Juana Chamorro on her transformation from housewife to farmer.
Los Planes, Guatemala
Juana Chamorro and her husband Crino live in Los Planes with 3 of their 8 children. In 2023, when she began workshops in ViviendasLeon’s training program, she demonstrated a capacity for leadership, collaboration and responsibility among her 20 cohort members.
In early 2024 when the farm project began, it came at a crucial time for Doña Juanita. After the tragic loss of her son and daughter-in-law in a motorcycle accident, she faced a profound sense of loss and despair.
The work in her garden, with support from her husband and children, gave her a sense of purpose. Through her dedication, she has transformed her land into a source of hope and pride, producing vegetables that nourish her family and symbolize her resilience.
Juana Chamorro:
My name is Juana Chamorro. I am a housewife. One day a woman came to ask me if I wanted to be part of a group where we were going to receive training. I told her that I wasn’t sure and I would consider it…
I told my husband and he told me that if I wanted to go, I should go and then decide. I explained that it was once a week and asked if he would give me permission, and he was ok with that.
As I attended the classes, my thoughts changed. I received a lot of training, I was consistent in attending and I had the support of my husband. I was very happy and continued forward…
Today I have a garden and I am very happy. Not only me, my family too and now I sell the produce. I am already hoping to expand the garden. In my hothouse I have tomatoes and chili peppers. Outside in the open field I have broccoli, chard, cabbage, lettuce, radish, carrot and onion…
You can read more about the Los Planes and Paxub’ communities in the stories below.
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