Newsletter February 2002

MANGROVE RADIO

We are now taking the last steps before Mangrove Radio begins broadcasting. You will soon hear our signal on 106.9 FM throughout the Bajo Lempa region.

New homes for 10 families in La Virtud left homeless by last year's earthquakes.

HOUSING PROJECT February 5th, 2002. The Coordinadora completed 10 permanent homes with composting latrines in La Virtud Community (San Judas canton). This project had financial support from Operation USA.

COMMUNITY WORK

The San Marcos Local Group, as one of the Coordinadora's regional organizations, is particiting in a new project. We expect to see great things from their work with the the Community Center for Life and Psychological Attention for Children projects.

OBITUARY

The Coordinadora, Mangrove Association, and Local Groups deeply regret the passing of our companions Carlos Ovidio Bonilla of Las Mesitas and Delmi del Carmen Hernandez of La Papalota. We pledge to honor their memory through more commitment and work in benefit of the communities of the Local Zone of Peace.

With the goal of decreasing dependence on expensive and toxic chemicals, the Production and Environment Program trained 20 farmers in 12 communities how to easily prepare organic products to take their place in agricultural production. These include wood vinegar, fruit tea, and other botanical extracts. These products allow farmers to reduce the production costs of bell peppers by 40%!

Bell Peppers grown with organic techniques and drip irrigation.

VISITS BY DELEGATIONS

In February, three delegations visited our communitys. Rabbi Joel Soffin, of Temple Shalom, lead the first delegation, then students joined us on their Spring Break from the University of York (Toronto), the University of Toronto, and Brandeis University.

We are also very grateful for the three months of volunteer work by Donita Crosby, who assisted in the Family Gardens project.