INVESTIGATION
I got the idea for the Project Horizons irrigation project while working on development initiatives in Peru. I noticed that many rural communities and schools struggled with inadequate irrigation systems, which negatively impacted their ability to grow enough food to feed their families and generate income. After researching and consulting with experts, I realized that installing drip irrigation kits could help address this issue by providing a more efficient and sustainable method of irrigation.
The purpose of this project is to improve the lives of impoverished Peruvian families by providing them with the means to grow more food and generate additional income. The drip irrigation kits we provide will enable farmers to save up to 60% of their water compared to non-drip irrigation, and increase crop output by 60 to 90%. This will not only help combat iron deficiency in children, but also create a new source of income for families by allowing them to sell excess food.
To achieve our goals, we worked with a number of organizations including UNESCO Peru, The Chijnaya Foundation, and Prodia Peru. These organizations provided valuable expertise and support in identifying communities and schools in need, as well as coordinating the distribution and installation of the irrigation kits. We also worked closely with the families and communities to ensure that the kits were installed properly and that they received the necessary training and support to use them effectively.
Despite some challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to complete a number of successful installations and are continuing to work on upcoming projects. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of these families and communities, and will continue to support them through the installation of irrigation kits and other development initiatives.
PLANNING
To complete the Project Horizons irrigation project, we will take the following steps:
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Identify communities and schools in need of irrigation kits: We will work with organizations such as UNESCO Peru and The Chijnaya Foundation to identify suitable communities and schools based on their need and potential for success with drip irrigation.
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Purchase and transport irrigation kits: Once we have identified the communities and schools, we will arrange for the purchase and transport of the irrigation kits to the designated locations.
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Install the irrigation kits: Our team, along with local partners, will install the irrigation kits in the fields of the recipients. This process may take some time due to the weather and climate conditions in the Peruvian Altiplano.
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Provide training and support: After the kits are installed, we will provide training and support to the families and communities to ensure that they are able to use the kits effectively. This will include teaching them about irrigation technology and smart irrigation practices.
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Monitor and evaluate the project: Throughout the implementation of the project, we will monitor and evaluate its progress to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on the lives of the families and communities involved.
Due to the challenges posed by the weather and climate conditions in the Peruvian Altiplano, the installation of the irrigation kits may take longer than expected. However, we are committed to completing the project as efficiently as possible, and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure its success.
REFLECTION
Through my involvement in the Project Horizons irrigation project, I have been able to connect with and serve the Peruvian community in a meaningful way. This experience has allowed me to grow personally and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by impoverished families in rural areas.
One of the CAS learning outcomes that I have been able to fulfill through this project is "personal and cultural expression." For example, by working with local organizations and communities, I have been able to learn about their culture and traditions, and express my own values and beliefs through the work we do. I have also been able to develop my communication skills by collaborating with others and explaining the benefits of the irrigation kits to the families we serve.
Another CAS learning outcome that I have been able to fulfill is "social and civic responsibility." By providing families with the means to grow more food and generate income, I have been able to help address a critical need in their communities. This work has also allowed me to contribute to the sustainable development of these communities, as the drip irrigation kits promote more efficient and environmentally friendly use of water and other resources.
Finally, the Project Horizons project has allowed me to fulfill the CAS learning outcome of "reflection." For instance, through this experience, I have been able to reflect on my own values and beliefs, and how they align with the goals of the project. I have also been able to reflect on the impact of our work and think about ways to improve and expand the project in the future.
In addition to fulfilling CAS learning outcomes, this project has also been important for my personal growth. For example, by working with others and serving the community, I have been able to develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion. I have also learned more about the challenges faced by impoverished families and the importance of giving back to the community.
The irrigation kits we provided have had a significant impact on the lives of the families we served. For instance, the kits have allowed them to save up to 60% of their water compared to non-drip irrigation, and increase crop output by 60 to 90%. This has not only helped combat iron deficiency in children, but also created a new source of income for families by allowing them to sell excess food.
Overall, my involvement in the Project Horizons irrigation project has been a valuable and rewarding experience. It has allowed me to connect with and serve the Peruvian community, fulfill CAS learning outcomes, and grow personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project and to make a positive impact in the lives of others.