Project News

This is a follow-up report on the activities we began in small communities last year in June. In the Quebrada Benitez community, the parents of the students helped to build a school garden in one corner of the school grounds (photo1). In the Quebrada Fea community they built rice paddies and even a pond for raising fish (photos 2-4). The rice has been harvested several times already and was even sold. During out visits, we have also taught the students how to keep a bookkeeping notebook. The issue for future activities in the small communities is how to transfer environmentally friendly farming techniques to the interested parents.

We also started activities this year in the Mono Kongo community (photos 5-8). After getting off the boat on the other side of the lake, it is about an hour and a half hike to reach the community’s school. There are 9 students in the school. The teacher and parents responded positively to our Project and we began by working with the parents to restore their water source. Our next activities will be to develop the school garden and give environmental education.

The extension worker, Mr. Carrion (right), gives advice to students and the teacher in the school garden where they are harvesting bell peppers. (December 4, 2009 in the Quebrada Benitez community)

In the rain, students, teacher and parents harvest the rice. Only the spikes are harvested. Mr. Sakai (far right) also helped with the harvest. (November 20, 2009 in the Quebrada Frea community.)

Constructing the fishpond with the help of students and the teacher (in the middle with red pants). (November 19, 2009 in the Quebrada Fea community)

The parents also participated in a workshop we held in the classroom. At the center is Ms. Suleima, a Project staff. (April 22, 2010 at Quebrada Fea community)

On the way to Mono Kongo, you can see giant trees still standing in the forest. (March 18, 2010)

Scene from our first visit. The parents were invited to the school where we explained the purpose of our visit. (March 18, 2010 in the Mono Kongo community)

Constructing the dam to make a water reservoir. On the far left is Mr. Carrion the extension worker. (April 16, 2010 in the Mono Kongo community)

Teaching the children how to fold a Japanese warrior’s helmet (kabuto) made us quick friends. We bring the newspaper (for making the hats) from town. (April 16, 2010 in the Mono Kongo community)

(Mr. Isao SAKAI, Chief Advisor / Rural Development)