TIJUANA.- This coming February 7th, from 10 am to 1 pm, around one-hundred volunteers will participate at the second BORDOFARMS intervention. BORDOFARMS is a project that aims to help the large population of displaced deportees in Tijuana with the creation of jobs via self-sustaining agriculture.
Currently, after less than a month since its launch, BORDOFARMS continues to operate on the upper banks of the Tijuana River thanks to the commitment of a group of 85 volunteers and 10 deportees who work on a daily basis to care for the urban farm and the project as a whole.
Organized by the Global Shapers Tijuana Hub, Colectivo Transición Tijuana/ Tijuana Calidad de Vida AC and ESTUDIO, the collective nature of this project continues to be of utmost importance as the groups continue to establish alliances with various business groups, private companies, international organizations, and civil groups.
The project has generated extraordinary interest, and has surpassed expectations set for this first pilot phase of the project. In line with the "pilot" nature of the project, the groups have been receptive to constructive criticism and have demonstrated that the project is viable, as demonstrated by the fact that the thirty cultivation beds originally installed are still in perfect condition and continue to be cared for on a permanent basis. Legal aid and psychologists have also been involved in the project to integrally work with the deportees. Day by day, the participation of the binational community has increased with both in-kind donations and funds donated via an online platform.
The groups are preparing to start the next phase of the project which consists in reaching out to the government to ensure the continuity of the project. To this end, the groups are currently meeting with authorities and are commencing the legal process required to formalize BORDOFARMS.
Currently, roundtable discussions with authorities of the federal water commission are ongoing to obtain permits for BORDOFARMS, with the next meeting taking place in Mexicali on February 12 at 4pm.
During the past weeks, BORDOFARMS has evolved into a social incubator providing temporary employment opportunities in the urban farm, health services, basic needs, psychological support, and job search assistance. One of the biggest successes up until now has been the appropriation of the project by the first group of 10 deportees- the direct beneficiaries- who have undergone a transition of empowerment, gaining a sense of dignity and purpose in the process. In spite of the difficult conditions that they live in and work in, the group has managed to work together toward personal goals and group goals.
"We are here to be free", said Jorge Ramirez.
Miguel Angel de Ita states that each day he sees more residents visit the project and offer to help, whether it be via donations and basic supplies, or to lend a helping hand.
Those interested in participating are invited to the second intervention taking place today starting at 10am. BORDOFARMS is located on the upper banks of the Tijuana river. The area is accessible via the pedestrian stairway located in the parking lot of Plaza Rio behind DAX. For more information, visit their website to find out more ways you can help.
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