Habitat Nicaragua organizes exchange of experiences on ecofogones and other initiatives, between women who make roasted tortillas in San Rafael del Sur and the Multinfunctional Cooperative Women in Totogalpa
Their faces were a mixture between anxiety and curiosity. It was the first time they left town, they didn’t even know how far Totogalpa was or where on the map to locate it. The 19 women who make toasted tortillas in San Rafael del Sur, began their exchange journey with the Women Multifunctional Cooperative in Totogalpa, to learn how life had changed their lives by using eco-fuels.
One of the most moving moments of the trip, was perhaps when for the first time, women appreciated the majesty of the Momotombo and Hoyo volcanoes. And what is his name? They asked, with their eyes wide open, which girls.
The faces of astonishment were even greater when they arrived, the women of the Cooperative made a tour of the facilities and showed them what they have achieved in the 20 years that they have of existence, thanks to a good organization, determination and immense desire to get ahead.
“The exchange had three objectives: that they knew in a loud voice how other women have improved their living conditions by using eco-stoves, that they know the advantages and the things that they can cook and finally, that they knew all the organization that these women of Totogalpa have … to help them see themselves as women with a lot of other skills, ”explains Nancy Aróstegui, Habitat for Humanity Programs Manager for Nicaragua.
From south to north
It was 5:30 in the morning, the corn was nesquizado and the women of San Rafael del Sur were already teaching their hosts how to make the toasted tortillas, from the webbed, how to place it in the fire and even turn it over; even at the price you could give them to get another source of income. “I like it, I have never made tortillas like that, they are very rich, thanks for the knowledge they leave me,” Carmen said.
The hostesses, for their part, taught them how to turn on the ecofogón and everything that could be cooked in it. “What I like the most is that we can talk quietly in the kitchen and without smoke,” said Liliana another San Rafael.
The exchange lasted 24 hours and at the time of saying goodbye, the hugs from the hostesses were very emotional. Undoubtedly, the centennial ceiba tree that is located in the middle of the community and visited during the exchange, did its thing, joined the south and north to live an experience that will last for years.
