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

interviews

Interview the Executive Director: Lori Scharffenberg

Finally, after several empty promises and many hours with my new boyfriend, iMovie, I am proud to announce that Lori's interview is complete! But before I unveil this gem, let me give a few prefaces...

1. Please ignore the random background noise, which includes (but is not limited to): children screaming outside, my housemates screaming inside, doors slamming, rain pouring, and dogs barking. Welcome to the joy of living in a house that echoes like none-other.
2. Yes, I know the screen is kind of (ok, more like really) dark. I positioned Lori with perfect back lighting... which apparently is NOT ideal for things like video and pictures. Everything seems to be a learning experience around here.
3. And yes, I am also aware that there is a smudge on the screen. Yet another tactical error. I'll work on it for next time.

But even with all of my mistakes, Lori managed to give a super interview. So check it out!



Thanks to everyone who submitted questions! And thanks to Lori for putting up with me! :)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!
Sarah

Interviews: In Summation

A few wrap-ups:

1. Of course, 20 minutes after making fun of Dana for having pink eye, guess who was smote for her mockery...that's right. We both will be wearing our glasses from here on out of abject fear of recurrence.

2. Yes, I realize I spelled chef incorrectly in my interview video (thanks for pointing that one out, Craig)... what can I say, other than I will never win any awards when it comes to spelling.

3. Want to know what happened to the extra footage from all the interviews? Oh, I have plans (besides using some of it as future blackmail for any of our politically-interested PDs, cough cough Eliah), and these plans involve putting together random segments each week. Live in fear, other PDs, live in fear.

That's all :)
(oh, and Happy Sunday, too!)
~Holly

Big News!

Well this is exciting.

As I type, all the footage we've taken over the past 4 months with our fabulous video camera is uploading to my imovie; that's right, we FINALLY figured out how to get it to load! It took a few months, 4 attempts at instillation, 2 lost instruction manuals, and a new firewire connection cord (is that even what it's called?) Mark tracked down at the obscure Mac store in Quito to get us to this point, but it's finally happening.

With that said, I'd like to instigate a new system for this blog, a brainchild of one Jocelyn Lancaster and something that makes me giddy just thinking about it. This system is called: "Come Up With Questions For A PD Interview Which Holly Will Record And Put Online". Ok, so maybe I also need suggestions for the name.

Basically, until tomorrow (April 2nd) at noon you will be able to submit to me any question you might have regarding a specified PD; we will be rotating through PDs each week. Tomorrow after 12 noon I will compile all the questions into an interview, force said PD into the hammock room, record their responses, and post the video here on Friday.

The questions can range from anything; program updates, favorite Ecuadorian memory so far, what one song they'd listen to on repeat forever, their biggest challenge so far, misadventures in the kitchen, top 3 places they've visited, etc.

Our first victim: Mark Clayton Hand, country director extraordinaire. Please ask him questions about cooking, PLEASE!

You can submit questions either via the comments section here, or to my email account (holland.c.ward@gmail.com). Feel free to ask multiple questions, too! Let the interviews begin!

~Holly