Changing Lives While Caring for the Earth

“To change lives and preserve the natural environment.”

That is the powerful slogan of Vivamos Mejor—and when we met Rosa Raquel and her family in San Jose Charaya, Panajachel, Guatemala, we could see exactly what it means.

A farm that is thriving despite the drought

Rosa told us that working with Vivamos Mejor has made a significant difference in the lives of her family. She and her daughter, Rosita, have learned practical, sustainable agricultural techniques, including how to improve their soil, conserve precious water and save seeds for future crops.

The teachings build on what the family already knows and does, adding new ideas and strategies that make their farm more productive and resilient.

The results were striking.

While the surrounding landscape was suffering from severe drought, Rosa’s land was green and productive. Vegetables, fruit and medicinal plants were growing in abundance.

And the garden provides more than food for the family. Rosa is now able to sell some of her surplus produce at the local market, bringing in much-needed income to help cover other household expenses.

Her farm also provides an important source of protein. Rosa raises chickens, pigs, tilapia and local fish, giving the family a diverse range of foods while reducing their dependence on what they can afford to buy.

A healthier way to cook

The changes we saw in Rosa’s home extend beyond the farm.   In many households in the area, women still cook over three stones, as people have done for generations. But Rosa has an improved cookstove that uses about half as much firewood.

That means less pressure on the surrounding environment—and less time and money spent gathering or obtaining firewood.

The stove also vents smoke outside the house, protecting the family from the harmful smoke inhalation associated with traditional open fires. And there is another benefit that is easy to overlook: Rosa can cook standing upright rather than bending over a fire on the ground, reducing the strain on her back.

A small change in technology has made a big difference in their daily lives.

Healthy families start with healthy homes

Vivamos Mejor’s approach is truly holistic. Rosa and her family have also learned about hygiene and sanitation, helping them prevent illness and keep their household healthier.  And the benefits are already reaching the next generation.

Rosita’s young children participate in an early childhood development program supported by Vivamos Mejor. Through the program, Rosita has learned about healthy nutrition and ways to stimulate her children’s development during these crucial early years.

One family, many changes

Rosa’s story shows what can happen when families have access to practical knowledge and support that builds on their own experience.

• A productive garden.
• More nutritious food.
• Income from surplus crops.
• Cleaner and safer cooking.
• Less pressure on the environment.
• Healthier children.
• And greater knowledge and confidence for a mother and her family.

This is what it looks like to change lives while preserving the natural environment.

Kenoli is proud to support the holistic work of Vivamos Mejor—and families like Rosa’s, who are turning knowledge into action and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for their children, grandchildren and their community.