Cuban Family Giving Children a 'Vision of Eden'

The Cuban government lost its major patron when the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s. Ordinary Cubans began to suffer shortages of food and other supplies for their homes. 

When the Soviet subsidies ended, many Cuban families began planting their own vegetable gardens to keep food on the table.

One Christian family in Havana named their plot, "Vision Eden." They didn't know their garden would eventually impact school children and parents throughout the neighborhood.

Project Eden

The Fernandez family actually started their garden 50 years ago, choosing an unlikely spot.

"Project Eden began as the family recovered areas of the community that were being contaminated, areas that normally were natural streams, that were contaminated with waste water," community garden leader Miguel Angel Fernandez explained.

The Fernandezes grew and shared their fruit and vegetables for 30 years before the crisis hit.  That's when the Cuban government designated their garden as an official community project. 

The garden eventually became more than a source of food. Children from local schools began coming to Project Eden to learn about conservation, science, and health.

"Miguel's project is unusual because of the work with the environment," social worker Tania Sarda explained. "Also their relationship with special schools, especially schools for children with behavioral issues." 

And after visiting Project Eden, children often take their lessons back home. 

"They grow, and they take what they learn here to their own homes. 'Mom, don't smoke because that makes you sick' - this is a very good project for the children," primary school teacher Yamileidi Morris said.

"It creates good habits here, at home, at school, with their schoolmates," she continued. "It complements the activities the children have in school."

A Higher Calling

As a Christian family, the Fernandezes have posted scripture verses, and they make sure that there's always a connection between Project Eden and their church.

They believe their calling is not only to make better citizens but to draw people closer to God.

And most neighbors would agree that after five decades as a source of good food and good teaching, Project Eden has made their Havana neighborhood a better place to live.