Alfonso is a Belizean who has played a big part in our program for many years now. He was born and raised in a small village, which is in the northernmost district of Belize, bordering Mexico. For Sustainable Community Development II, we make a trip up north to spend a few days in and around the village being led and informed by Alfonso, throughout our time there. He brings a lot of great insight and real life experience to our conversations and observations on subjects such as community development, economic and agricultural issues.
As we study development it is easy to feel burdened by the path our world has taken and to sometimes feel as though we have no answer to fix all these problems we see. But Alfonso and his family bring us great hope. They show us that a little idea can make a big difference, if you put that idea into action.
Alfonso’s brother, Ishmael, helped start Jacobs Farm a few years ago. It is a rehab center situated right outside the village on a few acres of land. This is a wonderful project where men who are recovering from drugs and alcohol can retreat and get away for a few months. They work on the farm, raise chickens, tilapia, vegetables, pigs, and receive counseling and encouragement throughout their time there.
Alfonso’s sister, Lydia, has carried on the women’s group that her mother started decades ago. She helps to run the store with four other women involved. They just recently established the Dorcas house, which they plan on using as a space to meet and mentor to women in the community, especially single mothers who need help with food and shelter.
Alfonso himself has been a real leader in the community. He has established his own organic farm and has been working to educate others on his agroecological farming technique and how to be a good steward of God’s green earth.
We were able to talk about a lot this week and see in this village many of the things that we discussed in the classroom, our eyes were opened and we are eager to learn more.
Our well-traveled, experienced professor Rusty Pritchard, made this week come together beautifully, connecting themes with what we were seeing in the field. To get a glimpse of more of the themes we covered in class, check out his blog at http://flourishonline.org/2010/11/the-real-earth-day/ .
This is at Jacobs Farm, rehab center where we got to spend time with Alfonso's brother, Ishmael and get a tour and history of the farm.
Here Alfonso is showing us his organic farm and teaching us certain techniques used by him.
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