For years, Diego has been the kind of leader who is concerned with solving community problems, which is why he fought so hard to get FH programming accepted in Xonca. He is especially passionate about working on Disaster Risk Reduction. Diego has also partnered with FH as a volunteer agricultural promoter and helps other families take care of their orchards. As a result of all this work, Diego has seen firsthand how FH activities help his community change for the better. “The communication and coordination [among leaders] has improved,” explains Diego. “In the past, it was difficult for us to meet to address the problems of our community; most of the leaders had personal interests and political conflicts. Now, thanks to God, it is different. We all know what our community needs and work together.”
In addition to seeing communal improvements, Diego has also experienced a personal transformation. “FH has contributed to a special change in my life. Before, I did not used to go to church much nor did I help my family; now we all go to church and I help my family. In the past my wife got sick and the elders of the community church helped us and showed us love, and that helped me to change my way of thinking,” says Diego.
Diego also comments that FH has helped him learn about malnutrition and how it can affect the growth of his children. He mentions how the “brothers in Canada” are helping with this issue by supporting the community to build a new health centre. His future dreams include seeing better access to water provided in the community and developing a local market where farmers can sell their produce and families can access healthy, affordable food without either party having to travel to neighbouring towns.
Help people like Diego get a leg up in life by providing them with opportunities for growth. A gift of chickens, seeds, or business opportunities may be just what a family needs to rise out of poverty.