In 1987 they began a campaign to transform a dump that was in the middle of the shantytown adjacent to a primary school, into a park. As we arrive to Flor's small wooden home where the fish-fry is being held, I see Valeria, Ivan, Mariela, Quika, Sonia and the others. They are preparing the cabbage salad and are setting the table. Sonia is already frying the fish. They tell me that they were up until 1 AM cleaning fish.
Some neighbors start arriving for the dinner.
Sonia is a single mother with four children. For years she was beaten by her husband until she got the courage and support to separate from him. EPES and the health team have been with her throughout the whole process. They are all proud of her and are happy that she can have this opportunity to go to Brazil. They have been organizing activities all month to raise money for her trip.