12pm at the kinder.
The meeting was closed.
Inauguration Saturday 4th April 12.30 (invited guests), 12.00 community.
Next assembly was set for April 29th at 12pm at the house of Ma Jesus & Jose Miguel.
Workshop April 23rd 12pm at Kindergarten
See photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProject?feat=directlink
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Part I
Where: Under a tree at El Cortijo Hotel (at the turn off to Los Torres)
When: 4th March 2009 10.30am- 11.45am
Who: Holly, Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary).
Purpose: To discuss the planned topics for today’s community meeting at Los Torres.
Benigno informed us all that the cistern & roofing system were completed on time & under budget. (budget info collated separately).
Today’s community assembly is to
* ask for & give feedback to the community re the process
* discuss attendance of each of the groups, ask for community feedback
* plan inauguration day – celebration of cistern & information about the watershed, fluoride etc
* discuss possibility of training session on “solicitation” to govt. community planning, issues management etc (Chela would like to offer a workshop & wants to see if there is interest).
* Chela would also like to offer the community a workshop on natural health options
* suggest to the community that the first people that receive the cisterns from the big project should be those that have participated so well in the demo build days.
End of Part I
Part II
Where: The Kindergarten at Los Torres
When: 4th March 2009 12.30pm – 3.20pm
Who: Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 7 men & 38 women from the community of Los Torres (including Ma, Hilaria, Concha, Leova)
Purpose:
As outlined above.
It should be noted that Holly was not able to attend this meeting so it was all in Spanish with no translation, my Spanish is only rudimentary so this is an outline of what went on.
Chela re-iterated the definition of a community meeting v assembly. She does this each time, so that the community will be able to run their own meetings/assemblies without her assistance in future.
1. Chela called for nominations for a co-ordinator for this meeting, Guillermo & Concha were nomitated. The meeting then voted, & Guillermo was deemed co-ordinator, & Concha to take the records.
2. Benigno gave a review of the building of the ferrocement cistern. Asked for the ingredients, tela, grava, maya, cemento, cal, arena.
Discussed the process of 4 groups, mentioned that it took 1 month for the talking/planning stage, 4 days to build & they will take about 1 hour to review the process.
There was some discussion about Group 3’s lack of attendance/attendees, one of the women in group 3 said they bought refreshments instead, the others pointed out that all the groups provided refreshments but that that wasn’t what got the cistern built. After much back & forth it was decided that group 3 should still be allowed to participate in the big project.
Record of Event pg 2 of 2
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Each of the groups was asked how they felt about the process, would they feel confident to build one from start to finish. Group 3, needs help. Group 1 are fine, 2 people, group 2 are fine 2 people, group 4 fine 2 people.
Benigno asked that for the next assembly people have the following information
a. where their cistern will be placed
b. how much piping they will need (approximately)
c. what type of roof they have
The community asked when the big project will begin, I explained we are still waiting on approval, but hoped to be able to tell them by the end of April.
They are all very keen to start now!!!
It was mentioned that the kinder teacher is VERY HAPPY that the kids now have safe drinking water, I believe she has been providing it herself in garafons that she brings from San Miguel.
Planning of the inauguration day:
• Date was decided 4.4.09 at 12 for the community & 12.30 start for the invited guests.
• Responsibilities Group 1 – games, Group 2 decorations, Group 3 chairs & tables, Group 4 dancers
• Invitees to include, Enrique Nunez, Don P, Atencion, Rotary, Bill & Judy Fisher, San Miguel Community Foundation, Sapasma
Chela offered the community the chance to attend a workshop covering the topic of “solicitacions & Acta’s”, there was a lot of interest in this, attendees will be Concha, Guillermo, Catalina, Ma, Carmela, Rosa, Ofelia, Hilaria, Leova, Cecilia. It will be held on Thursday 23rd April 12pm at the kinder.
The meeting was closed.
Inauguration Saturday 4th April 12.30 (invited guests), 12.00 community.
Next assembly was set for April 29th at 12pm at the house of Ma Jesus & Jose Miguel.
Workshop April 23rd 12pm at Kindergarten
See photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProject?feat=directlink
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
22nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 24th February 2009 1.30pm – 3pm
Who: Benigno (Cedesa), David Gillis (Videographer for CEDESA), Laura (Rotary). George & Anne Stewart (Laura’s dad & Stepmum) & approx 25 men & women & 10 kids.
Purpose: Today is the 2nd day of the demonstration of the building of a 12,000 litre cistern by CEDESA (Funded by SMCF Grant). This will enable the community to build their own cisterns when the large Rotary Project is initiated.
The community had previously divided into 4 groups of 11 with a commitment that at least 2 people from each group should attend each of the 4 day sessions, to learn the entire process of building a cistern & the roof & piping system that supports the collection & storage of rainwater.
Summary of the day
The day had started at 10am as planned & they had made huge progress by the time we got there.
Since yesterday,
the cistern pad had been poured
the cistern wire cylinder was in place
the plywood form was “chocked” to the inside of the cylinder.
they had begun cementing the 1st outside layer
While we were there we observed (& photographed)
women helping mixing the concrete & carting it to the men to “slap” up
men slapping the concrete onto the wire form
women serving drinks & food to the workers (& kids)
we interviewed on camera several of the men & women, my Spanish is not good but we asked them to talk a little about the project & scarcity of water etc.
We left around 3pm
NB we were not able to attend the 3rd & 4th demo days.
At the next meeting I attended I took additional photos of the project now that it had been completed.
The roof had been rimmed with bricks, with a concrete moulding on the inside angle to remove the sharp 90degree angle where the brick meets the roof (for ease of cleaning)
The roof had been coated with a natural impermeable substance.
The pipes had been attached both sides of the roof, feeding back to the cistern.
The cistern had been completed, with lid, overflow pipe, fully lined, low gauge with tap for cleaning purposes, tap around ½ mtr from bottom (to reduce sediment), & external clear tube to monitor the depth of the water contained. (see additional photos).
Photo album available at the following link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
When: 24th February 2009 1.30pm – 3pm
Who: Benigno (Cedesa), David Gillis (Videographer for CEDESA), Laura (Rotary). George & Anne Stewart (Laura’s dad & Stepmum) & approx 25 men & women & 10 kids.
Purpose: Today is the 2nd day of the demonstration of the building of a 12,000 litre cistern by CEDESA (Funded by SMCF Grant). This will enable the community to build their own cisterns when the large Rotary Project is initiated.
The community had previously divided into 4 groups of 11 with a commitment that at least 2 people from each group should attend each of the 4 day sessions, to learn the entire process of building a cistern & the roof & piping system that supports the collection & storage of rainwater.
Summary of the day
The day had started at 10am as planned & they had made huge progress by the time we got there.
Since yesterday,
the cistern pad had been poured
the cistern wire cylinder was in place
the plywood form was “chocked” to the inside of the cylinder.
they had begun cementing the 1st outside layer
While we were there we observed (& photographed)
women helping mixing the concrete & carting it to the men to “slap” up
men slapping the concrete onto the wire form
women serving drinks & food to the workers (& kids)
we interviewed on camera several of the men & women, my Spanish is not good but we asked them to talk a little about the project & scarcity of water etc.
We left around 3pm
NB we were not able to attend the 3rd & 4th demo days.
At the next meeting I attended I took additional photos of the project now that it had been completed.
The roof had been rimmed with bricks, with a concrete moulding on the inside angle to remove the sharp 90degree angle where the brick meets the roof (for ease of cleaning)
The roof had been coated with a natural impermeable substance.
The pipes had been attached both sides of the roof, feeding back to the cistern.
The cistern had been completed, with lid, overflow pipe, fully lined, low gauge with tap for cleaning purposes, tap around ½ mtr from bottom (to reduce sediment), & external clear tube to monitor the depth of the water contained. (see additional photos).
Photo album available at the following link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
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