Letter from Argentina

Monday, 12 October 2009

We have spent some time saving our reserves for a major effort to renovate or rebuild Civil Los Honeros.  The enormous fundraising effort this year will enable us to complete the renovation and to provide some new furniture and badly needed whitegoods.  Once the building are secure we can move forward with our objective of delivering vocational education.

Photos and video of the renovations can be viewed here.

How we deliver funds to the intended recipients is always a question on people's lips.  We have been very fortunate in this regard, with the support and help of our own travelling Tango community and our local committee, Mercedes and Hernan Domoni.  Our success in this regard is mainly a result of remaining hands-on in delivering services.

Committee member Judy gaunt is in Buenos Aires and visiting Honeros.  Here is her recent letter describing the conditions and progress of the renovations.

From: Judy Gaunt
Date: 29 September 2009 8:00:09 AM
To: John Lowry
Subject: from buenos aires

Hi John and Cheryl
I met with Hernan  and Mercedes yesterday and they took me out to Los Honeros. I took some pesos so that we could pay the builders. Both Hernan and Mercedes were excited by what they saw. Some new walls have been built and some electric wiring has been done and a light installed. Everyone was so excited to show them the light switching on and off. Hernan was happy with what he saw. Those children love those two like crazy. I was adopted as well because I was with Hernan and Mercedes.
 
It was amazing, exciting and a little sad. The children and Elisa showed us each of their rooms. We were led by hand through the whole place. Elisa is so obviously loved by those children.  She is a good woman, it is so easy to see.
 
Mercedes took a lot of photos and videos. She took a video of Elisa speaking to the people of Oz. Her gratitude is grand. It gives her a sense that someone in the world cares.
 
I spoke to Hernan and Mercedes about some of the ideas that we had discussed in Australia as we were driving out to visit. The ideas of a computers, English classes and people to volunteer their services. I asked Hernan to ask them what they wanted.
 
After we were proudly shown through the house Hernan asked Elisa and company, friends and interested parties about things. They think that the idea of a computer for learning is fantastic. But they also think  it is fantastic after immediate needs are met.   Elisa spoke of the need for furniture, including wardrobes.  There are 10  children with nowhere to put things and yet the place is incredibly clean and tidy. (Even the teenage girl had her room tidy for the visitors.)   We spoke of the idea to get second hand clothes to them from families of Buenos Aires and that was received well. I will see if over the course of three months we can get that organised. Hernan and Mercedes would bring things for them. The house needs doonas and sheets for the beds.
 
After seeing the house and what they don't have it is evident that the immediate needs must be uppermost for a little while longer. The future should not be ignored, but secure warm living conditions are at the top of the list.  When the house is built and furnished and the daily needs are met then it would be the time to add computers to assist the learning into the house.
 
Mercedes asked the teenage boys if they would like to have english classes with me and both of them were eager for that. We don't know how that will happen yet but I also have an invitation to return from Elisa and so we will organise something for then, or I will investigate a  remis. Also these things must happen around the fabric of life, the children go to school and Elisa is busy loving them all and providing for them as best she can.
 
I asked Hernan how does the washing get done and he told me that the original washing machine has broken down and now they have none.  The house actually needs two washing machines, I said.   He said that they may be able to get the machine fixed or buy a new one from government grant. I suggested to Hernan to buy another one. I told him I would write about it to you. If the government comes to the party then they will have what they need, two machines.  I also suggested that they buy a big stove. She is cooking for 12 or 14 every day on a stove that is from the dark ages.  They say that they needed other things before a good stove but really they need things that will last well into the future so that the work may continue to be done for the children.
 
There is a need for chairs so that everyone may sit down. They need dining furniture. This is not as urgent as the need for a working washing machine but is something that will make life more pleasant when the building is done.
 
Did you know that Elisa also has a little house at the back which is used as emergency accommodation for families in crisis? It is a short term help for those in need. She is an amazing woman.
 
Muchos besitos y abrasos de chicos de los honeros
Big hugs from me too
Judy

Breaking news:  Today Jude & Mercedes purchased a good (commercial) washing machine and stove for the Honeros kitchen.  We have previously renovated the kitchen and fitted a small commercial oven and hot water.  this will effectively complete the kitchen, very much the heart of this house.