Manna Project International
Nurturing Community Growth: How Manna's Chicken ...

Chickens are an essential asset in numerous communities, offering not only a reliable food source but also serving as a vehicle for economic empowerment. The consistent production of eggs and meat from chickens significantly enhances nutritional intake and can increase family incomes, particularly for those facing food insecurity.

In various initiatives, we have integrated chicken farming as a sustainable agricultural practice. By equipping local community members with training in effective poultry care and management, we not only advance food security but also create pathways for entrepreneurship. Chickens require a relatively low initial investment, making them an accessible option for families aiming to improve their financial stability while thriving in diverse environments.

Additionally, involving families in chicken farming promotes cooperation within the community. Neighbors come together to share knowledge, resources, and support, thereby reinforcing the community's social fabric. As families acquire the skills necessary for raising chickens, they also develop an appreciation for sustainable farming practices, which can be transmitted to future generations. Thus, chicken farming evolves into more than just a means of sustenance; it becomes a vital catalyst for comprehensive community development.

Nurturing Community Growth: How Manna's Chicken Project in Ilayaku is Transforming Lives
Ecuador, Community, Program Director
Manna Project International
When Soccer Isn't Just a Sport: Futbol in ...

Growing up in Maryland, I played soccer until around middle school, when I realized I wasn’t all that good at it and that I was in love with basketball instead. Since then, I’ve been known to kick the occasional ball around, but I was pretty nervous when I was invited, along with my friend and fellow PD Patrick, to play for Once Valientes B (in English: eleven brave ones) in the Shandia soccer league.

When Soccer Isn't Just a Sport: Futbol in Shandia
Ecuador, Community, Events
Manna Project International
Music, Colors, Foods … and lots of Laughter - ...

As in many parts of the world, this past week in Shandia was all about the celebration of Carnaval. Originally coming from an area that calls the local Carnival the annual “fifth season”, I was especially excited to see what Carnaval in Ecuador would look like. What would the local customs, foods and music be like?

Music, Colors, Foods … and lots of Laughter - Carnaval in Shandia
Manna Project International
A Day in the Life of the Amazon Rainforest: ...
A Day in the Life of the Amazon Rainforest: Welcome to Shandia!
Abby Pauley
Discomfort as a Sign of Growth
Discomfort as a Sign of Growth

Star of the Week

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Spotlight on the Community!

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Have you seen our Star of the Week and Community Member Spotlights on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? Stars of the Week (Ecuador) and Community Spotlights (Nicaragua) are our favorite posts on Manna Project's social media. We found that our former Program Directors, donors, and partner organizations wanted to get a more personal feel for the communities we impact in Latin America. As a result, we created the weekly #CommunitySpotlight and #StarOfTheWeek series!

Since September, every week in Ecuador we've selected one child from our community center, English classes, or work with partner organizations to be our #StarOfTheWeek. Children are so pleased when they find out they've been selected, and they love seeing their picture up on our "Estrella de la Semana" board in our community center every week. They also provide us with some fun information as well, like their age and birthday, (which helps us remember when we have birthdays to celebrate!), favorite activities in the community center, favorite books, and favorite food.

Meet some of our past Stars, and be on the look out for our #StarOfTheWeek features on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Mateo

 

 

 

Mateo, 8, is a constant fixture in our community center, and always knows how to make Program Directors smile. He loves lemon-lime Doritos, playing video games, and riding his bike with his dad.

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica

 

 

 

Jessica is five years old and she loves coloring and attending Manna Project's Creative Arts club. She also loves dancing and spending time with MPI Program Directors. Thank you, Jessica, for being part of our incredible #community!

 

 

 

 

 

William

 

 

 

William is a community center regular and a student at Chaupitena, a local partner school where we hold English clubs with William and his classmates. William was our Star of the Week from October 5th-11th. He loves reading, drawing, and the fruit salad he learned how to make in Manna Project's Healthy Living class for children and youth.

 

 

 

 

Priscila

 

 

 

Priscilla constantly has a smile on her face and enjoys playing with her friends in our community center and getting to know Program Directors better. She is always a good sport and is an encouragement to those around her....we're so thankful she is part of our #community!

 

 

 



Elvis

 

 

 

Elvis, our Star of the Week from November 30th-December 6th, is another fixture at our community center. He loves playing Hungry Hungry Hippos, playing computer games with his cousin, and reading Scooby Doo books.