An Unexpected Leader
Liliana has lived in the community of La Florida for more than 20 years. Although she didn’t initially intend to, she has become a community leader. Her work as a farmer, her deep sense of belonging and her commitment to the common good in her community have led her to become actively involved in all of the program activities. Over time, Liliana has become not just a participant, but an example for her neighbors.
Through training with local partner Sembrandopaz on topics like agroecology, healthy food production, creation of home gardens, transitory nurseries, and environmental restoration of the tropical dry forest, Liliana has gained valuable technical and ancestral knowledge, and has integrated it into her daily life, while continuing to grow as a leader and promoting collective development.
She has played a key role in encouraging the members of her community to attend meetings and workshops that promote organizational strengthening, the empowerment of women, the demand for rights and care for the environment. Liliana recognized that her community was the only one in the municipality that didn’t have their own formal organization in place, independent of other external organizations. She is now leading efforts to create a Community Action Board. Having the board in place will give the community the opportunity to manage projects and access institutional resources so they can improve their living conditions.
This story is just one example of the transformation that can occur when rural women receive support, training and accompaniment. Liliana’s story not only represents a change in herself, but also in her entire community, which is now beginning to walk steadily towards self-management, care for their surroundings and a better future for generations to come.
Colombia Sincelejo Montes de Maria Program
Led by Mennonite Central Committee and local partner Sembrandopaz