CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS • LATIN AMERICAN … · went to Cajamarquilla, a neighbour...

LATAMS E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

A MAN OF PRESENCE,

COMPASSION AND LIBERATION

CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS • LATIN AMERICAN REGION

2 LATAM SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2017

THE MYSTERY WE CALL GOD IS THE GRACE OF OUR EXISTANCE.

KARL RAHNER

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SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2017 LATAM 3

"I was a stranger and you invited me in" (Mt 25: 35).

GOT A STORY/IDEA/PASTORAL MISSION? We want to hear from you, send us your ideas to: [email protected]

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The LATAM MAGAZINE is the magazine of the Latin American Region – Christian Brothers and is published 11 times per year—January/February combined, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Publication office, Edmund Rice Development Office for the Latin American Region, is at Urbanización Arriba Perú, Canto Grande, Lima. Tlf. 388–5852. The LATAM MAGAZINE publishes text, photos and illustrations sent by our correspondents from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Uruguay. Requests to reproduce text material should be addressed to the Edmund Rice Development Office, [email protected]. The views expressed in the LATAM MAGAZINE are those of the authors and may not reflect the official policies of the Congregation. No endorsement of those views should be referred unless specifically identified as the official view of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

Please recycle this magazine


FEATURE

NUEVO HORIZONTE

10Yourneying with the peoples

It has been a year and a half since Brother Seán DiFiglia and Carlos Fitzsimmons accepted the challenge of living among the poorest, in Nuevo Horizonte. The fruits of that decision can already be seen.

THOMAS O'CONNELL

14A man of presence, compassion, liberation

Brother Thomas is Irish, he lives in the Community of Buenos Aires. After many decades of educating thousands of young people, he continues to be Presence, Compassion and Liberation at the Cardinal Newman School.

BROTHER MANOLO CENTER

22Basilia Ochoa, a commited and loving mother

Basilia Ochoa is one of many mothers who attend the Brother Manolo Center seeking guidance on how to better accompany their children. In this interview, Basilia tells her impressive story.


CONTENTS SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2017

FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

24

ECOJUSTICE in Stella Maris

06

I was a stranger and you invited me in.

FE Y ALEGRÍA INTERVIEW08

Aaron Ramírez, a fifth year student.

NUEVO HORIZONTE10

Journeying with the people.

CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL12

Students gather to plan the 2018 Edmund Rice Mission.

CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL20

Spacies of personal reflection and sharing of experiences during the break time.BR THOMAS O'CONNELL14

A man of Presence, Compassion and Liberation.

BROTHER MANOLO CENTER16

Interview with Basilia Ochoa.

STELLA MARIS SCHOOL24

In the school, October has been the month of EcoJustice and our Common Home.

FE Y ALEGRÍA SCHOOL28

Two study trips of secondary students to learn more about the Human Right.The good seed will grow up later in the

hearts of the children.

Edmund Rice


FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAMI WAS A STRANGER AND YOU INVITED ME IN (MT 25, 35)

The countries from the Latin American Region, without exception, have witnessed in the last four years the arrival of Venezuelan refugees, who run away from the extreme conditions of poverty, as a result of the dictatorships of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. It is common to see in Buenos Aires or Lima young Venezuelans surviving with the sale of small items; this scenario is complemented in Montevideo with the long lines of Venezuelan refugees

requesting the category of political asylum.

In Edmund Rice's life, there is at least one story that inspires us to reflect upon those thousands of young people, who have come to Uruguay from Venezuela, travelling throughout South America, in whom the invitation of the Gospel (Mt 25) becomes evident. “Carlo Bianconi had come over from Carrick by barge. He was all drenched by the rain, and he looked miserable and sick Edmund talked to him and realized that he barely spoke English. In fact, when he arrived in Dublin from Italy in 1802, and he tried to sell paintings, he only knew how to say "Buy, buy." The young man found in Brother Edmund Ignacio a generous and compassionate friend, who helped him learn English, gave him religious instruction, and encouraged him to develop his inherent ingenuity. The young man benefited from the lessons and advice. A short while afterwards he opened a business on George Street, in a small but comfortable house. It was with that initiative that Bianconi (or "Brian Cooney" {Brai-an Cuuni}, in the form adapted into English and used by neighbors) succeeded. It did not take him very long to become aware of the need of a popular transport system. Being dynamic and enterprising, he launched the first inexpensive and regular passenger service throughout the country. It was not very long before he became a rich man. Years later he was elected mayor of Clonmel. He never forgot his first benefactor, whom he described as "a tall, vigorous man, somewhat austere in appearance, decidedly with common features, quite welcoming in his demeanor,” and he would send the Brothers £50 every year, in addition to 20 pieces of clothes for poor children.”1

We, the Christian Brothers, have started a period of analysis of the needs of those young refugees, in order to request international aid and make the evangelical invitation a reality. I ask the whole Edmund Rice Network to help us find practical and effective ways of giving assistance to that population, estimated to be 50,000 refugees in Latin America. They are knocking at our door. How are we going to respond to them?

1. Brother Hubert Wall cfc, Una luz en las tinieblas, Buenos Aires 2014.

Br Hugo Cáceres, Leader of the Latin American Region


You will learn by reading, but you will understand

with LOVE.

~Rumi


INTERVIEW – FE Y ALEGRÍA

Luis Aaron Ramírez is a final year student at Fe y Alegría School - Hermanos Cristianos in Canto Grande, Lima

BY COMMUNICATIONS FE Y ALEGRÍA CENTRAL

A Aaron loves playing the guitar. "My favourite song? Valicha," he says. Serious and respectful,

this 16-year-old boy tells us that he rarely watches television. And if he does, he watches the news or soccer (He's a fan of Universitario). He has been studying at this school since he was 6 years old. At the end of this year, he will finish high school. He likes to participate in everything: the choir, the carpentry workshop, solidarity campaigns ... and in class, of course.

Which do you prefer: participate in class or take notes?

Participate. Because I have knowledge that I can share with my peers. And if I'm wrong, the teachers can correct me and so I learn more.

What would the ideal teacher be like?

Someone who treats the students well. Someone who becomes a friend. Someone whom to share ideas with, someone to trust.

Do you have any teachers like that?

Yes. There are teachers who use friendly expressions, they are ... how do I call them? 'Cool teachers', youthful. But don't take me wrong, they are hardworking. When seriousness is required, there is seriousness in the classroom, and when it is time to relax we relax, when it's time to work, we work really hard.

And if you had to choose, a serious teacher or a 'cool' one?

I prefer a medium term. If the teacher is too serious, it is difficult to learn because we are afraid or mad at him/her, therefore we do not learn anything.

What do you think of bullying?

It's wrong. When a person harms

another it is because that person has problems at home, or a mental problem and does not know how to get along with their fears or problems. A bully thinks that hitting others would make them feel good. I believe that the aggressor needs more help than the victim.

Have you seen cases here?

Yes, in previous years. And I've taken action against it. We have always communicated it to the teachers and, from what I see, the aggressor improves his behaviour.

In class, do you talk about the national reality?

Seldom.

Should you?

Yes. I think it is necessary because what happens in Peru also affects us. We must know what happens and thus get clearer ideas about the issues in the country.

LUIS AARON RAMÍREZ COLOS, LAST YEAR SECONDARY STUDENT AT FE Y ALEGRÍA


What is the biggest problem in your area?

Here in Bayovar it is crime, robberies, kidnappings, etc.

How can education solve this?

Forming students who are obedient, good people, with values.

Do you think there are missing values in the country?

Yes, in Peru we lack honesty. Also respect and responsibility.

How are values put into practice at school?

Helping others. In school we have the extreme pastoral program, in which we go to the hills, to shelters, to help the needy, the desolate, carrying food, helping in doing homework ... This year in fifth grade I am having this experience.

What do you think is the value that most identifies you?

I am very supportive. And respectful.

When was the last time you helped someone?

When the mudslides came, a group of friends and I got together and we went to Cajamarquilla, a neighbour near Bayovar, to deliver clothes, food, cleaning supplies, water.

Are the values learned at home or at school?

At home. The school helps, but

the main base is the family, how they have raised us from childhood. If you have been taught values, you show it anywhere.

What topics are treated at home? What are you talking about?

What happens in Peru, the news.

Do you watch tv?

Very little.

What do you watch?

News, soccer. I don't like watching local tv shows.

Who is your best friend?

My cousin Adrian. We are nail and dirt (laughs).

Friends tell themselves the truth. What is the truth that most made you think and who told you?

To be more responsible and, to make the most of it while my parents are alive. My cousin told me. And yes, it made me reflect.

What are you going to be when you grow up?

I would like to be an engineer. Industrial or civil engineer.

What has motivated you to study that career?

I went through the streets and I always wondered how engineers made that building, how they fill a column, calculate the measurements ... I like all of that.

How would you like to be in 20

years from now?

I would like to be independent, keep myself and give back to my parents what they have given me.

What is the best your parents have done for you?

They have helped me in everything: studies, problems, support, everything. I am very grateful to them.

And how would you like to see your classmates in 20 years?

Having a good job. That they are entrepreneurs and, above all, that they are successful in what they have proposed to do.

Money and success is the same?

(Takes time to think) No. Earning money is how you keep yourself to live. Being successful is different, it is having fulfilled your dreams. Even if you earn a little.

Fe y Alegría is an extensive network of schools, founded by the Society of Jesus. The Fe y Alegría schools are administered by religious congregations or lay people. These schools have agreements with governments where salaries are paid by the state. In cases such as Fe y Alegría - Christian Brothers, the congregation manages development projects to improve the educational services. Currently, the agency Misean Cara, through Edmund Rice Development, finances a development project.

Fe y Alegría FamilyChristian Brothers


JOURNEYING WITH THE PEOPLES IN NUEVO HORIZONTE

Thr fruits of the presence of the Brothers amongst the peoples

BY CHUCK FITZSIMMONS

As a relatively newly-arrived Brother in Peru, with only three and a half years´ experience here, new customs and procedures present

themselves. One new cultural emphasis is the importance of the anniversary, as churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, etc., celebrate their beginnings. The grade school behind the Brothers´ community in Nuevo Horizonte celebrated for eight school days, beginning with a catwalk presentation of queen candidates, and moving through daily events such as a reading contest, math contest, intramural soccer games, a marathon, a torch-light parade -very pretty!- and dance and song and many other activities. Peruvian culture seems to value highly the forming of family-like community where every person feels

Children of the Primary School of Nuevo

Horizonte, perform a parade with sports

uniforms, before starting the internal

Olympics, organized for the anniversary of the

school.


welcome and at-home.

Peruvian education also fosters the teaching of the Catholic religion in its public schools. The grade school mentioned above has a shine to its patroness, the Virgin of Mercies, and during its anniversary celebrations in September some 150 grade school students and teachers and parents walked over to the chapel where the Christian Brothers live, also named Virgen of Mercies, to celebrate their anniversary Mass, the first time our new, medium-sized chapel hosted so many people. Father Fernando offered a “Mass-light,” with only one reading, a short homily, and lots of songs, because many of the students do not attend church, know little about the Mass and are easily distracted. Still, the service was lively and instructive, a teachable moment full of good will toward all.

The following day the local high school of 100 students, celebrating its second anniversary, walked to the parish church, named Jesús de

Nazaret, only four blocks south of the Brothers´ chapel, to celebrate their anniversary Mass, once again with Father Fernando celebrating and Brother Carlos on the guitar: all of this some nice steps along the path of getting to know the people of these settlement barrios, and their coming to know and trust in us.

All students, teachers and some parents participated in the mass for

the anniversary of the school.


First meetings of students and alumni of Newman to prepare the 2018 Edmund Rice Mission.

The last cold of spring forces everyone to wear jackets and warm clothes. A small group of students are gathering, the same way they queue

to put their names in the list that hung in the Pastoral Office. Most of them look timid, but little by little, their are gaining confidence, they see some others joining them, now they are fifteen, twenty, more than thirty students, they know the place where they are, but they ignore what they will talk about. Most of them were moved by curiosity or by something that 'calls' them, yet, they do not know what it is about.

This is the first information meeting about the 2018 Santa Elena Mission and all 5th and 6th grade secondary students who have not yet attended the previous missions are present and are interested in attending this year.

The meeting, organized by the leadership team of the Edmund Rice Missionary Group, aims to give basic information about the mission, about the dates when the mission will be held, between January 25 and February 8.

Once a year, students and alumni from the educational institutions of the Region (Stella Maris School – Montevideo, Fe y Alegría School – Lima, Mundo Mejor School – Chimbote, Cardenal Newman School – Buenos Aires) gather to celebrate and share the values learned in the institutions that educate under the charism

PLANNING FOR THE 2018 MISSIONBY JOSÉ SANTAMARINA

of Blessed Edmund Rice.

"It is a space to inform and open ourselves to questions," says Federico Bergadá, one of the coordinators of the mission, about that afternoon's meeting. "But it is also an opportunity to gather in the spirit of the mission, to share our common vision of the congregation and an opportunity to enrich us, from the first minute, sharing with students from different years who have not attended the mission yet."

"Before coming to the meeting, I had doubts and fears," says one of the students, "but being here helped me to feel relaxed. I could understand that we are all part of the mission and that we all make it happen,

Students and former students of Cardinal Newman School, meet to plan the next Edmund Rice Mission in Santa Elena which will take place from January 25th to February 8th.


Guido Boustani, Iván Ricur, Francisco Zabaleta, Tomás Casaretto and Tomás González Casartelli.

Together they have been gathering since the beginning of the year to review the previous mission and to prepare the next, which involves practical and logistical details, communications with the parish priests of Santa Elena and with the coordinating groups of Uruguay and Peru and the preparatory meetings.

"The whole process invites us to grow in the spirituality of the heart", says Felipe Lagos, coordinator of Pastoral Work of the school. "The mission is another great space in which we open ourselves to material poor people and to encounters from the heart". That is sensed today, while the curious students' faces become alive, they feel the joy of being part of something bigger.

even those who are going to contribute for the first time."

This was the first meeting to prepare the mission. There will be more meetings during the following months. The prepration process also includes a solidarity event to raise funds for the mission and, we will have a sending or missioning mass.

Daniel O'Connor, who is now part of the coordinating group and has experience organizing preparation meetings for several years, tells his first sensations: "Everything comes together: The anxiety of participating in the summer mission, the desire of meeting the people of Santa Elena, together with the tension of arranging everything for the mission; all of that is a very beautiful moment ".

In addition to Daniel and Federico, the leadership team includes Felipe Lagos, Santiago Clusellas and Elisa Caride, from the Pastoral team of Newman, and former students


A MAN OF PRESENCE, COMPASSION AND LIBERATION

From Ireland to Argentina.

BY MICHAEL LYNCH

Thomas O'Connell continues his great work, in a humble and quiet manner, of accompanying many pupils, ex-pupils, staff and acquaintances. His

kindness and thoughtfulness is evident in his ability to respond to the necessities of the many people he comes in contact with on a daily basis.

From early morning he is present to greet the pupils as they enter school, offering them a welcome hand and a kind word. There is also the attentive awareness of seeing a child’s face and if a smile was not to be found he would make sure of getting a good smile from him before entering school.

From the steps of the college he makes his way to meet members of the administrative and teaching staff offering them a compassionate ear and a willingness to be of service.

During these months there are many events to close the year and one event in particular was the past pupils dinner where a special prize was given to a young man called Pedro Duffay, from the “Camada 2009,” who after suffering a terrible accident on the rugby pitch, which still involves treatment and rehabilitation, was able to walk to the platform to receive his prise. He is a great example of hope and determination. Words, which came straight from the heart, were exchanged between Pedro and Brother Thomas.

In the community he regularly meets the Brothers to enquire if there is anything he can do for them. His vast knowledge of the city allows him to purchase items for them

Brother Thomas O'Connell is from Ireland, he is a

passionate educator, artist and poet.

He has served as teacher at Cardinal Newman

College for several years.


at a reasonable price.

His busy schedule does not inhibit him from his daily commitment to his religious duties of Mass, private prayer and spiritual reading.

But all is not hard work and duty. Thomas’s passion and love for life can be seen in his many paintings and writings. Often he is to be found in a coffee shop expressing his feelings in painting or writing. This is for him, without doubt, a truly liberating experience. Something he desires for all who come in contact with him.

From the steps of the college he makes his way to meet members of the administrative and teaching staff offering them a compassionate ear and a willingness to be of service.

In the community he regularly meets the Brothers to enquire if there is anything he can do for them. His vast knowledge of the city allows him to purchase items for them at a reasonable price.

Thomas’s passion and love for life can be seen in his many paintings and writings.


BROTHER MANOLO CENTER

Interview with Basilia Ochoa

BY SANDRA CAIGUARA

Basilia is a single mother who, after working in different activities, now sells Herbalife products in La Cancha market. She and her daughter are faithful assistants to the Brother

Manolo Center. Basilia assures that the Center is of great help for her and her daughter. "I like the atmosphere that exists among those who attend the Center, I feel as if they are my family."


BASILIA OCHOA, A VERY COMMITTED MOTHER WITH THE BROTHER MANOLO CENTER

Basilia Ochoa Ayamona is the mother of one of the teenagers who attends the Brother Manolo Center. Basilia is a woman who likes to participate in meetings and different activities that take place in the Center. At the beginning of the year, she had the opportunity to participate in the Local Meeting of Exchange of Experiences: Women Strengthening their Democratic Leadership for Better Citizen Participation, together with other mothers who have experience in these activities.

Basilia is a very committed woman to what she does and a loving mother.

Where are you from?

I'm from a small town called Sacabamba, from the department of Potosí, province of Charcas.

What motivated you to leave your town?

I wanted a better life, where I could have something more for my family.

Can you tell us more about your life story?

We are 4 brothers, of which my older sister and I have decided to leave my town and come to Cochabamba. When I left my village I was 18 years old and I only spoke Quechua (I did not have any words in Spanish). In Cochabamba I worked as a housekeeper, I took care of chickens, pigs and cutting alfalfa. In this work I did not stay long. My sister took me to a tropical town of Cochabamba, where we worked harvesting coca leaves and rice. I also worked independently, in the mornings selling breakfasts. Then I returned to my village after several years and I could not get used to the life I used to have there, so I went to a bigger town called Llallagua. In Llallagua I worked making aguayo fabrics (typical highland fabrics), I worked for some time there. Then I decided to move to the region of Los Yungas (near La Paz), there my job was to harvest cocoa, coffee and rice. There I met my daughter's father, we lived for a while together, then he abandoned us.

Now my daughter is 15 years old, we have worked hard to get an almost decent life. For some time we were selling food (chicken cracklings) and because of my illness we had to change jobs and we started selling vegetables of all kinds, all along the La Cancha market. Currently my daughter sells breakfasts at La Cancha market and I am trying to sell Herbalife products, together with a man, with whom we have rented a small business.

For how long have you known the Brother Manolo Center?

The first time I visited the Center was last year (2016), in July.

How did you meet the Brother Manolo Center?

The mother of a boy who attends the Center told me about it, she brought us and told me that they help children who study and work near La Cancha market.

What do you like about the Brother Manolo Center?

I like the atmosphere that exists among those who attend the center. I feel as if they are my family. I do not have family here in Cochabamba, and in the Center I found the 'family' that I do not have and I feel very supported. I always find someone to talk with and share my worries. I feel very grateful for all the support my daughter receives. Before, I worried a lot about my daughter because she could not do

Basilia Ochoa and director of Brother Manolo Center, Sandra Caiguara.


her homework and I could not teach her because I never went to school.

I really like participating in meetings of parents, because there we play, laugh, eat, make mistakes and learn.

My daughter receives a lot of support from the Center, recently they have taken her to the dentist so that the dentist can solve a problem she had. Also my daughter attended some cooking courses, she receives a lot of guidance. I think that with what I earn, I could have never been able to give all of that to my daughter.

What changes did you notice in your daughter since she started attending the Center?

My daughter was shy, now she is confident and more responsible, she helps me more, and what she learns in the cooking courses she does at home.

I am very grateful for the support we receive from the Brother Manolo Center, hopefully they continue guiding our children and training us. I see that what they do in the Center is serve, and what they do, they do it from the heart.

I feel very grateful for all the support my daughter

receives, before, I worried a lot about my daughter

because she could not do her homework and I could

not teach her because I never went to school.

I am very grateful for the support we received from

the Brother Manolo Center, hopefully they continue

guiding our children and training us. I see that what

they do in the center is serve, and what they do,

they do it from the heart.

Basilia Ochoa and dauther, participating in an activity of parents and their children, organized by the Center.


CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL

Reflection about solidarity

BY FELIPE LAGOS

Reflecting on the place that God has in one's life is an essential activity, therefore, from the Pastoral Department at Cardinal Newman School, different activities are undertaken aimed

at creating environments where students can have the opportunity to reflect and share their service experiences with their peers and other schools in the area.


A NEW SOLIDARITY PARADIGM

What do we think about solidarity? What's going on in the places where we live? What can I do to help others? How can I give a hand? What happens if I do not have time? From where do I offer my help?

These were some of the questions that triggered the meeting "A new solidarity paradigm" organized by the foundation From Your Place (Desde tu Lugar) in UdeSA. We participated with some of the 5th and 6th grade students who are very committed to solidarity activities proposed by the Pastoral Department.

The meeting was attended by more than 10 schools in the area and it invited us to challenge our thoughts on solidarity and to get involve each one, from our own place. Some of our students who participated in the meeting tell of their experience.

"It was a very nice experience and I thank Pastoral for the opportunity. It is important to have spaces like this to reflect and rethink solidarity. It's great to be able to share something that we like and care about with people who think similarly and aim for the same. These meetings generate

community and good vibes between schools. "JUAN SALINAS - 5ºES

"My experience at UdeSA was very enriching. We had a meeting with students from other schools where we discussed and analyzed different factors about solidarity. Through the completion of a project, we looked for the best way to help people who really needed it. I really liked the participation of everyone, each one played a role and I loved participating in this solidarity event. "JOAQUÍN RADOVICH - 6ºES

"The meeting seemed very interesting to me. Organizing and involving children from different schools in solidarity projects means that we can work in groups and express our opinions. Also, sharing with others makes us understand solidarity in more deeper ways and answered some doubts I had. "JUSTO ESCOBAR - 5ºES

"The solidarity meeting at UdeSA was very good to raise awareness about how much we can do from our place without so much effort. The testimonies of those who organized the event and the projects together with children from other schools were very enriching. We spent a very good afternoon. "MARCOS MAZZA - 6ºES

Cardinal Newman students participating in the gathering about solidarity at UdeSA.

What do we think about solidarity? What's going on in the places where we live? What can I do to help others? How can I give a hand? What happens if I do not have time? From where do I offer my help?


to be able to listen and learn things from other people I do not know. I feel calm and in a space where I can open myself. "JOACO TERÁN - 2ºES

"I go to the 11 o'clock prayer because I find in it a place where I can stop, relax and lower the decibels of my life. I go to this place to pray, to thank or ask for something. What I like most about this place is the ease with which it develops, it does not take much more than a couple of guitars to build on that something very nice. In this space I feel very comfortable and very calm, it is incredible the peace that is transmited in this environment. "MANU MIGNONE - 4th

"Because I like to be calm, I like it when we sing and I feel heard by others when I have some questions or when I am grateful." TETE OLMOS - 2ºES

"I go to the 11 o'clock prayer because it is a place where I feel very comfortable and can suspend for a while the anxiety of the day and start reflecting. It makes me feel very relaxed and allows me to connect for a while with myself and with God in my day to day life. It is very rewarding to be able to organize the gathering, to sing and pray in community with students of other years and teachers. "JIMMY VIVOT - 6ºES

ELEVEN O'CLOCK PRAYER

Every day, during the break at 11 o'clock, the school chapel is full of life. Accompanied by the Pastoral Team, the 6th grade secondary students organize a prayer space in which students from all other years of the school meet voluntary to have a moment of prayer and reflection.

"I go to the 11 o'clock prayer to disconnect from school and the subjects, to talk with God for a while and to see how is my relationship with him and with myself. I like to sing and listen to the hymns. I feel comfortable in prayer and I connect a lot with myself. "FACU TORELLO - 4ºES

"I go to prayer because when I go I forget my problems for a while and I am calm and in harmony. I love the hymns. I feel safe and calm and in harmony with myself. "ISIDRO BOSCH - 2ºES

"It's a time to interupt, for 15 minutes, the school day. We can reflect and pray together. It makes me feel very calm and at peace and in this way I can continue the day in a different way. "RODRIGO DÍAZ DE VIVAR - 5ºES

"I go to prayer because it is a time that I use to calm down and connect with the people I love. I like to be able to share, to be listened to and

Students gathered in the school chapel at 11:00 hs break time to reflect and prayer.


STELLA MARIS SCHOOL

Taking care of our 'Common House'

BY MÓNICA FERNÁNDEZ

In Stella Maris School, October has been chosen as the month of EcoJustice. During that month different activities related to the care, protection and awareness of our 'Common House' have been carried out. Everyone participated,

especially the students of Bachillerato (Final Year), who have made contributions from their area of study.


ECOJUSTICE IN STELLA MARIS

The first week of October, the school devotes time to reflect on the commitment to justice for the planet, the Common House, as Pope Francis calls it.

For this, students of 5th Biological have encouraged their peers from all levels of Primary and Secondary to make a collection of paper and plastic that is generated in the school for over a week, in order to probe what volume it is.

The collected recyclable material was transformed into an artistic work by 5th grade students of Architecture.

At the same time, Agronomy students were working in the organic garden installed in the school's yard.

We hope that this action will help us all to meditate on our responsibility as waste generators in order to achieve a reduction in the 'footprint' that allows the reduction of damage to the ecosystem and the reuse of recyclable materials.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

In order to carry out the school trip Huellas Uruguayas, 4th year secondary students visited the Cultural Foundation "Pablo Atchugarry". The slogan of the activity was, to interact with the works of art exhibited there and elaborate a reflection.

We want to share with you, the reflection of 4th year student Helena Frigerio.

"The work I chose was 'The fishing rod' by artist Ignacio Díaz de Rabago (Spain 1950 – 2008). Several aspects of the work caught my attention, not only its large dimensions, but also the setting, surrounded by nature, over a lagoon, showing itself as unique within other works. The work has a great abstract and geometric structure that does not seem to represent any specific object, it hangs by means of a simple harness over the lagoon. The large cylindrical tubes seem to be intertwined and interconnected, generating even more ambiguity and complexity to its appearance. It has a luminous silver color, illuminating the surroundings of the park, drawing attention and allowing itself to be seen from the distance.

The work, from my point of view, represents waste (it would be the interlaced and connected tubes) that is about to be thrown into the water.

Students of Agronomy participate in the Campaign of EcoJusticia, they contribute to it from their study area.


It awakens a feeling of anguish, anger and danger because it makes me aware of the environmental pollution and its great impact nowadays. It shows, from my perspective, the lack of care and caution, the inability to reason when throwing large quantities and varieties of waste into the oceans. Thinking about it generates some pity, discomfort, grief and sadness, not only because our human ignorance, negative and violent acts, but also because of the consequences on ourselves, nature and animals.

Injustice is also present in the work, since we ignore what is happening around us, and we think that by simply throwing away this mass of waste, so as not to accumulate it, it will disappear. However, the waste will only move from one place to another but it will stay permanently and always will generate problems.

There is also a certain sense of insecurity and instability, since it seems to be very heavy but is hanging from a very thin string, it definetly is connected to our inability to be able to reason before acting.

The feeling of vertigo also arises, since the work is very high and over the lagoon, generating fear that it will fall. I would call it "Hiding Realities" since it seems that the waste is thrown away, clearing and allowing a beautiful scenario for the view of some, but, nevertheless, that action generates consequences that harms us."

Architecture students participate in the EcoJustice Campaign.

Helena Frigerio, fouth year student.


FE Y ALEGRÍA SCHOOL

Learning more about Human Rights

BY VILMA GUERRA

Miss Vilma Guerra teaches at Fe y Alegría School - Hermanos Cristianos, in Canto Grande. She is also the local coordinator of Edmund Rice International.

She, together with a team of teachers, seek to encourage education in Human Rights in the students of the school. With that purpose, she made two study trips with students from different years of high school.


THE CHALLENGE OF TEACHING ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS TO TEENAGERS

Teaching about the promotion and defense of Human Rights to teenagers is not an easy task, says Miss Vilma Guerra, as she rushes to her fifth grade classroom. Miss Vilma Guerra is a passionate teacher and is the local coordinator of Edmund Rice International at Fe y Alegría School. Along with other teachers, she made two study trips with high school students, as a way of teaching about Human Rights, through a visit to the Memorial Museum and the monument called 'The Eye That Cries'. Both places tell the tragic history of the armed conflict suffered by the people of Peru during the occupation of the Shining Path.

VISIT TO THE MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Personally, I liked the experience at the Memorial Museum. It was an interesting activity and an opportunity to continue learning and to know more about the history of our country during the era of terrorism. I also had the opportunity to listen to the experiences of people who lived during this time and how up to now, it is a stage in their lives that left unforgetable traumas. Estefany Pajita. 5 A Secondary.

It was a very interesting experience, which allowed me to know more about the harsh period of crisis that took place in Peru. It was a journey through painful images and testimonies that made me reflect on the past that the country had to face. I would like that several of us are informed about any important event that happened in the country, not only through social media but taking into account the opportunity to visit museums, as I had. Angelyn Carrasco 5 A Secondary.

It was an enriching experience, I was able to reflect on the period of violence experienced in our country. Years ago it was hard for me to understand what my parents felt when

High school students, Miss Vilma Guerra and Brother Xavier Sullivan, visit the monument THE EYE THAT CRIES, which commemorates the lives lost during the internal armed conflict between the Shining Path and the Armed Forces.

High school students visit the Memorial Museum, where a photographic exhibition of the terrorism in the country is displayed.


they remembered this time. As Peruvians we must try to understand our past so that it does not happen again. We must acknowledge the lives taken by the conflict between terrorism and the armed forces. I thank the ERI Commission of the school for getting closer to the defense of Human Rights through activities like these. María Luz Zapata. 5 A Secondary.

The experience I had was all about learning. Visiting the museum meant understanding a part of the story that I did not know. I learned about the different negative events during the armed conflict, the capture of the leader of this group, Abimael Guzmán, and through images I could see the massacres and crimes that were committed. All this made me reflect on the importance of life and respect for Human Rights. Frank Diego 5 B Secondary.

I found it a very entertaining and a thoughtful study visit. When I visited the museum and went from one room to another, I learned many things. It was very shocking to see images of those years of violence and of all the people who suffered. It was a productive and fruitful visit. Omar Jiménez. 5 D Secondary.

I found it a very interesting experience because it is an issue that we must keep in mind because it has been a time that marked the life of our country. I think we should always remember our history so as not to repeat it. Rodrigo Jiménez. 5 C Secondary.

VISIT TO MONUMENT 'THE EYE THAT CRIES'

I thought the visit was very good because I could learn a little more about the time of terrorism in Peru. In the monument I could see the thousands of names, lives that were lost during the armed conflict. I thank the ERI Commission of the school for making this learning visit possible. Juan Luis. 4 B Secondary.

I found it interesting because we could learn more about the violence in the country and the number of deaths that occurred during that time and I thank the ERI Commission of the school for giving us this opportunity. Karen Pérez 4 B Secondary.

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