By Suzanne de Berge | President
Doña Dominga, matriarch of a large extended family in the village of Socorro, was one of our first participants 10 years ago. Even though she lived further from our headquarters than any other participants, she faithfully attended meetings and always contributed more than her share of enthusiasm and effort. Because of her positive can-do attitude, she has often been our "poster person," along with her powerful statement:
“It is we ourselves who are going to achieve our development; we are the ones that have to work hard to advance, and with the help of the people of Semillas Para el Futuro – who are not from Guatemala, but who are concerned to help us – the rural people here will live better, in ways we never thought of.” --- Doña Dominga
When she first said this several years ago, her words may have been expressed primarily in hope, but she has proven to be an amazing example of the truth of her statement. Using information and training from Seeds for a Future, plus her own inventiveness and drive, she created a diverse and productive "mini-farm" on the land around her home.
Several months ago, Doña Dominga agreed to allow the Seeds team to help her "fine-tune" her work and together we created Seeds' first major Demonstration Center -- a working Casa-Granja or household farm. When families from the community visit, they can see for themselves the astonishing wealth of nutritious plants and animals that can be raised to provide their family with food, medicinal and economic benefits.
Being able to see what someone just like them has accomplished has encouraged many families to want to have their own Casa-Granja. The Seeds Team supports these motivated families with training and on-going coaching, plus we help ensure a good start by providing some of the wire needed for animal housing, which most families otherwise could not afford. As part of the program, families that already have a well-established Casa-Granja also help their neighbors get started by sharing small animals and poultry.
It's great to see interest growing, and people sharing their experiences and knowledge, as well as their animals and birds! All this is made possible by your continued support. PLEASE DONATE TODAY. Together, we can help more rural families in Guatemala learn to thrive!!
By Suzanne de Berge | President
By Suzanne de Berge | President
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