Phase 1 in Gales Point, Belize complete!

Last week the FFC Farm Team returned home upon the successful completion of Phase 1 of our mission in Gales Point, Belize!

In collaboration with the Gales Point Village Council and with the help of eager villagers, we renovated space in the Gales Point Community Center to serve as the permanent living quarters for the Farm Manager.

Phase 2 of this exciting project is the installation of a 1,000 square foot Aquaponic greenhouse which will provide job opportunities and a much-needed healthy food source for the village.

Now is a critical time to invest in the lives of the people of Gales Point. Over the past two decades, the village has faced a rapid decline in overall health and a significant increase in diabetes, theft, vandalism, and the exploitation and abuse of women and children. We're dedicated to seeing this change for good. Thanks to the funds raised during last summer’s #fliesforfarms initiative as well as a financial gift from Alongsiders Church in Portland, OR, the pieces are finally coming together to bring lasting hope to a community mobilizing to overcome poverty.

Despite the tragic decline of this village, the great potential of Gales Point is evident. Providing an Aquaponics Farm could just be the tip of the iceberg in creating an incredible pathway of hope and healing. Steeped in rich African culture, the village has many cherished traditions that yield incredible potential for livelihood through tourism. Storytelling, culinary arts, and a unique ceremonial drum rhythm called “Sambai” name a few of these traditions. The beauty of their heritage deserves to be seen and preserved and they want to share it with us!

On our last night in the village community members graciously invited us to a Sambai ritual dance. Below is a clip of the fun and enlightening experience we all shared. As the people of Gales Point take pride in their heritage they hope to perform the Sambai and other cultural traditions for many more groups in the future. Furthermore, the unique location of the village provides a multitude of opportunities for manatee watching, kayaking, snorkeling, as well as some incredible tarpon fishing. As development continues in this coastal region, we hope to support the community in creating a tourism industry that showcases their cultural traditions and sustainably engages with local ecology.

We look forward to continue sharing updates with you, our beloved FFC community, who makes this work possible! If you would like to donate to this project or any other projects on the horizon, you can make your tax-deductible donation here.