demonstration and training center update - late march 2013

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.