March 6, 2009
#2 Field Research – Health & Education
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This is the second entry on our process for how we work with communities in the field. I am taking you through this process beginning with field research and ending with evaluations and measurement of projects. If you haven’t read the first entry please do so now at http://www.puravidacoffee.com/blog/?p=139.
Health - Basic health needs of all six communities are not being met. This was evident both from observations and from conversations. Basic health check-ups, prescription eye glasses, and basic dental care are nearly non-existent. Hypertension and diabetes are common and untreated, elderly people in need of prescription glasses must navigate cobblestone streets and forest trails, not to mention all of the responsibilities of life. Dental needs are endless. Federal and State government are supposed to be providing some level of health care but most rural communities are completely forgotten.
Education – Education is basically provided by the government given that families can afford uniforms, books, and transportation. The cost of uniforms, books, and transportation can amount to thirty to fifty percent of a household’s income per student. This cost forces many parents to only send one child through school or all of children part way through K-12 schooling. Also, children are often needed to work in the fields during harvest time. The education system is somewhat structured around the coffee harvest so that school is not in session during the major harvest.
Conclusion on field research coming next.
Thank you for your support.
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Sam Snyder – Program Director
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Awesome work Sam! Keep it up!
Comment by JohnMcKenzie00 — March 11, 2009 @ 8:44 am