The adventure to date has been incredible. While we managed to jump through a few extra hoops and dodge a few extra obstacles, we never lost sight of the goals that we had established early on. The issues were numerous and complex.
Nutrition and hygiene issues were one of our first targets. Education, building self esteem, values and creative thinking were next. Every child needed decent clothing, shoes, school supplies, and a deep sense that we were there for their long term benefit and development. Building confidence took time.
So many people, not just here in Peru, want to see results immediately, admittedly, I was one of those impatient people. We should be able to step off a plane in Lima, arrive in the Andes a day later, unpack and take out our Harry Potter magic wand and give it a wave. Here is what you need, thank you for your attention and off we go to collect our humanitarian awards. On a larger scale, countries like the United States, airdrop shipments of food and medical supplies into 3rd world countries, send billions of dollars in aid and are frustrated at the minimal results. "They need it, we sent it so what's the problem?" The answer is simple, "It isn't Harry Potter magic." There are some delicate issues that need to be addressed before money or supplies can be effectively used. Building a relationship and trust among the people is imperative. They will use what you give them with respect and appreciation, not wasting it and not selling it for beer, if you are there as a permanent presence, expect results and monitor the distribution. Otherwise it is like finding a wallet on the sidewalk with $1000 in it. Windfall! Splurge, party time for everybody! Too much too soon creates debility, laziness, a beggar mentality. Counter productive.
We needed to build a trust/bond relationship among the children and their families. We had to manage our resources wisely. We had to establish our credibility not only among the people of the Andes but out into the international community that we were asking to help us with materials, volunteers and donations. We have had some wonderfully compassionate people step up to the challenges we face. We have also been ignored by some who feel our project with children just isn't worth the time and postage to mail in the equivalent cost of a MacDonald's Happy Meal. Either way, we are grateful that they at least gave us a listen.
We also had to become creative with what materials we had. Every sheet of blank paper was gold. Every crayon, pencil, eraser and bottle of children's vitamins, box of Play Doh and ball was gold as well. Nothing goes to waste. We made our own flash cards for learning games. We wrote numbers in egg cartons and tossed stones into it, added up the numbers for math games. For ten Soles (about $4USD) we bought a length of plastic sheeting in tube form and made a tunnel for the children to run through. We required every child to attend classes regularly, show development and be consistent in their progress. We learned how to do a lot with a little bit. When more children joined our groups, we needed a lot more little bits. We also needed more boots on the ground in the form of volunteers. Money doesn't buy compassion, hope or love for the children, only human arms can hug them. But it is those step by step advancements that got us to where we are today. With materials coming to us from Toronto (Thanks Richard!), postcards from around the world with messages of hope, and the success of our new book, A Gringo in Peru-A Story of Compassion in Action, we hope to be able to do as much as our hearts and hands can possibly accomplish.
Every step we took was earned, nothing fell into our laps. There is no Harry Potter magic wand to wave. This is why we cherish every member of our team who has joined us, either from where they are in the world, sending us messages and materials, or visiting us here in Peru to give us hands on help. The progress of the children, which we have now seen over our four plus years here, is amazing. Little thieves have become honest children, who consider taking what isn't theirs unthinkable. Children who were mediocre and apathetic in every aspect of their lives are now motivated and eager to see what should happen next. Happy children, breaking out of depression and despair find solutions to their challenges and believe that the best is due them. School grades are up, living conditions are better, cleanliness is a priority now. Children's vitamins, thermal blankets and proper fitting shoes have eliminated health issues.
If you think that $5 in an envelope is a waste of a stamp, guess again. If you think a postcard sent with a message encouraging children to be their best is a waste, guess again. If you think that a box of crayons and a coloring book will sit on a shelf for weeks, guess again. If I take out a pack of tissues I have ten little hands in my face asking for one. Everything is appreciated, nothing goes to waste and nothing is Harry Potter magic. Join our team, make a difference, today. Feel great about yourself in a whole new way.
Siempre,
Jim Killon