Next to the Family Support Center we are putting the
finishing touches on our new garden. Once a greenhouse, the site was
transformed to better accommodate the Family Support Center´s needs.
Jenn, a student enrolled in the Spanish Social Work program, lead renovation
efforts which entailed installing raised beds, fertilizing and turning the top
soil, planting new seeds and seedlings, and installing a fence. The children of
the Family Support Center got in on the fun and were active participants in the
transformation. They are enjoying the fruits of their labor by
participating in educational lectures/activities on gardening. This week we
will commemorate the opening of the garden by installing a sign indicating the
name of the garden. The name will be put up to a vote for the children to
decide. A new era of healthy yields await the garden!
The rainy season has produced fertile conditions for our Reforestation Project. Together with the families involved in our community
development programs, Pop Wuj has shared experiences of planting
trees and giving back to the earth. Our most recent work saw 100 trees of
different varieties planted in Cantel. In addition, we recently planted
trees on the skirt of Volcano Santa Maria with the children of the Family
Support Center. On both occasions, the success of the project and the lessons
involved in reforestation were of equal value. In two weeks time, we will
return to the sites to check up and to see what progress has been made
with our “arbolitos.”
In the upcoming weeks, we will continue to do what we do best: build stoves, garden, plant trees, and recycle, but that’s not all we have in store. We have plans to decorate the inside of Pop Wuj with herbs, plants, and an array of flowers that are indigenous to Guatemala.
Stay green!
