| January 2009 Articles Thank You Ana
On December 20, 2008, Ana, a supporter of the Adelante Foundation, held a Socially Responsible Dinner Party for about 25 guests in celebration of the Christmas holiday. Every year, Ana holds a holiday party and asks her guests to bring something to donate to an admirable cause. This year, Ana told her guests about the women of Adelante, showed them Adelante's website, and inspired most of them to give a little during the last holiday season. Although she did not use the recipe cards that we provide for those interested in holding a Socially Responsible Dinner Party, Ana says that she is planning on using them at home as well as at a future event. She was very appreciative of the materials that Adelante provided. Ana says that her party was a great success and that everyone enjoyed themselves and were very interested in Adelante's cause.
From the staff, board, and most importantly, the women and families of Adelante, thank you for your support!
Maria Christina Vanegas by Sophia Anderson
Maria Christina Vanegas has the quiet, contemplative demeanor of a scientist or medical doctor. Serious and self-assured, she is the jefa , or leader of her assembly. She is also the closest thing to a doctor within miles of her small community. Maria received six years of training as a community health care provider and she uses her Adelante loans to buy medicines, vaccinations, gauze, syringes, and other supplies necessary to take care of her community members.
Maria lives in the cool mountains in the department of Choluteca, just up the hill from a relatively shallow, but fast-moving stony river that the road passes through in order to reach her house. Her home is modest, but sturdy, with cement walls and a ceramic tile roof. Thanks to the talent of her carpenter son, the front room is furnished with a beautiful hardwood bedroom set, a dresser, and a bed without a mattress. In its place is a thatched mat woven from grass fibers. She has no electricity--it is not available in the mountains where she lives--and cooks over a wood-burning stove.
Like many men in Maria's area, her husband is a farmer. He grows corn, beans, tomatoes, and peppers. He shares the responsibilities of the home with her and together they raised their three adult sons. The two youngest are laborers, a carpenter and a mechanic, while the third is studying at a university in the city of Choluteca. He first received his bachiller --literally a high school diploma, but approximately equivalent to an American associates degree--in community health. He is now studying for his licenciado --or bachelor's degree--in mathematics.
Maria is on her fifth loan cycle with Adelante, and she says her life has improved in a variety of ways since she took her first loan. Her business is more profitable, because she is able to buy her medical supplies in larger quantities. Before Adelante, she was never able to save money and now her savings provides a sense of security. As her income continues to increase, she plans to landscape her yard and continue to expand her business. She has enjoyed her involvement with Adelante and likes that Adelante "supports women."
Photograph of the Month
Reyna Margarita Sanabria in La Ceiba.
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