Featured Grantee: José Ramon

by | Jan 22, 2013 | Archive

by Mark Morrison
As a physical therapist, José Ramon Gonzales had always been interested in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle including fresh garden vegetables.  After several years as a physical therapist, he grew empty inside and began contemplating what inspired him.  Recalling two trips to South America for the purpose of volunteering for poor communities, he realized his life passion.  He returned to school earning a Masters in International Development and a Minor in Non Governmental Organizations.  His friend, Jesus, has been building pre-schools for poor Islamic communities in India and asked José to visit.

José arrived in Ahmedabad October 2011 and began searching for a way to serve that inspired him.  He soon coupled his farming background, growing up in Burgos, Spain, with the need for fresh vegetables in the poor Islamic communities.  The Kitchen Garden was born January 2012 and has since established 10 community gardens with 30 more planned this Spring.  It is known as Shayog Wadi in Hindi meaning Community Garden. Most are built at homes, two are in schools and he is in conversation to establish 80 gardens in Islamic community centers around India.

He is overwhelmed by the power of a simple garden as it has given communities not only a sustainable source of healthy food, but exercise, community building, independence from the profit based food centers and the Light of Hope.  He has seen it break down the conflicting walls of identity bridging the gap to equanimity dissolving long held cultural beliefs as the common ground shows we are all equal when we dig in the dirt.

José’s vision and dream is to eliminate malnutrition and turn the economic system upright where people are at the center cultivating a beautiful garden of vegetables and love.

To learn more about this project, read our grant announcement.

 

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"Sowing Change: Conversations about Seed Grant Impact," is designed to shed light on the transformative work of our grantees, made possible through the support of TPP's seed grants. 

In our first episode, our Natasha Reilly-Moynihan meets Tracy Glover of @sweetpeepsmicrosanctuary, a haven for chickens rescued from animal agriculture. Tracy shares the transformative journey of these sentient beings from being seen as mere food to recognized as unique individuals with their own stories. 

This series aims to showcase the ripple effect of TPP's seed grants through powerful narratives of change and compassion. Tune in to be inspired and to see the world from a new, hopeful perspective.

Watch it now and let us know iff you like it 🧡👇
Please, meet Maida Šabeta-Lemajić , our Heartivist of the Week!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document from 1948, marked a pivotal moment for humanity by acknowledging inherent rights for all individuals, regardless of origin or circumstance. However, while humans have seen progress in safeguarding their rights, the same cannot be said for other inhabitants of the planet. Maida Šabeta-Lemajić, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, is tirelessly working alongside the Global Animal Law GAL Association to extend universal protection to all sentient beings.

Born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maida's journey into animal advocacy began during her college years when she discovered the pervasive issue of animal cruelty. Since then, she has been instrumental in shaping animal protection laws in her country, leading to significant reforms such as banning animals in circuses and curtailing animal experimentation.

Maida's dedication to animal welfare has taken her to various organizations, including PETA Germany and Cruelty Free International. However, it is her involvement with the Global Animal Law GAL Association that has allowed her to pursue her dream of enacting global animal protection laws. Under the leadership of figures like Dr. h.c. Antoine F. Goetschel, the association is working towards establishing the United Nations Convention on Animal Health and Protection (UNCAHP), a monumental initiative aimed at legally safeguarding animals worldwide. 

Maida and her team are spearheading efforts to raise awareness and garner support for the UNCAHP through initiatives like video production and outreach campaigns. With support from organizations like The Pollination Project, they aim to amplify their message and build a global coalition for animal rights. 

Read the interview on our website [https://thepollinationproject.org] 

@global_animal_law_gal
#Animalrights #animalprotection #animallaw #animalactivism #animalwelfare #AnimalHealth #HumanHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #OneHealth
🌱 Introducing the Healthy Hands Initiative (HHI) 🌱

Born from fieldwork in Jharkhand, #India, the HHI saw a need for sustainable water solutions. With a $1,000 grant from the Pollination Project, HHI is installing Afridev hand pumps in Siyaljori village, ensuring year-round access to clean water. Through community feedback surveys and long-term maintenance plans, HHI aims to break the cycle of poverty and disease, one drop at a time. 

@hhinitiative
#WorldWaterDay #waterforall #humanrights