demonstration and training center update - late march 2013
DESCRIPTION
An update on Mano a Mano International Partners' Demonstration and Training Center project in Cochabamba, Bolivia, which aims to train Bolivians on best practices for using their water resources and growing crops. You can learn more about the project at http://manoamano.org/blog/demonstration-and-training-center-in-el-abra/TRANSCRIPT
Demonstration and Training CenterWeeks 11 and 12
(March 18-30, 2013)
Management of the border trees
Juan weeds around the small trees so he can place a cover of mulch under them.
Management of fruit trees
Students work the pathways and dig water retaining depressions around the fruit trees.
Students cover the depressions with mulch and water the trees.
After 4 days we compared the moisture between the depressions covered with mulch and those with no mulch. The difference is impressive.
Participation in the Water Fair
Francisco and Juan explain the importance of water to a group of students.
Jose Luis and Wilber explain how to construct a water filter.
Henry and Rosalba share techniques for saving water with a student group.
Elvis and Vanessa explain to the children how to save water for irrigating plants.
Education through playing
Sonia plays with a group of children
Jacky helps the children with mazes
We are all responsible, both young and old
Younger and older children are interested in the rational and efficient use of water
Beginning construction of the stables
The first group begins clearing the land for the construction of the stables.
The second and third groups continue with cleaning the land.
All the vegetable material obtained is saved to add to the compost.
Pablo and Ernesto measure and square off the land.
Digging holes, digging the foundation and gathering the materials.
Cement construction for corrals of pigs, sheep and guinea pigs
Building surrounding wall for guinea pig corral
Preparation of material for construction of stables
Pablo selecting discarded wood from the lumber yard and students removing bark from the posts
Processes that continue
Construction of the dry toilet
Henry prepares a septic enclosure
Preparation of toilet for installation
Infrastructure: Completed filling, cobble stoning and emptying the storage area for food for the kitchen and offices
Cobblestoned storage area with electrical installation
Food storage room and kitchen with poured cement floors
Beginning the finishing work
Construction of the roof of the infrastructure
Preparations for the assembled roof
Assembling and painting the metal structure
Production and HarvestingOpen Field
Block 1: onion, lima beans, corn, carrots Block 2: Purple lettuce, other greens
Semi-shaded areas
Students involved in the planting of the second semi-shaded area
First semi-shaded area completely shaded
Students harvest for their lunch
Harvesting to share with Mano a Mano on Father’s Day
Harvesting radishes, purple lettuce and other greens
Vegetables ready to carry to the offices of Mano a Mano Nuevo Mundo
Other Activities
Demonstration Land Parcels
The students experiment with ecological production on individual parcels of 9 square meters on which they practice Ecological Management of Soils, Ecological Management of Infestations,
Efficient use of Water, Diversification of Plantings and creativity.
Searching for water at the CEA
We looked for water with the help of Mr. Jose Gustavor Fernandez Rojas, who uses an empirical method based on the tradition of understanding the energy of water.
CEA’s first birthday
Mr. Rios, father of student Frank Rios, organized a small and happy gathering for his son’s birthday after the completion of their work.