Executive Director of ADESJO
Before we look at each of the departments and the projects that they facilitate, we must first introduce you to the head-honcho here at ADESJO, Mr. José Francisco Aguasvivas - or as we know him, Chicho. As the Executive Director of ADESJO, Chicho oversees all projects carried out by each department. He works very hard to make sure that all runs smooth in all aspects of our daily functions, ensuring that each task at hand is completed properly and efficiently. Chicho is an extremely hard worker and is greatly admired by his ADESJO family!
Department of Infrastructure
Meet Anjolo, the head of the Department of Infrastructure. Along with his team Anjolo works hard promoting innovative infrastructure projects in Ocoa's rural communities. ADESJO promotes the basic right of every family to live in a safe and secure home with access to the basic essential necessities for survival. To meet these essential needs, ADESJO is carrying out projects constructing and repairing houses, rural schools and community centers, clinics, latrines, aquaducts, and roads. Solar panels and hydroelectric facilities provide clean energy to homes and rural clinics. Fog collection techniques are also used to provide clean water. Furthermore, rural TV and computer centers have also been established.
Department of Natural Resources
This is Jose Del Carmen Cabrera, but we all call him Alexis. He the head of the Department of Natural Resources. Alexis and his team in the Natural Resources Department deal with serious environmental problems that are affecting the renewable natural resources found here in Ocoa. This department has implemented a number of development programs in our rural communities to help perserve our natural environments. For example, with the agreement that benefitted landowners must lend up to 50% of their land to non-landowners, mini- and macro-sprinkler systems have been put in place in several communities to provide proper irrigation to farmers' land. Other projects that have been implemented include: reforestation, coffee and fruit tree plantations, soil conservation, greenhouses, fish farming, distribution of farm animals and apiaries.
Department of Education
Maria is the head of the Department of Education here at ADESJO. Through this department, ADESJO has organized 84 Community Councils made up of both men and women. There was a very strong gender division in the area at the time the councils were created. ADESJO's goal was to have women and men come together and join the council, promoting the redefinition of relations between men and women, ultimately empowering more women to become leaders in their own community. Moreover, since 1994, boys and girls in rural areas have been learning about the environment, natural resources, health and nutrition, and Christian education through educational summer camps held in the rural communities. An adult literacy program is also benefiting thousands of people in rural zones. The Department of Education is also providing other educational opportunities and informing local, national and international audiences about the activities carried out by ADESJO and its communities.
Department of General Services
Our General Services Department is run by Benny. His job can be a rather difficult one at times. Benny is in charge of ADESJO's fleet of vehicles and chauffeurs and knowing where each one is at any point in time. WIth the number of projects we have going on, along with the groups we see in a month, Benny works hard to make sure matierals and people are transported safely and on time! ADESJO is also enhancing access to the most remote communities in the province and surrounding areas by using heavy vehicles and other machinery. The General Services Department supports all areas of the institution and provides services to all of the Community Councils in accordance with the plans that have been set.
Department of Health
Dr. Gonzalez heads up our Department of Health here at ADESJO, while also working at a local clinic here in Ocoa. He has been a health professional for 7 years and is very passionate about educating the people of Ocoa on properly living out healthy lives. ADESJO is helping improve the health of the population by providing greater access to, and improving the quality of, health services in full recognition that health is an integral part of development. The Department of Health and rural communities coordinate with the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance in executing a Primary and Preventative Health Care Program, as well as the distribution of medication. The department also supports rural clinics and help equip and repair healthcare infrastructure in the province.
