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I have been working for SHI-Panama for six months. I’m working in two
communities, San Juanito and Pagua, with thirty-nine families. I am most
motivated to work with SHI-Panama because it is an organization that
runs on few resources and identifies with people that have few resources -
humble people in rural communities, just like me. Another important thing
is that SHI-Panama protects the environment. I’ve always loved nature and
have always tried to protect her, so that makes me identify with this job.
Even though I have not worked for SHI-Panama for long yet, I feel really good
because I’m winning trust. Families have trusted SHI with their great hopes,
and because I work alongside them and get my hands dirty with them, that
has helped me gain their trust.
I learned that sustainability is a set methodology - a process where each mariano’s work is funded by the
activity depends on another. This is a good use of our community resources
“
ALEX C. walker foundation.
- without the need to bring in outside resources and without causing
damage to our environment. In animal husbandry, for example, we obtain
several benefits at once, since we can generate income and use the waste
(manure) to prepare compost for our gardens; it is an integrated system. SHI has qualified,
SHI-Panama is a small organization, but we are focused on sustainability.
We have qualified, compassionate Field Trainers who teach, prepare and
compassionate
monitor families for long-term success. It will be very important to reach
more families, but of course that depends on financial resources, more
Field Trainers who
time, staff and planning. I have confidence in this methodology because it
teach, prepare and
is effective, and it makes SHI different from many other organizations. With
SHI, families take an active part in each project. Education plays a major role,
helping the individual form an awareness of our mission. I tell donors to monitor families for “
have confidence in SHI - their money is well spent - and to visit us, as they
are part of this process and should see the changes they make possible. long-term success.
MEET DAYSBETH LOPEZ Age 22 of La Pintada, Panama
I have worked for SHI-Panama for four years and I assist forty-five families in two communities
(Tranquilla Norte and Rincón Claro). Working for SHI-Panama is a great honor because I previously
cleaned houses to finance my studies since my family could not afford to pay for school. Now,
because of this job, I am in my third year of university (Bachelor of Agricultural and Environmental
Management) and I built a house that I share with my father and sisters.
When I first began, I had to learn about organics since my technical high school only taught traditional
farming. They did not explain that it was damaging our health and our soil. At SHI-Panama, we want
families to adopt organic farming techniques and reforestation so they can teach their neighbors
after they graduate and become leaders in their communities.
DAYSBETH’s work is Most young people go to Panama City for work because they feel they cannot live off farming, but
funded by BROWN now I see some returning to their communities. SHI-Panama has shown that with organic techniques,
ENVIRONMENTAL. you can generate results and income without leaving your family. We do not make families wealthy,
but they now live better lives in a healthier environment.
It hasn’t always been easy. In the beginning, it was a big problem being a woman
working in an environment where only the men perform agricultural activities
and make decisions. Our culture is very religious and male driven. I felt a
rejection from the farmers because they, as men, were not used to working with
women. Also, the wives were worried for their husbands who worked with me
because they thought that a woman could never lead a man, and that women
should never work in the fields but only on household chores.
But over the past three years, my thirty families have come to love, respect,
admire and support me. They now welcome me into their homes and share
with me. I also love and respect them. I work together next to the men, women
“
and children - family integration has been achieved.
I have worked for SHI-Honduras for six years, and I assist sixty-eight families in five
communities in the area of Concepcion Norte. Working for SHI is more than just earning a
salary. I have learned about environmental protection and family nutrition. I have taught
these things to my children, and I can see the changes in my family.
One of my greatest achievements has been the changes in our participant families since
Jorge’s work is funded
improving their nutrition. In the beginning, the children and adults had almost no food.
by the newman’s own
They told me that they put up with hunger every day. But now, they harvest radishes,
foundation & the hancock
mustard greens, and other vegetables to eat nutritious and healthy food throughout the
united church of christ in
day. I can see their happiness because we focus on food security. The families are very
lexington, ma
grateful and always want to share everything they are producing with me and visitors from
SHI. That makes me very proud to be part of Sustainable Harvest International.
EARTH UNIVERSITY:
OFFERING UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
One of the biggest obstacles to sustainable knowledge that they gain in the classroom. the University and friends to plant over
development in many rural areas of This unique curriculum has given the one million trees in 31 countries, a sign of
Latin America is the lack of access to University an excellent reputation just how committed they are to protecting
a practical education. One throughout the world, but the natural environment.
Central American institution despite the incredible interest, _______
working to change that is the admissions department In addition to an excellent academic
EARTH University, located goes out of its way to recruit program, EARTH University provides
in the heart of the tropics in student leaders from rural and training for organizations, including SHI.
the Caribbean lowlands of underserved areas of the tropics, Several years ago, the majority of our staff
Costa Rica. The University’s providing 85% of its student body from all four country programs learned a
campus boasts educational with full or partial scholarships. tremendous amount during a week-long
facilities, demonstration farms course on organics at EARTH. On several
FOR MORE
and a swath of primary and This approach seems to be occasions, SHI-Belize has benefited from
secondary growth rainforest INFORMATION, VISIT: paying off, as EARTH alumni are the four-month internship that all EARTH
where students from Latin ear th-usa.org overwhelmingly returning to their students complete during their third year of
America, the Caribbean and countries of origin – 86% of them studies. And, one of our programs has the
Africa come to learn sustainable agriculture do so. These students are creating jobs and distinction of having a very special tie to
and natural resources management. bringing the socially and environmentally EARTH - the Board Chair of SHI-Nicaragua
minded initiatives they learned at EARTH is an EARTH graduate. We appreciate
The hands-on approach practiced at back to their communities. This year marks EARTH University’s efforts over the past 20
EARTH University encourages students EARTH University’s 20th Anniversary, years and hope to work even more closely
to find practical applications for the and to celebrate, EARTH graduates joined with them in the future.
PLANTING HOPE
life in rural Honduras from the perspectives of SHI field trainer, Juan Carlos, and SHI
graduate farmer, Don Cheyo (photo left).
Juan Carlos has worked for SHI for ten years and exemplifies the commitment to community
and sustainable farming that is at the heart of SHI’s mission. Watch as he visits rural villages
to provide assistance and advice to farmers transitioning to sustainable techniques. Don
Cheyo provides a tour of his farm and insight into how his life has changed since working
with SHI. He shows us that there is hope for change and stability in an often degraded
landscape.
You can help spread awareness about this crucial work and start showing your community
the difference SHI makes for the planet and its people! Watch our inspiring video online,
then take a minute to contact us to set up a Screening Party in your area. Whether you
invite just a few friends or your entire community, please take action today to help protect
our planet. We need your help now to continue planting hope in Central America!
a) oranges b) blueberries
c) coconuts d) cashew nuts
a) 10 b) 30 c) 60 d) 90
a) monkey b) parrot
c) lobster d) snake
Sustainable Harvest International provides farming families in Central America with connect with SHI online!
the training and tools to restore our planet’s tropical forests while overcoming poverty.
facebook.com/sustainableharvestinternational
La Cosecha is a publication of Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), a nonprofit organization recognized
under IRS code 501(c)3, and all donations to SHI are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. twitter.com/SHILaCosecha
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sustainable harvest international • 779 north bend road • surry, maine 04684 u.s.a.
207.669.8254 • shi@sustainableharvest.org • www.sustainableharvest.org