More Fun In Rancas

Every Monday and Wednesday I have workshops in Rancas with a group of mothers about hygiene, nutrition, self-esteem, communication, etc. At the end of the 10 workshops, those who participated and completed the requirements will receive a "cocina mejorada," an improved wood stove, in their kitchen. The stoves reduce smoke in the kitchen, helping with respiratory ailments that most often arise with mothers (the cooks) as well as being beneficial to the environment by using less wood and a host of other benefits. One of the major goals of this project is to teach not only hygiene and nutrition principles, but also the value of participation, punctuality, and teamwork.

Making "guiso de trigo" at a cooking workshop. Yum!

The first cooking session we had just enough for everyone, but they wanted more! So, this time, they brought three huge buckets of food and at the end we had enough for everyone to take home at least four servings. Enough for everyone in the family.

An example of what the stoves will look like. This is a stove that the organization ADRA-PERU has already installed.

One part of the program is family gardens. This mother has done a great job! Look at those carrots!