tory paez

Background: The Asociación de Damas Trabajando para el Ambiente (ADATA) partnered with the Canadian Embassy, Agenda Verde, and other regional organizations to construct a hydroponic garden at one of the three local schools. From November to February, the women of ADATA, a few contractors, as well as Agenda Verde, constructed the garden. The garden includes ten (10) beds in total, as well as about 50 potted plants. We planted hundreds of plants of cilantro, lettuce, celery, green pepper, and tomato. The garden is an enclosed structure to protect from the elements, local wildlife (i.e. iguanas), and children. During the construction, we provided additional support and physical labor. Because this wasn't our project to lead, we primarily aided in the process of constructing the foundation, digging, filling and mixing the soil, as well as planting the different vegetables. 

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Phases:

1. Develop a plan for the garden construction

2. Clear and level the area for the garden

3. Build the primary metal structure

4. Build the beds

5. Find and dig soil

6. Mix soil with additional elements

7. Fill beds

8. Plant vegetable plants and seeds

9. Ongoing: Plant maintenance (e.g. fighting pests, watering, de-weeding)

 

Purpose: The purpose of the garden was to (1) increase access to fresh vegetables for community members, (2) teach the members of the women's group a new trade and potential income sources, and (3) utilize the garden as a learning tool in Escuela Montero-Palito, where the garden is located.   

 

Audience: ADATA; Montero-Palito Elementary School 

 

Materials:

• Construction materials 

• Gardening materials (e.g. wheelbarrows, rakes)

• Soil 

• Seeds

 

Lesson Learned: This project was a good lesson in knowing your role and providing how it is needed. There was plenty of leadership on this project at the intersection of the various organizations. We were able to establish meaningful friendships working side-by-side with the women every day. 

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We were interviewed by a local station called "Radio Peninsular," check it out here! 

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