“[We] are working with the Chilean Institute of Permaculture, the network of EcoVillages, and professionals in Applied Permaculture to create and lead a transformative learning community.” — Javiera Carrion
WASI Delegate: Chile
Javiera Carrion is an agronomist and a graduate of the Master of Science in Integrative Design Program at Gaia University. She now lives and works with her family community in Cabrero, Chile where, as an Ecological Integrative Design Specialist, she is responsible for educational and networking coordination, design and management of projects, documentation, mentoring, consulting and teaching ecological and social regeneration classes at Ecoescuela El Manzano. Javiera Carrión is part of a network of women leaders and activists in Chile who are working with the Chilean Institute of Permaculture, the network of EcoVillages, and professionals in Applied Permaculture to create and lead a transformative learning community. At Ecoescuela, Javiera is involved in creating transformative learning experiences that will aid in local level transitions to become a more holistic society.
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WASI Delegate: Chile
Carolina Heidke Adriasola, an Environmental Engineer, is a native of the city of el Sol, Quilpué, Chile, and has been living in El Manzano with her family for 5 years. After a brief tour of South America researching projects of ecovillages and demonstration centers working on sustainability, she returned to Chile and participated in the Permaculture Design certification course in 2008. She is part of the founding team of the Ecoescuela El Manzano and has worked actively in coordination, communications and public relations of the organization. She participates in sustainability and permaculture education at the Ecoescuela El Manzano. She coordinates two projects for the Ministry of the Environment in Villa El Manzano, to generate local resilience. With a deep social awareness, Carolina has formed part of the directive of two community organizations such as El Manzano Youth Group and El Manzano Neighbor’s Committee. She has also been part of activating the transition process of Villa El Manzano, the first Latin American initiative of Pueblos en Transición, in which she has taken a key role in the dynamics and facilitation of heterogeneous social groups. A lover of herbal medicine, Carolina has developed a deep knowledge of their properties and uses for the preparation of cosmetic products.
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How is El Manzano’s work related to WASI’s mission?
Started in 2007, EcoEscuela El Manzano is a research and development center for best practices in sustainable living that include energy, water, food, construction, orchards and forests. We work work to strengthen the local community by by providing sustainable production and service strategies for the local market. El Manzano’s mission is to cultivate communities of learning, and hereby create networks of highly trained consultants and teachers who can support the development and implementation of sustainable living initiatives to build local resilience. Our educational programs equip students with the theory and practice necessary to make the transition to sustainable living.
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How will your participation in WASI will benefit you and your community?
Being a part of WASI provides us an excellent avenue for strengthening the functional network of women working for strategic and necessary change. Currently, El Manzano is beginning construction of an educational campus, the first stage of which includes a kitchen and communal dining hall which will host educational activities and events. The next stage includes the design and building of a classroom, cabins, bedrooms, and sanitary facilities. This campus is to serve as an educational center providing the platform for social change by capacitating participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement sustainable practices in resource use, construction, and building vibrant, resilient communities. Looking toward the future, we are currently working to establish sustainable living centers throughout Chile and Latin America.
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Get Involved!
Chile Delegation WASI Builder Program
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Support
To support Javiera’s fundraising efforts to get to Patagonia and back, please click here.
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Find Out More…
To learn more about Ecoescuela and the organization El Manzano, please visit elmanzano.org
