
The second day of the C4C program in Quiltepec took place on Sunday June 8. It was rewarding to see the participants return with as much or more enthusiasm. Two girls had to race to be on time, coming from a function at their school, their mother came later to sit and talk with us, she wanted us to know how much they were enjoying the program, and how they were running to get there as soon as possible!
Working in informal communities can often be catch them if you can! Members have so many challenges to life, and Quiltepec is no stranger to this. So you know that you are doing something right if they come back! They are however, fiercely proud of the paradise that they live in, and many of the participants photos showed just that, the beauty of Quiltepec. Quiltepec is nesteled high above the south end of Mexico City, the community members have an astounding array of gardens, plants, trees and flowers, along with an equally large assortment of animals: sheep, cows, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, and chickens.
But the heart of this community lies in the way they live, work and support each other together. This is the familiar way in Mexico, values are deep for family and community, you make things happen together. So apparent in the way our workshop came together, we needed a tarp up, and electricity, we asked Silvia one the community leaders, and of course it happened!
We are so fortunate to be welcomed into this incredible community, this place of beauty! Thank you to all who are making this happen from the participants, the community leaders (especially Silvia, Maura and Elena) our ground partners (IRRI, Sistema Biobolsa, Isla Urbana, ConcentrArte) and our partners Nikon Canada, Fluevog Shoes, and Porticus! Un Buen Dia!
Thea Grivakes distributes a file to each of the students with their photos from the first day! Always exciting.
Elena looking at her portrait and shots that she took on day 1.

Lalo, Maura, a community member and Guillermo pose for a shot.
Lily reviews and gives tips from a prepared slideshow.

Students chose themes to work from for the day
Off they go to shoot!


Reviewing and editing work with the students

The end of the day group shot!!
Nely and Carlos, two of the young adults that attended – both very talented!
Silvia brought some beautiful flowers to us to take home.
Maria, Rachel, Lily and Thea

Rachel with Silvia, a strong community leader and pretty great photographer too!
Lily says goodbye to Silvia, we form such strong bonds working in these places.