This week involved testing the efficacy and sustainability of the solutions we have ideated to ameliorate the growing proportion of children with anaemia. Directly, this involved understanding children's propensity to consume new fruits and vegetables introduced into their nutritional plan. Whilst on paper, particular foods rich in iron would logically tackle the physiological deficiencies the community faces, I realised the efficacy of such a solution is far more nuanced.  In many circumstances, the food provisions we prepared would be distributed to their extended family with children usually failing to prioritise their health foremost. Interacting weekly with the children of Canta Gallo, understanding their family's socioeconomic history, their psychological state of being and how their culture is strongly interwoven into the types of food they consume allowed us to develop the sensitivity necessary to realise the discrepancy between paper and practice.  

Enlightened by these practical observations, indirect solutions have been the focal point of our project this week. Systemic factors which have exacerbated the dire financial situation the community face mean creating a sustainable stream of income will allow the direct solutions we have devised be more impactful.  We have been negotiating a formal relationship between the hostel franchise we are residing at and the Shipibo Konibo community with the hopes that demand for the community artisanal apparel will yield more funding to purchase foodstuff: hopefully, this will mitigate the growing trend of children with anaemia. This process has presented itself with complications which extend beyond the formalities necessary of establishing a business relationship. Empathy has, I've found, been a crucial skill necessary in comforting the mothers that this endeavour, grander than their usual selling practices, will not dilute the cultural and historical significance of their production process. Ensuring a genuine connection is formed with the artists of the community has helped us and them maintain the integrity of their apparel steeped cultural and historical significance, that which was itself the germ for why such products were created in the first place - fostering a sense of community