As we became better acquainted with the children and adults in our classes, we realized that many of the families we serve have trouble meeting their basic nutritional needs. We developed a plot of land behind the community center to be used as an organic community garden. At present, approximately 40 local women plant and harvest crops in the garden to bring home to their families. We have had a tremendous surplus, which we have distributed to the kids in Manos de Colores. Further surplus is sold in the local market and all proceeds are reinvested in the project. Volunteers also get involved in the development of the garden and in July 2007 a greenhouse was constructed. This will enable the center to cultivate tomatoes and other vegetables, which would not survive in the highland climate of Quetzaltenango. El Nahual has also just launched a new program under the Mujeres de El Nahual that involves both the practical and theoretical training to a group of local women in the skills of cookery. The center has invested extensively in the equipment and material required to run the course and there are currently 20 local women enrolled. The long-term vision of the project is for the women to be able to use the El Nahual center as a location for starting their own cooperative in selling the food that they produce. ** We are currently
looking for a committed full-time volunteer who can drive this
project to realisation and provide the women
with the necessary training in co-operative methodology. For
further information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at
manosdecolores@gmail.com ** |