Celebrating the inauguration of three new projects in Achocalla

An irrigation system, a touristic track and agricultural training are three projects Chakana planned to accomplish within a short period of time in the municipality of Achocalla.

As an outcome of the diagnostic investigation that was carried out in the region, these projects were defined as desirable and/or necessary in 14 communities at the highland. Chakana has now started the preparation and planning of these projects. The team is working on project proposals, looking for financial support, and is working on the socialization of the projects within the communities by organizing weekly meetings and workshops. An official inauguration of the projects took place on Tuesday 11-03-2008, in the community of San Pedro. It was a very special occasion, were tens of people came together, and the communities as well as Chakana expressed their will to cooperate. The first part of the day, an official meeting was organized that gave the leaders of the communities and the board members of Chakana a chance to speak publicly. Visions and expectations were shared and motivation to start working on the projects expressed. After the official part it was time for aptapie (lunch), at which the women shared different sorts of potatoes, cheese, beans and corn with the presented members of Chakana. The rest of the afternoon music was played and dances were performed, while everybody was enjoying the taste of coca leaves, soft drinks and beer. Several communities performed traditional dances and thereby invited the members of Chakana to join them. In the end everybody went home with a positive feeling and a boost of motivation.