Meeting Adelante

February 27, 2008

First Asamblea Visit
La Ceiba, Atlantida

My first personal experience with Adelante was a couple of weeks ago when I was able to visit to a couple ‘Asambleas’ with several members of the Board of Directors who were visiting from the United States. I had recently accepted a short term position with the Fundación Adelante to document some of the experiences of participants’ in the organization’s micro-credit program. I have been living in La Ceiba, Atlantida, for 6 months, working for an environmental NGO and my contract was about to expire. Eager to stay in La Ceiba for a few more months, and to learn from and experience the work of an active and wide-spread organization, I jumped at the opportunity to work for the Fundación Adelante.

Our visit to the Asambleas began early in the morning, following a rocky and bumpy gravel road for a couple hours. The directors, who were in town for a bi-annual meeting, were incredibly friendly, and the drive was spent chatting and sharing stories and experiences. The first Asamblea was held in a small local church; by the time we arrived, the room was filled with women who welcomed us with smiles and kisses. At the second Asamblea, which a short drive away down another bumpy road, and was held outside one of the participants’ homes, we received the same warm reception. An Asamblea is a bi-monthly meeting of about 25-30 women who are involved in Fundación Adelante’s micro-credit program. I was struck immediately by the enthusiasm the women showed for their relationship and commitment to Adelante, as well as to the work that a loan from Adelante has supported in their lives. I was also impressed with the organized and efficient way that the meeting was conducted; each meeting began with an ice-breaker, followed by an informative talk, and then the administrative tasks were taken care of, as all groups ensured their loan payments were completed.

One of the things I found most interesting during the day, was the chance to see and experience different components of Fundación Adelante interacting with each other and working together. The board members focus their energy on the administrative and organizational issues, as well as on the vision and direction of the organization; their interest and passion for Adelante’s mandate and participants was palpable. The local women attending the Asambleas, whose efforts Adelante is supporting with micro-credit, are the grass-roots and the reason for the organization’s existence. I also met some of the staff of Adelante - the two staff educators who led the informative discussions at the Asambleas bubbled with commitment, encouragement and motivation.

The day was a fascinating and excellent introduction to Adelante, and left me excited and motivated about learning more about this organization. I officially begin my position next week, and I will continue sharing my reflections, experiences, and learning on this blog throughout my time with the Fundación Adelante.