At Easter, not only the flowers bloom, but also people's hearts. In the Awichas community, a group of older indigenous people, this joy is not only felt at Easter. In La Paz, Bolivia, they have transformed a landfill site into an oasis full of flowers and healthy vegetables.
With the support of the "Huertos Urbanos" project, they want to grow more agroecological crops and better integrate the gardens into neighborhood life. Here you can find out how your help works in our projects using the example of a community garden.
"I was born near Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca and came to La Paz as a little girl. I have never forgotten country life. We, the Awichas, heard about this garden and saved it. We have all kinds of vegetables here, we cook for ourselves and we share everything," says Selestina Choque.
Selestina would like the garden to get better and bigger so that they can learn to grow more vegetables and plant fruit trees.
Audrey Vargas, project coordinator of "Huertos Urbanos", believes that the garden enables older people to connect with nature and strengthen their sense of community. It also helps them to stay physically and mentally active. These open spaces encourage the Awichas to be creative and rededicate themselves to the activities that once filled their hearts.
"Huertos Urbanos" has developed into a thriving island for the Awichas in the middle of the streets of La Paz. With their experience in plant cultivation, they have found a motivation in their lives, because with their harvest they contribute to food security for themselves and their families. Vegetables are grown in the garden, which are then used for a communal meal, the so-called "apthapi", or brought home to their families.
The garden contributes to the well-being of older people.
Working together for the good of all:
We contribute to a peaceful and just world for all people.
