Leaders of the Christian community represented by Dr. Cemírame Perdomo, welcomed GFDD staff, introductions quickly followed by a short play put on by theater group, dramatizing the environmental problems facing the area and emphasizing how community involvement can help them overcome these obstacles.

Some 35 people, children, teens and adults, cheerfully participated in the induction workshop that followed, which included a dynamic group discussion and brainstorming session. They analyzed, asked and responded to questions such as: What is a vegetable garden? Why do we want one? What do we already have and what do we need to start these gardens? How do we organize ourselves to make our gardens sustainable? Responses to each of these questions were important in creating the concept of gardening and establishing individual and group commitments.

Many topics were discussed including: what types of gardens could be established, variety of fruits and vegetables that could be planted, what precautions were necessary to take in establishment of garden, as well as other related issues.

As is the custom in all induction workshops, participants were given a copy of the EcoHuertos manual, “How to Plant a School Garden,” and were given an overview of books content and how to use as supplementary material in support of creation of community garden.

The workshop ended with a site visit, to determine size of garden and set dates to break ground.

Overall it was a wonderful experience, as the group was very receptive and enthusiastic about setting up their community garden, and interested in learning more about the principles necessary to create a sustainable garden system.