Sponsor's update from Callao, Peru

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Callao, Peru from Winter 2008.

Dear sponsors!

Best regards to you and your family! We have many things we want to share with you about the activities carried out this year by the children and their families, for instance the visits to the ‘Jurassic World’, the Winnie the Pooh Circus, the National Circus of Cuba, and the Training Ship of the Argentinian Navy.

Our SOS Children's Village is already sheltering 108 children and youths. A 6 month-old baby joined one of the families. His SOS siblings and mom were very excited about his arrival and prepared a warm welcome for him. He is the youngest and therefore the most spoiled family member at home. We continue to strengthen the family bonds between the children and their biological families. The number of visits has increased and now they are more interested in their children's development.

After seven years, the life of one of the girls changed: a biological aunt of hers was identified in March this year, when she was already thinking she had no relatives. One day her mother's sister came to the children's village accompanied by her husband and told us she had been looking for the girl for a long, long time. The meeting was very touching, and the expectations of aunt and niece were far exceeded. Now, her relatives use to visit her regularly and the girl looks forward to these visits.

A local company donated a play module. They also fixed and painted the ones of our playground, while the children enjoyed games, competitions, artistic performances, and dances. We started the celebration of the 59th anniversary of SOS Children in coordination with the Family Strengthening Programme, with a big Mass followed by artistic performances. Later on that day we all shared a delicious cup of hot chocolate and cake prepared by the SOS moms, getting ready for a surprise: a wonderful fireworks display launched from the sports field. On Children's Day students of a local university visited us and offered the children a nice show with famous cartoon characters. Of course candies and nice gifts were also distributed.

This year the SOS Artistic Festival took place in Huancayo. Children and youths coming from all Children's Villages throughout the country had the opportunity to march in a colorful parade around the main square of the city and to show their talent for singing and dancing performing typical Peruvian dances and songs. We presented a ‘Vals Limeño’ and although we did not win the first prize, we lived the nice experience of seeing our friends again. An amazing city tour was also included in the programme.

A group of young people from the children's village took part in the program ‘Enterprising Youths’ sponsored by the group Junior Achievement for a period of 5 months. Aim of the programme is to provide participants with business basic knowledge and skills which should help them be prepared for a successful insertion into the work market. Theoretical and practical workshops were held, and for the closing ceremony an interesting ‘Exposales Fair’ took place, where they could sell self-manufactured products.

Children and youths in ages between 8 and 17 took part - together with children from similar organisations supporting the development of Peruvian childhood - in the National Assembly of CONADENNA (National Committee for Children and Adolescent Rights). They gathered to make their voice heard in topics related to Education in Peru.

Words are never enough to express our gratitude for your support during these months. We give you and your family our kindest regards and wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yours faithfully,
Gustavo Tupayachi Guevara
Director - SOS Children's Village Callao