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In Chacraseca, being a community leader can mean many things... but for any leader it means a great deal of responsibility and time spent.
Pedro Luiz, a leader for the past 12 years, explains, "A lot of people are not willing to be a leader because you have to dedicate a part of your life to this work, at least 6-8 hours a week just for the basic things. There's no pay -- it's all volunteer. So, people who work in factory jobs, can't do this work - they cant miss a day of work." Pedro has a small piece of land where he grows wheat, corn, and enough food to feed his family. His sons help out so he can do the volunteer community business.
Each leader works on a different commission, sharing the load of community organizing for the 8000 people who live in Chacraseca. Pedro is part of the Education Commission which is responsible for choosing the scholarship recipients. It's difficult to make choices knowing that almost every family really needs the support.
"But when the kids get their scholarships, I can see the joy in their faces...that's one reason I keep doing this job."
Over his 12 years of service, Pedro has seen many changes.
"Before, there was no water and no electricity. Roofs were made of palm trees, and kids could not go to school. Now, we have water; kids can go to school... And people are getting better houses."
As 2014 gets underway, JustHope would like to say thank you to all the community leaders in Chacraseca, Santa Emilia, and La Flor! It is an honor for us to accompany you in the important work of improving life in your communities.
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And thank you JustHope donors!
Because of your generosity over 300 kids in Chacraseca and 150 in Santa Emilia and La Flor will get backpack scholarships to begin the 2014 school year!
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