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Features / Archive
16 September, 2009 16:11:48 | in society
Constructing the Future of Peru
by
Anikó Kraft
Photos: Courtesy of Un Techo Para Mi País
If you want to see a typical bottom-up non-governmental youth organization, Un Techo Para Mi País is definitely what you have been looking for.
"The experience was incredible. You get to see a reality totally different than what you have. It really made me appreciate what I have," commented Kendra Woods, a 17 year-old volunteer who participated in the August project of building 15 modular houses in San Juan de Miraflores. She was joined by 74 other students.
When asked whether she would participate in the future, Kendra's answer was a definite yes. "You give a family much more than a house, you also give them a sense of pride, and this is a great step for them. I would love to keep on helping, even with the smallest things."
Volunteers work together with the beneficiary families (who have to pay 10% of the building costs) to build houses in 2-3 days. Volunteers also have to contribute S/. 25 to cover their transport and lodging costs.
It is very nice, you might think, that these enthusiastic students build emergency houses, but there are more complex problems in Peruvian society that need addressing. Yes there are, and “Un Techo” is ready with the answer: social empowerment projects. "These projects are an integral answer to the community's problems," explains Calado Bryce.
Between August and December this year, Un Techo Para Mi País Perú is planning to build up to 250 houses, submit 170 micro credits, organize 17 "work tables" and implement education and health care projects in 8 different communities. "We need a lot of volunteers. Our aims are always very ambitious, so we are always short of volunteers," adds Calado Bryce when asked whether they ever encountered problems gathering volunteers.
Having involved already more than 6000 volunteers, “Un Techo” is also trying to involve companies with their work. "Nowadays, many companies are keener to form mid and long-term relationships," explains Calado Bryce, giving the example of Pacifico Seguros, who has been working with the organization for two consecutive years.
Un Techo Para Mi País Perú receives 90% of its funds from the private sector, but they are trying to diversify their income sources, involving regional funds (shared by 6 countries) offered by the Inter-American Development Bank.
Starting out as a local initiative in Chile, Un Techo Para Mi País became a full-fledged, international, energy-driven tool of change, focusing on the future and the people who will shape it: our youth.
Anikó Kraft
Photos: Courtesy of Un Techo Para Mi País
If you want to see a typical bottom-up non-governmental youth organization, Un Techo Para Mi País is definitely what you have been looking for. Founded in Chile in 1997 by a group of university students, Un Techo Para Mi País grew to become an international organization which is now present in 15 Latin American countries, amongst them Peru as well.
Want to know more about what they are doing? Read on!
August's buzzword for students between 18 and 25 years definitely was been "Un Techo." This buzzword is not disconnected with the fact that many people would have liked to participate in their constructing projects – because this is what Un Techo Para Mi País does. They organize construction projects for emergency houses to be built for those in need by high school and university students.
"The experience was incredible. You get to see a reality totally different than what you have. It really made me appreciate what I have," commented Kendra Woods, a 17 year-old volunteer who participated in the August project of building 15 modular houses in San Juan de Miraflores. She was joined by 74 other students. When asked whether she would participate in the future, Kendra's answer was a definite yes. "You give a family much more than a house, you also give them a sense of pride, and this is a great step for them. I would love to keep on helping, even with the smallest things."
Volunteers work together with the beneficiary families (who have to pay 10% of the building costs) to build houses in 2-3 days. Volunteers also have to contribute S/. 25 to cover their transport and lodging costs.
"In these last years, we had more than 6000 volunteers involved with our projects and built 2980 houses," boasts Álvaro Calado Bryce, social director of the organization. "I think that students in Peru feel that they need to lead the change and they feel responsible. Fortunately, we can provide them the tools they need in order to make things different," he continues.
It is very nice, you might think, that these enthusiastic students build emergency houses, but there are more complex problems in Peruvian society that need addressing. Yes there are, and “Un Techo” is ready with the answer: social empowerment projects. "These projects are an integral answer to the community's problems," explains Calado Bryce. When it comes to social empowerment, Un Techo has a variety of programs to offer. Education and health are key elements of these projects, which are complemented very well with others that enable employment: micro-financing and training of basic skills. As community involvement is crucial, “Un Techo” designed "work tables" where community members, together with volunteers, discuss possible solutions to prevailing problems.
Between August and December this year, Un Techo Para Mi País Perú is planning to build up to 250 houses, submit 170 micro credits, organize 17 "work tables" and implement education and health care projects in 8 different communities. "We need a lot of volunteers. Our aims are always very ambitious, so we are always short of volunteers," adds Calado Bryce when asked whether they ever encountered problems gathering volunteers.
Having involved already more than 6000 volunteers, “Un Techo” is also trying to involve companies with their work. "Nowadays, many companies are keener to form mid and long-term relationships," explains Calado Bryce, giving the example of Pacifico Seguros, who has been working with the organization for two consecutive years. Un Techo Para Mi País Perú receives 90% of its funds from the private sector, but they are trying to diversify their income sources, involving regional funds (shared by 6 countries) offered by the Inter-American Development Bank.
Starting out as a local initiative in Chile, Un Techo Para Mi País became a full-fledged, international, energy-driven tool of change, focusing on the future and the people who will shape it: our youth.
4 Comments
# Robert Vargas Macedo says :
23 September, 2009 [ 03:01 ]
25 September, 2009 [ 08:53 ]
25 September, 2009 [ 10:37 ]
29 September, 2009 [ 12:21 ]
# Robert Vargas Macedo says :
23 September, 2009 [ 03:01 ]
# Kathia Obert says :This is the best news I have read in long time, we are finally helping the needy families.!!!! I've worked in construction while in the US (just got back a couple of years ago) and I would appreciate it very much if you could give me some information on how to contact Mr. Alvaro Calado. I am no longer a student but I would certainly like to join the "Un Techo Para mi País" project as a volunteer.
25 September, 2009 [ 08:53 ]
I don't live in Peru but I was born there. Everytime I visit, I can see how many people remain poor, without proper housing. That just makes me feel so sad, with the contrast of all the rich homes on the other side. I am really happy that some good samaritan noticed and took action! good for him, and all the new ones that joined the cause. Thanks to their action, things are rolling and some will see their dreams come true, with a HOME!# Maria Rodriguez says :
25 September, 2009 [ 10:37 ]
You can check out http://www.untechoparamipais.org.pe to find out more about Techo and to see how you can get involved! Having been a part of Techo, I highly recommend the experience...# Anikó Kraft says :
29 September, 2009 [ 12:21 ]
Dear Robert,
I am sure Un Techo would appreciate your help. These are their contact details from the website:
La Oficina
Francisco del Castillo 573, Miraflores
(altura de la cuadra 11 de la Av. 28 de Julio)
Teléfono: 255-7358
Informes: peru@untechoparamipais.org
I recommend you to ask for María Pía Lanfranco, she is the Manager for resources. You can write her at: planfranco(at)untechoparamipais(dot)org
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