Different Is Not Always Worse

March 26, 2008

For our time here in Monte Carmelo we are staying in a women’s cooperative called MONCAR, today was the first time that we were told how this co-op came about and what part it plays in this community. Its signifacince in the community of Monte Carmelo surprised me. It surprised me that what started out as a few women producing pasta sauces from there homes could grow into one of the most influential parts of this community. MONCAR’ s pasta sauces are only a fraction of the things that this co-op represents to it’s community. Fro an example, MONCAR is striving to create equality between men and women in the town they have done this by showing the community that not only has a group of all women created a co-op but the co-op they have created is a very successful one. MONCAR is also housing the high school for Monte Carmelo in the second floor of their building. After hearing the things that MONCAR represents to the people in Monte Carmelo I realized that this co-op is a very good example of empowerment. Just as Winta felt empowered by seeing the thriving business that the women at Ocho de Marzo have created, women are empowered by the feeling of equality they get from the power MONCAR has, children are empowered by the things that they learn in the space MONCAR has provided and I felt empowered by hearing about a group of women who built a successful, thriving and powerful business from the ground up.
MONCAR’ s story reminded me that we as people from a very different place we have many things to learn from Venezuela. It is essential as a traveler to remind your self that difference is not always worse and that in every new place there is a lesson to grow from. For an example, a place my not have luxuries such as running water but that doesn’t mean that the place can’t teach you something of great importance.

- Natalie