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The Impact of MEDLIFE Greenhouses in Cusco: An Interview with the Coordinator of Development of Pisac

 

We had the opportunity to interview Lino Huaman, Coordinator of Development in the Municipality of Pisac, from the Chahuaitiri community in Pisac, Cusco. During our conversation, he told us how climate change has caused Andean communities to be directly affected by frost and drought. Since the crops in these areas are very vulnerable to these climate problems, at least 95% have been affected.

The death of crops due to climate change has generated shortages and even caused the deaths of many animals due to lack of grazing. Families were facing a very big problem in which a lowered amount of crops and animals were causing a lack of income and even health problems such as anemia in children. Despite all this, the municipality did not want to help and prioritized other projects.

This is why MEDLIFE built Greenhouses in the Chahuaitire community. As Lino tells us, the project has been a salvation for the community, improving nutrition and the local economy. Now, local agriculture is protected from the outside weather and insects. The crops are now clean and healthy and it is even possible to work with organic fertilizers, which was not possible before. In addition, it has helped to reduce water consumption, since pressurized micro-sprinklers are used inside the Greenhouses.

Various vegetables are planted in these crops such as potatoes, ulluco, broad beans, chards, onions, spinach, coriander, lettuce, radish, carrots, etc. The Greenhouses have saved all of these by being protected from the outside climate. Initially, MEDLIFE built 26 Greenhouses. Today, the municipality has opened its eyes to the benefits these greenhouses bring to the community, and now 80 replicas have been made.

The residents are very grateful because this project has contributed enormously to the development and well-being of the community. Lino, on behalf of his community, greatly appreciates the support and invites young people to continue joining MEDLIFE’s volunteer trips “I recommend everyone to come because it is hopeful and a relief for the community to have the support of volunteers from MEDLIFE. We thank you for the spirit of helping, here you will always have a brother who will receive you with open arms”.

You too can make a difference in Cusco!

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Hear it From MEDLIFErs

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Reya Seby
Western University

This trip motivated me more to pursue a career in the healthcare field so that I can use my resources to help those who need it the most, similar to MEDLIFE’s mission.

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Victoria DiCanio
University of Connecticut

It was most enjoyable to finish the hard work and see how big a difference a group of individuals can make. It was such an amazing experience.

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Anita Woo
University of Toronto

I enjoyed the mobile clinics the most, especially the dental and triage portions. I would definitely recommend a MEDLIFE trip, it was a great experience.

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David Saff
Maclay High School

The most enjoyable part of my trip was hanging out with the amazing group of kids I was with. I would highly recommend a MEDLIFE volunteer trip to others.

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Sydney Sansone
Nova Southeastern University

This trip made everything that I was learning in my public health courses come to life and immersed me in a new culture while also learning about medicine.

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Abygail Youmans
College of Charleston

Being involved with MEDLIFE is not like joining another club - its bigger than that. It is about joining a movement that seeks to help change people’s quality of life for forever.

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Emi Hofmann
University of Central Florida

Not only was I able to participate in a week long Mobile Clinic, shadowing doctors of all types of specialties including pharmacy, dentistry, gynecology, and more, but I was also able to learn about the culture and visit incredible places.

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Julian Takagi-Stewart
University of Toronto

One thing that I really loved about this trip was that MEDLIFE made sure that the volunteers got an understanding of the complexity of issues that lead to underprivileged people in communities outside of the main city

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Hannah Van Hofwegen
University of Ottawa

Whether it was basketball with the local kids, assisting the doctors, talking with families, building washrooms, holding babies, or spending time with the people who were on the SLT with me, this was an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again.

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Isabelle Holt
Cornell University

I loved learning about the patients MEDLIFE has followed and how they offer real help to people with chronic/urgent conditions. It is amazing how the organization formed real connections with the communities.

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Valerie Lindeborg
Parent

Our family had the privilege of participating in multiple trips with Nick [founder] and his amazing staff. Their expertise made the trips unforgettable while instilling in my boys the fundamentals of good character: selflessness, compassion, and empathy.

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Harry Vildibill
University of Georgia

As an aspiring physician, MEDLIFE motivated me to further continue my goal of becoming a doctor. In fact, I enjoyed the Tanzania Service Learning Trip so much that I decided to go on another trip to Cusco, Peru.