Azul Wasi - Donation request

As you will know, from the previous blog entries, I am currently in Cuzco, Peru volunteering at an orphanage for young boys. Whilst I'm here, as well as giving my time, Petra (who I am volunteering with) and myself would like to contribute something tangible to the orphanage. Without the funds to make a huge difference alone, we are looking for donations, big or small, to purchase some much needed clothes, equipment and resources.
 
To put you in the picture, I'd like to give you a little bit of the history:
 
The orphanage Azul Wasi (which means Blue House in Spanish and Quechua), was founded by Alcides and his wife Mabel. Alcides is a policeman working for the family unit. His job involves helping families to resolve issues and stay together, as well as looking out for those without families, or whose family units have broken down. He has been working in this role for the past 25 years. Approximately 10 years ago, Alcides realised that there was a need for a place for boys without families. Over the past 10 years, he has built up a secure home for a group of boys who consider him a father, and Mabel a mother. Before the children were at this orphanage they were working in the fields or begging on the street. Now they have a home and regular schooling. When the children arrived at the orphanage they suffered from mental neglect, if not abuse, and seemed out of control. Since arriving at the orphange, each boy has improved beyond measure and all are now polite, respectful and receiving excellent grades in school. They are also very obviously happy.

Alcides

 
One of the original boys, Washington, arrived at the orphanage when it was first founded. He had to leave his family at the age of eight because his mother couldn't look after him as well as his six younger siblings. At first he was living with an uncle where he was made to labour in the fields but, after running away a few times, his uncle decided that he couldn't handle him anymore. This is where Alcides stepped in and offered him a place in the new orphanage. Washington has grown into a stable young man, who will himself be a father soon. Alcides has helped him to re-establish a good relationship with his birth family and, although he has now left the orphanage, he is often there helping with the manual labour.
 

The orphanage relies solely on donations and receives no government funding. Alcides and Mabel often have to pay for things for the boys out of their own pocket. This happens much more regularly than it should.

The current dormitories were built very quickly and on a low budget, due to the urgent need for accommodation, so they are now working on building new, well-insulated dormitories for the boys. Because of climate change, the nights here are much colder than they used to be, so insulation is of great importance. Tom is working with the orphanage to help them build sustainable accommodation, making use of solar power and other renewable energy sources. This will help cut down on the current utility bills.

In the meantime, it is important that the boys are able to eat well and have warm clothes, this is where you come in! We spoke to Alcides and asked him what we could do to help. The cook currently works in a very basic kitchen and they are aiming to improve the facilities. We are looking to raise money to fund the purchase of some more functional kitchen equipment, such as sharp knives and chopping boards, but what they really need is an oven. As well as this, the boys are greatly in need of new clothes, shoes and mattresses. The list of needs is never ending.

We'd be really grateful for any donation you feel that you could make towards this important cause. Even if it is only a little, every pound will make a difference. Any money we have left over, we will hand over to Alcides to put towards the cost of the new dormitories.  


Due to time constraints, we need to receive donations by 10th August, as we want to be able to buy the equipment and clothing ourselves (our last day at the orphanage is August 12th). Any donations received after this date will be forwarded directly to the orphanage account.

If you would like to make a donation, please email me and I'll forward the relevant bank details. When I am back from Peru, I will email everyone who has donated with a full report on how the money was spent, and more photos of the boys.

Please send this information to anyone else you feel would like to help.

Many thanks in advance,

Beth, Petra, and the boys from Azul Wasi.


October 10th 2011
If you would still like to donate money to Azul Wasi, you can send money to me, and I will forward it to Alicdes, alternatively you can donate through LAFF - Latin American Foundation for the Future
Please note that LAFF supports a number of different projects for street children so any money donated will be spread across these projects.