Community Outreach Association of IICA expresses gratitude to CATIE and presents recognition to the General Director

• During the pandemic, the association collaborated in supplying fresh products to needy areas, both in Coronado and Turrialba, in a joint effort with the CATIE food bank.

February 5, 2024. Distinguished representatives of the Community Outreach Association of IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) visited CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) to express their gratitude to the General Director, Muhammad Ibrahim, for the support provided over the past years.

Amanda Fernández Otero, the association's president, shared details about the fruitful relationship they have maintained with CATIE, especially during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. "We always had a very good dialogue with the General Director of CATIE, which intensified socially during COVID and was reflected in the humanitarian aid we were able to provide at that time," stated Fernández Otero.

During the pandemic, the association collaborated in supplying fresh products to needy areas, both in Coronado and Turrialba, utilizing the CATIE's harvested food bank and the willingness of both General Directors. This act of solidarity marked the beginning of a closer collaboration, leading to joint projects such as "IICA Open Doors."

A notable example was the tree restoration in Coronado, where a forest was established in five regions, accompanied by an innovative educational unit called "The Educational Bubble," which uses Minecraft technology to raise awareness among children about environmental responsibility.

Accompanying the president were Mónica Rodríguez, Irlay Molina Rocha, and María Antonieta Barrientos.

Gratitude

The main purpose of the visit was to express gratitude to Muhammad Ibrahim for the constant support provided to the association, even after the conclusion of the original project that benefited households in San José and Turrialba.

The association's president emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration in places with maximum need, where food security is not fully guaranteed. Regarding future projects, Fernández Otero expressed her desire to continue the dialogue.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a recognition to the General Director in appreciation of his commitment and unwavering support for the joint social and community work.

Muhammad Ibrahim thanked for the gesture and highlighted the importance of the collaborative work of both administrations in critical moments when the population needed it. “We achieve our goals by working and reaching agreements together. That's how we move forward, maintaining that trust in work, and that's why I am very grateful to you and to the IICA Director, Manuel Otero,” he said.

The director mentioned that he has witnessed the association's work, and their goal has been the communities. “Together with you, we have achieved greater social integration in the Coronado and Turrialba communities, which is very valuable for the institutions that inhabit these places,” he concluded.