About The Project
Essential Healing Plants
Plants are selected based on their regional suitability and natural supportive properties. The guidance focuses on holistic support rather than clinical terms:
Plant
Moringa
Oregano
Basil
Chamomile
Aloe vera
Mint
Ginger
Milenrama
Primary Supportive Properties
Natural source of vitality and nutrition.
Supports clear breathing and internal cleansing.
Aids digestive comfort.
Relaxing influence and supports digestive ease.
Soothing for the skin.
Supports digestive comfort.
Strengthens
Supports internal warmth and organ vitality.
Maintaining the Gardens
Key steps ensure the long-term success and vitality of the gardens:
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Prepare the land (clean and mark the space).
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Create planting beds using recycled materials.
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Improve the soil with homemade compost.
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Plant and label each plant with its supportive use.
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Organize community shifts for regular watering and care.
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Educate the community through workshops on the mindful application of the plants.
How the Initiative Works
Visiting missionaries and the support team will build the initial herb gardens and cover the costs of construction materials during the 2026 Cuba mission. A critical component is the training provided to pastors and community members on sustainable cultivation and the application of herbal knowledge.
To ensure true self-sufficiency, we prioritize sourcing seeds locally whenever possible, with the assistance of the Cuban people. This commitment ensures a sustainable supply of natural resources for long-term improvement in community well-being.
Timeline for Resource Preparation
The preparation for the 2026 mission is structured to ensure all materials are durable and ready for transport:
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November, 2025: First Review of educational booklets and project progress.
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December, 2025: Finalization of details on medicinal herb usage within the guides.
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January, 2026: Final revisions and approval before printing.
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January 2026: Purchase of necessary initial seeds.
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January 2026: Printing and preparation of durable educational booklets.
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January, 2026: Final Review to ensure all materials are ready for transport.
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During the 2026 Cuba mission: Transport and establishment of gardens, and training workshops for community members.
Project Goals
Establish Living Resources: Plant a thriving medicinal herb garden in every community the mission team visits.
Provide Essential Guidance: Deliver an informative booklet to each pastor during the 2026 Cuba mission, equipping them with fundamental knowledge about natural remedies and support methods.
Plan of Action: Building Sustainable Gardens
The gardens are designed to be integrated into the community landscape, using resourceful, low-cost materials to maximize sustainability and local engagement.
Ideal Location Principles
The garden will be set up in an easily accessible location, promoting shared usage:
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A free communal space.
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Vacant land near schools or community centers.
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House yards that can serve as models to encourage wider participation.
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Areas near water sources to facilitate natural irrigation.
Materials and Resources
The commitment to sustainability means utilizing recycled and low-cost materials:
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Pallets or recycled wood for creating raised beds.
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Cut plastic bottles, cans, old tires, or jute sacks for containers and pots.
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Animal manure and organic waste for composting and natural soil enrichment.
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Ash and eggshells to further improve soil vitality.
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Rainwater stored in barrels or containers for efficient irrigation.
Plan of Action: Preserving Knowledge
To ensure the wellness knowledge is accessible and durable, multiple preservation strategies are employed.
Digital and Oral Preservation
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Digital Backup: A simple PDF version will be stored on USB drives or community computers. QR codes linking to an online version will be printed on sturdy signs in the garden.
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Community Groups: Scanned pages or voice notes explaining practices will be shared via WhatsApp groups.
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Community Memory: Elders are encouraged to share plant knowledge through oral tradition and storytelling.
Durable Printed Materials
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Lamination: Key pages, focusing on guidance and plant benefits, will be laminated for durability.
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Visible Information: Essential information will be posted on walls near the garden using posters or murals for constant visibility.
Project Sustainability and Impact
The project is designed to provide sustainable, natural healthcare solutions to Cuban communities by 2026, improving self-reliance and access to alternatives.
Garden Self-Sufficiency
Seed Replenishment: Communities will be trained in seed-saving techniques to ensure self-sufficiency each season.
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Drought Preparedness: Training includes water conservation techniques, such as collecting rainwater in barrels, using mulch to retain moisture, and creating shaded areas.
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Troubleshooting: If a garden struggles, backup seeds will be provided, and successful gardens will be encouraged to share knowledge and support with those needing help.
Community Engagement
Community involvement is paramount: families will be encouraged to gather materials (recycled plastic bottles, old tires, wooden pallets) and take care of designated sections, ensuring local engagement and minimizing overall costs.
Financial Commitment
The total estimated cost for materials, construction, and educational resources is $2,600. This budget includes $500 for durable educational materials, $1,800 for garden construction (seeds, soil, irrigation), and a $300 contingency fund. Funding is expected to be covered by missionary donations and external grants.
Cultivating Community Resilience: A Natural Wellness Initiative for Cuba
This initiative outlines a holistic project focused on empowering Cuban communities with sustainable, locally grown resources for everyday well-being, fostering a culture of self-reliance and mutual care.
Overview: The Power of Local Resources
This project is founded on the belief that access to natural support should be universal. The initiative involves establishing permanent medicinal herb gardens directly within communities and distributing expert-validated educational guides on how to use these plants for personal and communal support. By making natural remedies locally available and providing practical knowledge, our goal is to improve access to wellness alternatives in underserved areas.
Due to limited access to conventional medical treatments, providing sustainable, natural healthcare resources is essential. By equipping individuals with knowledge and the means to cultivate their own remedies, we empower them to care for their health over the long term.