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Ava Devenport essenheal at iname.com
Fri Apr 28 10:07:37 EDT 2000


THE main element:  The sense of 'ownership' and 'pride'.  

It seems that everyone involved took such pride from the empowerment they 
received, the sense of community, sharing, nurturing and alot of laughter.

It had nothing to do with any monetary outlays from companies that provided 
seed, soil or lumber, although this element was certainly appreciated.

It did have alot to do with 'ordinary' people volunteering to help design, 
work and educate.  The committment and dedication of the volunteers to get 
their hands dirty, instead of just communicating how things would/should be 
done, showed each individual that it wasn't just another hand-out to the 
impoverished, but a true spirit of desire to show these individuals that 
they had value within and to themselves and their families.  This project 
'validated' them as useful human beings, lifting their spirits and 
providing them with a new sense of self-esteem.

The poor and impoverished often feel that they cannot succeed, that they 
have already failed in life and have no value.  Unfortunately, this sense 
of life is often passed down to the children, setting them up for
'failure' before their young lives have had a chance to 'take hold'.

This small plot of land gave them a sense of belonging and pride.  To be 
able to work with the soil and the plants, to feed their children by their 
own labors, to share that sense of 'ownership' and 'pride' with their 
children.  This was the main element of success.

Blessings,
Ava



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