Some Background on the Community
The community of El Eden is in the mountans of Nicargua, about 4 hours north of Managua. The nearest large town is Matagalpa, with a hospital and access to most resources, is about 45 minutes away. There are two other nearby communities of San Ramon, and Yucul. The nearest clinic, shops, and school (to 3rd grade) are in Yucul. There is supposedly another school that is closer and not up an apparently incredibly steep hill, but it is across the stream we are going to investigate as the source for either possible project. During the rainy season the kids are hesitant to cross the deeper, faster moving water. Perhaps a log bridge is the most that is ever placed across the water (another potential, future project).
Here is some information about El Eden posted on the Agros site. The photo below is of the neighboring village of San Ramon- taken from the internet. We will be eager to post photos from the assesement trip as soon as possible.
Some Background on the Partner NGO
El Eden was created by Agros. Their goal is to provide opportunities for previously landless rural families to own the land they live on and farm. Agros does this by purchasing large plots of land, such as from a rancher.
Agros concurrently screens families, preferably already coalesced into some sort of organized group (often church related), for their readiness to enter into this sort of arrangement. They will buy their plots of land and communal areas back from Agros over the next 10 years. They have been there for three years now.
When everything is agreed to and the community members are fully prepared and ready, Agros moves them and their belongings onto the land and along with temporary housing kits. This kit consists of items such as wooden poles, tin for roofing and maybe some plastic sheeting. We were told that most participants in the progam are so eager for this opportunity that they would move onto the land even without this. Although clearly this is an amazing opportunity for them, it is also a daunting proposition to owe what amounts to a huge sum of money to them. This is a venture that not anyone would be ready for, but those who are sound like they are excited to get started with their new lives. In short, Agros provides them with very little other than opportunity. We were told that an Agros saying is "All Agros gives you is work, work, work."
What Agros does provide once the community is moved on site is farming instruction and counseling. They help the community move beyond subsistence farming to crops they can take to market. Agros also works as the liaison between other partnering organizations, such as EWB, connecting the community to other non-profit groups that are interested in assisting with infrastructure and other projects. For the most part though, the community itself must create almost everything in their community for themselves.
