San Francisco's Organization Story
FUNDACION ECUMENICA PARA EL DESARROLLO
INTEGRAL CAPACITACIÓN - EDUCACIÓN (FEDICE)
Cdla. "La Ofelia" Mz. O Nº OE4-40 Fono: (593-2) 259-8558
vicvaci@andinanet.net P.O. Box : 17-11-4829
Quito - Ecuador
SAN FRANCISCO'S ORGANIZATION STORY
An interview with the President of the women Mrs. Digna Chacha
Interviewed by Marco Garzón, FEDICE
Digna Chacha is one of the progressive leaders of San Francisco. She told
us about the women's group in San Francisco. She said:
"Our women's organization "Building the Future" is located in the parish
San Buena Ventura and belongs to Latacunga Province. It is eight years
old.
We are rural peasant people but women who struggle. To face poverty we
gather a group of 27 women, and 2 men. They have helped us in
administration and legal procedures. They are husbands of 2 women of the
group. The first time we met with a nun. With her we analyzed our sad
economic situation. In the markets they paid very cheap for our products.
Some of the members of the group and their families didn't have places to
live Because of our needs we went to the Catholic Diocese and its Social
Pastoral in Latacunga asking for help. They helped us with credits to
raise animals and cultivate vegetables.
We began to save our money, 2.000 sucres ($2.00 dollars) a month. The
Diocese lent the group 30.000 sucres ($150 dollars) to pay in 6 months,
with an interest of 4% monthly. Every day was dificult because we had to
pay that interest. Then Ecuador went on the dollar economy and prices went
up. So it was very difficult to pay the interest. Anyway we worked 8 years
with this.
We give thanks to God that our friend José Chacha, President of the rural
organization of Cotopaxi, UNOCANC that works with FEDICE, put us in
contact with FEDICE. We discussed with its director and its technicians
about our dreams and projects. They understood our situation and they
decided to give us a loan. They said that because of FEDICE's Christian
values they wanted to be in solidarity with the poor and look for ways
that would permit us to improve our conditions of life. So they gave us
technical and economical assistance. The FEDICE helped us to save money
and to have a revolving fund.
The social and economic situation of each one of the members in the group
was different. Some were abandoned by their husbands. Others had to take
care of children and also grandchildren. Others lived in miserable
conditions. Others didn't have property and lived without having fixed
work. But the FEDICE is helping us with its technicians and economic
resources. But in spite of all the problems they were very good to us.
They gave us moral support. They taught us to be in solidarity one with
another and with the community... We all help each other in difficult
moments. For example, one of our partners had a traffic accident in which,
her husband's dad died and some of her relatives were injured. So they
were very depressed and low in spirit. We had bible reflections to help
us.
Another example in the life of our group. Only God knows why one of the
husbands abandoned one of our women leaving her with 6 children, 5
studying and one at home. With God's help she decided to go ahead with all
the responsibilities. With our support she works and struggles to face the
future. With the technical help and the credits of the FEDICE she raises
chickens, and sells food, and she knows how to save money. She has a very
busy life. She educates two of her children in the university. Now she is
enlarging their chicken coops to raise more chickens. Thanks to the
FEDICE.
Another case: a woman lived in miserable conditions with her children and granddaughter. With the FEDICE aid she and her family raise chickens. They now have income. So she is building a small house. She hopes very soon to finish the construction and have a place to live with her extended family. I could go on telling you about many difficulties that exist in each one of the families of our organization.
I can point out some of the achievements of our group. We have made our statutes and bylaws and have the government's recognition. Our organization is called "Building the Future". And that is it!.
We have received three credits from FEDICE; they gave us 50% as a donation to start with capital. At this time they have given each one of us $180.00 dollars. We have contributed $120.00 dollars. So the total is $300.00, for the construction of chicken coops.
The production of chickens has been the base for our economy. We began
with 40 chickens for each family, in small chicken coops; some built of
plastic and others of wood. But with time we have increased to 100
chickens and now we have 500 chickens. We raise chickens that are one day
old and we sell them after 8 weeks. We give the chickens balanced food,
and also give them some vegetables from our gardens like carrots, cabbages
and lettuce. The flavour of the meat is good and they sell easily in the
market.
Every month we have training with FEDICE about the technical raising of the animals; management, bookkeeping, health; nutrition; gender, social organization and Christian education. These topics are important to us in order to be more technical in the handling of the chickens. And as a consequence we are more responsible and united,
In summary, I can say that we have progressed year by year. The last project with FEDICE cost $21,819.00 dollars. The contribution of the women is $11,718.00 and the contribution of FEDICE $10,101.88. So, we give thanks to God for FEDICE and its technicians and we pray God many blessings for them and for us."
Digna Chacha President of "Building the Future" -
San Francisco of Buena Ventura,
September 19, 2005.