Chapter Profiles GlobeMed at Penn State University
Who We Are
Founded in 2005, GlobeMed at Penn State University works with ACUDESBAL in El Salvador. Together, we work to improve the health of three communities in the Bajo Lempa area with a focus on self-sustaining agriculture and child development through improved nutrition.
Our Partner - ACUDESBAL: La Asociación Intercomunal de Comunidades Unidas para el Desarrollo Económico y Social del Bajo Lempa
GlobeMed at Penn State is partnered with ACUDESBAL (Intercommunal Association of Communities United for Social and Economic Development of Bajo Lempa), a grassroots organization working with 29 communities in Bajo Lempa, El Salvador. ACUDESBAL was formed in 1998 on the idea that the strength of a community working together is the way to achieve social, economic, political, and environmental justice; all of which are an important part of Bajo Lempa’s history of civil war and devastating natural disasters.
ACUDESBAL focuses on five strategic areas: institutional strengthening, food sovereignty, infrastructure and legalization of land, health and environment, recreation and sports culture. They work with communities to help plan and implement realistic and sustainable solutions. With the majority of the nearly 9,000 people in Bajo Lempa living in poverty, ACUDESBAL plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of the Bajo Lempa population.
Our Project - $5,000 for a Community Garden to Improve the Diet of Children in Bajo Lempa and ensure food sovereignty.
GlobeMed at Penn State aims to raise $5,000 in the 2011-2012 school year for ACUDESBAL’s community nutrition project. Agricultural practices in Bajo Lempa are currently focused on exports like sugar cane, so nutritious and locally grown food for the community is a significant problem. Childcare centers currently cannot afford an adequate amount of nutritious food and many of the children are malnourished.
The project will involve the implementation of community gardens to grow various fruits and vegetables that will be the food source for three childcare centers. The gardens will provide work for local farmers and nutritious meals for the children along with an education component on nutrition. Together, GlobeMed at Penn State and ACUDESBAL are working to create a healthy and sustainable community within Bajo Lempa, El Salvador.
GlobeMed at Penn State will also be hosting Penn State’s fifth annual Global Health Conference: "Cultivating Connections" on March 23rd & 24, 2012. Learn more and register here.
Contact
pennstate@globemed.org
Partnered With
ACUDESBAL
Bajo Lempa, El Salvador
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