An update on Mano a Mano International Partners' Demonstration and Training Center project in Cochabamba, Bolivia, which aims to train Bolivians on best practices for using their water resources and growing crops. You can learn more about the project at http://manoamano.org/blog/demonstration-and-training-center-in-el-abra/

1. Demonstration and Training Center
Weeks 11 and 12
(March 18-30, 2013)

2. Management of the border trees
Juan weeds around the small trees so he can place a cover of mulch under them.

3. Management of fruit trees
Students work the pathways and dig water retaining depressions around the fruit trees.

4. Students cover the depressions with mulch and water the trees.

5. After 4 days we compared the moisture between the depressions covered with mulch and
those with no mulch. The difference is impressive.

6. Participation in the Water Fair
Francisco and Juan explain the importance of water to a group of students.

7. Jose Luis and Wilber explain how to construct a water filter.

8. Henry and Rosalba share techniques for saving water with a student group.

9. Elvis and Vanessa explain to the children how to save water for irrigating plants.

10. Education through playing
Sonia plays with a group of children

11. Jacky helps the children with mazes

12. We are all responsible, both young and
old
Younger and older children are interested in the rational and efficient use of water

13. Beginning construction of the stables
The first group begins clearing the land for the construction of the stables.

14. The second and third groups continue with cleaning the land.

15. All the vegetable material obtained is saved to add to the compost.

16. Pablo and Ernesto measure and square off the land.

17. Digging holes, digging the foundation and gathering the materials.

18. Cement construction for corrals of pigs, sheep and guinea pigs

19. Building surrounding wall for guinea pig corral

20. Preparation of material for
construction of stables
Pablo selecting discarded wood from the lumber yard and students removing
bark from the posts

21. Processes that continue

22. Construction of the dry toilet
Henry prepares a septic enclosure

23. Preparation of toilet for installation

24. Infrastructure: Completed
filling, cobble stoning and emptying
the storage area for food for the
kitchen and offices
Cobblestoned storage area with electrical installation

25. Food storage room and kitchen with poured cement floors

26. Beginning the finishing work

27. Construction of the roof of the
infrastructure
Preparations for the assembled roof

28. Assembling and painting the metal structure

29. Production and Harvesting
Open Field
Block 1: onion, lima beans, corn, carrots Block 2: Purple lettuce, other
greens

30. Semi-shaded areas
Students involved in the planting of the second semi-shaded area

31. First semi-shaded area completely
shaded
Students harvest for their lunch

32. Harvesting to share with Mano a Mano
on Father’s Day
Harvesting radishes, purple lettuce and other greens

33. Vegetables ready to carry to the offices of Mano a Mano Nuevo Mundo

34. Other Activities

35. Demonstration Land Parcels
The students experiment with ecological production on individual parcels of 9 square meters on
which they practice Ecological Management of Soils, Ecological Management of
Infestations, Efficient use of Water, Diversification of Plantings and creativity.

36. Searching for water at the CEA
We looked for water with the help of Mr. Jose Gustavor Fernandez Rojas, who uses an
empirical method based on the tradition of understanding the energy of water.

37. CEA’s first birthday
Mr. Rios, father of student Frank Rios, organized a small and happy gathering for his son’s
birthday after the completion of their work.