Juan Moises used to be one of the naysayers in the community. Convinced they were a waste of time, he wasn’t interested in participating in FH meetings, despite being encouraged by local leaders to attend. Seeing his leadership potential, however, they persisted and eventually won him over. Community leaders even asked Juan to become president of the Community Development Council.
By that point, he was ready to accept the challenge to serve his community.
Today, he thinks much differently than when FH first arrived in his community. “I always wanted someone to help me strengthen my knowledge and responsibility,” he shares. “But, as a parent, sometimes one only thinks about personal things and the community is forgotten.
Thanks to FH for having the initiative to give us new knowledge. As community leaders, we are sometimes unaware of the role that we play. We have a responsibility to serve people in the community.”
Before the COVID-19 lockdown, Juan actively participated in leadership workshops scheduled by the FH facilitator. He comments that he has seen the importance of attending the meetings and managing a solution for the community’s needs. “The work of FH has not been in vain, I can say that I am a result of that great effort,” says Juan. In lieu of meetings, FH staff have remained in contact with local leaders via phone calls and messaging.
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| Juan is a leader who “gets it”. As a father, small plot farmer, and labourer, his every-day understanding has helped him become a strong leader. |
While it was challenging in the beginning, Juan is now convinced his community must have a leader who thinks about development and achieving the community’s vision. He also understands change is a process. “Ideas are not in vain,” Juan explains. “they are very important and have had results in the community. I am very grateful to FH. It is not easy to assume this responsibility as there are people who are negative, but I will fight for the benefit of my people.”
