By Sergio Cobo | Director
Joyfully we share the progress achieved in San Mateo del Mar during the last months. The ITESO team (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente), from the Guadalajara Jesuit University added important results to the Program.
On October 26th, we had a “Thanking ceremony” celebrated at the Ikoot way. In this ceremony, were delivered 19 houses leaded by this team of architects. The Ikoot people thanks and say the farewells to the architects, students and collaborators of this institution. Their work in San Mateo was concluded in a party full of joy.
The ITESO contribution to the Housing and dignified life program in San Mateo del Mar Oaxaca achieved the next numbers:
• 30 anti-seismic houses constructed
• 30 members of families trained in anti-seismic construction techniques
• 11 models of rainwater collection systems and filters installed.
• 63 regional bricklayers trained in anti-seismic construction systems
• 30 families participating in community “Tequios”, training workshops and social tissue reconstruction activities.
• 6 Ikoots women trained in carpentry to make the doors and windows for the build houses.
• 9 traditional kitchens “Comixcales” constructed with sustainable wood-saving techniques.
It is important to address the women's tequio process. In the traditional community organization, the community works in building activities are classed as needing hard labour and correspond only to men. Therfore, single women keep aside from the program given they don’t have a man who collaborates in the tequio. (community work). A participative thinking within Ikoot women and men, architects and students, innovate manners for the women participation in the tequio. Through a training process, these women managed to execute the construction of the traditional “Comixcales” ovens as well as the doors and windows of the builded houses, all with traditional and ecological materials. With this training women acquired considerable skills for this project and in the future will allow them to diversify their sources of income.
The women's tequio team not only contributed to the houses construction, but also showed that they, despite the social prejudices that limit the participation of women in construction processes, can take a leading role in the organization of their community.
The delivered houses are now part of the landscape of San Mateo del Mar, where for years they will be evidence of the achievements that dialogue and knowledge sharing can achieved through.
Thanks to the ITESO contribution, and the support of all our donors, it was possible to build hybrid homes that combine the Ikoots worldview and wisdom with the technique and resistance of modern and sustainable architecture. The buildings are an important achievement, but beyond this is the strengthened social network, resulted from the dialogue and participation within the Community of San Mateo del Mar and all those who have the joy of been part of this program.
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By Sergio Cobo | Director
By Sergio Octavio Cobo Gonzalez | Project Leader
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