ATELIER ATREVETE

WHAT IS IT?

The Atelier is a center for women who have lived through domestic abuse and are now trying to get back on their feet Its goals are to support each other and to make money thus gaining financial independence that is needed to fight the patriarchy Moreover, the workshop centers around an idea that cannot easily be found in capitalist countries: popular solidarity economy

Education

Education plays a fundamental role within this project. These women have delivered workshops on domestic violence and how to battle it in every municipality of Havana They utilize education as a form of preventative care as they aim to limit cases of abuse by educating the younger population.

Popular Solidarity Economy

A popular or solidarity economy is a “business” that stems from people who work to benefit the collective community People pay what they can, and if they cannot afford the services, payment isn't necessary. If someone in the community is in trouble, the community will help them This popular economy, though it has the word “economy” in it which is often associated with money, seems to be much more axed on collaboration and unity. That is a very powerful ideal, as it portrays that an alternative system is possible. - Sophia

WHAT IS IT?

Vivero Alamar is an organic farm or organopónico located in the Alamar municipality of Havana. They use natural fertilizers to grow crops, grease up coloured plaques that attract bugs and make them stick, use natural fungicides like lime, grow plant repellents such as marigold and oregano that emit unpleasant smells for insects, nurture healthy compost, etc

Role In The Community

We discussed the population’s response regarding the sudden shift in agricultural practices of the 1990s caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The guide told us about the current crisis that strongly affected the food safety net of Cuba. He described Vivero Alamar’s role in the food chain in which they provide as much as possible directly to the population Moreover, this organopónico’s objective is also to provide produce in line with the community’s needs. For example, one year they grew more iron-rich foods such as spinach for the maternity center nearby that required it