For over 13 years, Carmen has been involved in the CIERIC–ERCCI (Exchange and Reference Centre for Community Initiatives), a Cuban partner of FdH. She was trained as an economist but has developed a passion for community development, exemplified by her life’s work. As she is smiling, she shares her experience with us, displaying both pedagogy and enthusiasm.

Carmen, what is your background? 

Of course, they are rural. My parents grew up in small villages, in which values of human solidarity are systematically present, where the most basic things are essential, where nature is taken advantage of, but taken care of; where, above all, every one knows how vital nature is for the survival of the community. My parents and grandparents worked hard and were not educated. But they gave me the precious knowledge which I now put into practice and which has become useful in both my professinal and personal life.  

Tell us about your story, about your struggles.

I studied mathematics and cybernetics, and then worked in that field for a few years before starting economics. It was the latter speciality which led me to the CIERIC-ERCCI, through which I discovered my vocation for social work. Today I am deeply moved by human miseries, which create injustice, exacerbate inequalities and engender conflicts. I am shocked by the powerful countries that are thoughtlessly causing massive environmental degradation and ruining life for many people.  I want to fight against the selfishness and opportunism of human beings

How did you come to work in the non-profit field?  

	Carmen Monteagudo, a member of CIERIC. © CIERIC.

In the early nineties, a friend of mine created what was to become the CIERIC. In a context of economic crisis in the country, she asked me to take part in the promotion of the noble ideas she wanted to defend. I first took care of the association’s finances, after which my vocation for research on social compromises developed. From then, I started building projects in partnership with other community groups: I went along with them in their strategies of development and training, so as to allow them to meet their goals and improve their quality of life. 

For several years you were involved, through the CIERIC, in the project of renovation of PMH [1]. Will you please tell us about this experience?

To begin with, the experience frightened me, because the task was really important and actually included many people and institutions. But we got involved and proposed a structure in charge of running the project with the help of specialists.  They, themselves, got involved in the project and we then created work groups. Today we have the satisfaction of seeing that the propositions have been implemented and are developing. 

What projects are you working on now?  

At the moment I am coordinating the programme of sustainable initiatives promoted by the CIERIC, a programme which allows putting into practice long-lasting community socio-cultural projects. Today, the traditions and customs of the rural communities in which I work have disappeared. Ways of life and production methods have changed, and this, given the economic crisis in our country, greatly underlines all the deficiencies.Therefore, we are looking for other production methods, so that the communities can be self-sustaining and create a new raison d’être. Seeing an increase in the life expectancy of the groups with whom I work makes me happy. 

What is your wish for the future? 

I wish to see my children grow up in a better and more just world. I want them to be able, like me, to see the huge disparities that exist in the world, and thus to become women and men who will strive for social justice.