REGIONAL GOOD PRACTICE AWARD 2007

 Learning in Lima & the Women's Initiative

This award was for a project we have been involved with since 2005 when one of our members, Sylva von Bomsdorff, told us of her work in a slum area of Lima.  Living conditions are very basic and petty thieving and poor safety factors are a feature of this area.  Many children have no access to education (for which the parents have to pay) and there is a lack of employment for women especially those with children.

Sylva has been able to start a school and SI Bristol, with support from Rotary Club of Bristol and from SI Croydon, have helped with money to buy books, computers, sewing machine and other equipment which have been sent out courtesy of the RAF when they have space. A women's group has started - making and selling chocolates as well as having classes on nutrition, childcare and finance management.

Current position (briefly):
About 30 children are enrolled, and the school building is expanding upward to accommodate a crèche, library, computer corner, etc. The roof has become a safe playground.
Breakfast and milk are provided for the children. With help from the mothers they go on outings - to a farm, to the fun fair - and celebrate occasions like Mother's Day and Father's Day with games, dancing and, most importantly, good food.

SOME PICTURES TO HELP THE WORDS:-

It's a pretty desolate scene in front of the the school (on the left).

The building work continues ever upward

Ready for an outing with ever-watchful mums

I am enjoying this - really I am

Putting on a show

Entertaining the neighbourhood as well as mum and dad

go to home page