Development projects in Tsa'chila communities

You can read a description of Bua here.

In January 2011 we carried out participatory evaluations with the Tsa'chila communities of - Los Naranjos, El Poste, and Peripa (Click on each name to read report in Spanish)

Yanapuma's work in with the Tsa'chila can be split into the following program areas:

• Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
• Health and Well-being
• Education and Capacity Building
• Sustainable Economies

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

We are working to improve the knowledge and practice of environmentally friendly agricultural production systems to provide alternative sources of income from more lucrative, specialty crops such as cacao alongside the development of native tree nurseries for reforestation to protect local water- courses and improve soil vitality.

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Health and Well-being

Yanapuma facilitates integrated health promotion through a combination of practical solutions to water, sanitation, and food security deficiencies, and capacity development in hygiene, nutrition, and preventative health practices.  This includes the creation of a health and well-being promotion center next to the local school, which will serve as a focal point for training of local health promoters and the dissemination of information about health maintenance and promotion.

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Education and Capacity Building

The foundation works together with the local school in developing the capacity of teachers to improve their teaching methods and develop a culturally appropriate and effective curriculum based in the reality of the Tsachila people. Intrinsic to all projects is the capacity building of community action groups, to serve as promoters within the community, helping to diffuse new and culturally as well as environmentally sound practices

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Sustainable Economies

Presently we are working with the Tsachila cultural group, Shino pi Bolón, to help in the creation of a space for cultural preservation and cultural exchange and dialogue for the Tsachila people and national and foreign visitors. At Shino pi Bolón visitors can learn about Tsachila culture by walking an interpretive trail, listening to marimba music and viewing handicrafts. As a source of income and a public space for the Tsachila people it is an integral element of the local economy. These activites are complemented by capacity development in diversified agricultural production, creation of family nurseries to produce trees for sale, and other small business development.

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