This is Cato from Chiapas, Mexico. Thank you for your effort. You guys are right. For a few months, I did a lot of internet research, and decided that all that was really needed was an opportunity to get dirty. Since a couple of months, I am leading a crew of four workers in a give and take learning experience. We are building a health clinic in a poor peasant rural community in Chiapas. I do not get paid, but the people at the López-Hernández community provide me with food and a place to sleep. I must give credit to the project called “The Rocket and the Rabbit Hole”. I borrowed the basic layout, and did major changes on the design. Progress is slow but the quality is good. (People do not show up for work, since they have many other issues to attend to.) Things are almost done. It is looking good. We have spent about 27,000 pesos (about $2,300.00 US) for a three room, 50 square meter (538 sq. ft.) useful area of construction. This does not include labor. [Ed.: That’s $4.28 US.]
I have the goal to create an initiative to address the need for affordable housing in Chiapas. I am working to build a blog and will send you the photos and other things when ready.
[Ed.: Note how all the earthbags are laid nearly perfectly. The walls are straight, plumb and level with good running bond. This from a first time earthbag builder. Good job, Cato! Note the door forming technique. Instead of building one large form, they use a small form that’s gradually raised on blocks to save materials. This looks good enough for a Project page. Watch for more good things from Cato.]