When Changes for New Hope was first created in 2009, I was told that I had a very steep unhill climb ahead of me. It turned out to be quite an understatement. The challenges ranged from a language barrier to a university professor and his students attempting to "cash in on the unsuspecting gringo". A diamond is formed when a lump of coal is subjected to extreme heat and pressure over time. I saw this project as such a diamond forming. Tenacity and dedication with a clear focus of the project would get us moving in the right direction. I could not do it alone.
The arrival of some dedicated volunteers made it possible to take our first few steps. Locally we had Charlie, William, Fabrizi, Lerner and a few short time helpers. Internationally, some wonderful people unplugged their comfortable lives from around the globe to join us here in the 3rd world Peruvian Andes to help these children. Bex and Chris, Berglind, Hannes, and Katherine just to name a few. Each one brought a new element to the project to the delight and appreciation of the children. I can not thank them enough.
Initially, I funded the new project with my own life savings. Unless your last name is Gates or Buffet, there is an expiration date on your bank statement. Without the compassionate donations coming from people who believed in our project, it was going to be a very short ride. The local community that saw our project in action was kind enough to donate clothing that was too expensive to have shipped in. We found a store that discounted shoes for us. Anti-parasite medicine was donated by Juan. Vitamins for children came from Australia, Canada, the United States and England from some beautiful people. Financial contributions came to us as well from some wonderful folks, some who had visited us and decided that this was how they wanted to continue to help the children. There is no such thing as a small donation. $5 tucked into an envelope and sent to us will feed a child lunch for days. In the United States it is a coffee and a morning newspaper. I have written many times the words,"Compassion without action is like a picnic without food." To see people make sacrifices in their own budgets to help these children is a very moving experience for me. Funds sent buy school materials, food materials the children do not get at home, shoes, which last only a year due to the rains of summer that turn shoes to rags. Donations also buy teaching materials for the project where creative art talents are developed, academics are taught and self development skills take shape.
We finally got the break we needed so much. Julian Lennon, son of the late John Lennon, has a charitable interest, The White Feather Foundation. This foundation has agreed to support our project financially and give us the international publicity that will move us to our pending "tipping point" which will take the project viral. We are no longer an NGO tucked away in the obscurity of the Peruvian Andes. Several hundred new people read about us, many have asked how they could help and offered to volunteer with us in the future. We are still a long way off from the success I have pictured for the children.
We have been asked to expand our project into neighboring towns. We have been asked to bring our essay writing contest to other schools throughout Ancash. We have been asked to open a comedor in Secsapampa to feed the neglected elderly. We are growing specialized crops to curb malnutrition. We are developing lighting projects that will allow children to study after sunset. It will all take much more funding than we currently have, but I am optimistic that our future expansion will be met by the compassion, love and partnership of those who believe in what we are doing and realize that without you, it just can't happen.
In 2009, we were initially viewed by the community as "Oh great! Another NGO here to save the world!" Now we hear quite a different expression,"Changes for New Hope! Thank you for what you are doing for our people." One of those voices was that of the mayor of Huaraz, Vladimir Meza. I recently received a very warm compliment from a friend saying, "You are a beloved figure here in Huaraz now, feel at home." Our project has expanded throughout Huaraz with our Haz lo Correcto-Do the Right Thing" campaign, designed to raise awareness that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
I am confident that 2012 will be the "Year it all comes together" and expands into directions that only a few years ago we merely dreamed would happen one day. Our stumblingblocks of 2010 have become steppingstones of 2011. Standing on top of those steppingstones, we now can see what 2012 will be for us.
I consider everyone who has made this project a success, no matter to what degree, part of the team. I thank you, appreciate you and hope you will always be a part of the development of these children and consider them yours as well.
Siempre,
Jim Killon
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Below is a listing of the accomplishments that our volunteers' dedication and your loving support has made possible just in this year:
* Interviews and articles with e-publications including You-The Movement, Its One Humanity, Humanityy.com, Volunteer Match, The Omprakash Foundation, The White Feather Foundation, EmprendeSocial and ExpatPeru and Living in Peru.
* The Second Annual Huaraz Benefit Chess Tournament
* Haz lo Correcto-Do the Right Thing campaign, a city-wide project
* Established a relationship with the United States Embassy in Lima to promote English classes in Huaraz with greater proficiency
* Established a relationship with the Wees Kind Foundation that will partner with CNH in an effort to grow specialized crops to curb malnutrition
* Established a relationship with DECIDH which helps local projects with logistics and support
* Established a relationship with the mayor of Huaraz who financed the "Haz lo Correcto" materials (6000 pieces) that were posted throughout Huaraz
* Julian Lennon's White Feather Foundation now partners with CNH
* Local musical talent Richard Colonia now flies "Haz lo Correcto" banner on his stage at every concert in support of the campaign. The message "Respect everyone and respect yourselves"
* The "Tribute to John Lennon" benefit concert and fiesta
* Securing anti-parasite medication for children
* D-Concept Productions has agreed to make a film about Changes for New Hope
* Established free dental checkups for the children
* Established free psychological assistance to families in crisis
* Created the first of its kind essay writing contest in a local institute to promote the theme of "Haz lo Correcto-Do the Right Thing"
* Introduced 'Brain Gym' to the children to develop learning concepts with the assistance of Dr. Danaan O'Leahery, a local trauma psychologist.
* The sponsorship of several local businesses offering assistance, use of their facilities and expertise.
"Satisfaction is for those who are finished dreaming, done creating, and developing what could possibly be. 2012, here we come!"