Community Projects
Shannon Crawley
November 9, 2011

The classes have wrapped up for the Leadership and Business Development programs here in Iriona, and Cocalito and Sangrelaya are hard at work on their community projects. Each year, leadership classes are encouraged to develop a community project to practically apply their skills. This involves discussing and coming to an agreement on the choice of project, planning the necessary materials and labour required, establishing a time frame, negotiating prices, and fundraising.

In Cocalito, the women decided to upgrade the local community centre, which is used for a variety of purposes like hosting medical and child-health clinics, and various meetings and social events. They meticulously painted and touched up the exterior and interior of the building, and are very proud of the results. In neighbouring Sangrelaya, the women have ambitiously undertaken the task of fencing in the cemetery they share with Cocalito, including building an entrance gate. Fences are relatively common projects in the communities where CAUSE works, because so many wild animals graze freely into the cemeteries, schoolyards, and gardens.

Another very common community goal for CAUSE participants is investment in the local schools. From upgrading the lavatories, adding desks and shelves, and the ever-important fence-building, contributing to the betterment of the school is always a top priority. This year in Esparta, 3 out of 4 current projects focus on schools; a clear example of the determination exhibited by women here to give their children as many opportunities for education as possible.

This week, we visited and marvelled at both community projects in Iriona. Not only is the progress and initiative very impressive, but the camaraderie and laughter emanating from the project sites is testament to the fun-loving and joyful nature of the Garifuna people.