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Arco Iris-Turmanyé
The Christian non-profit organisation that we´re currently working with was originally set up in 1999. It´s called Arco Iris-Turmanyé, the Spanish and Quechua words for ´Rainbow.´ This name was chosen as a rainbow is a sign of hope and hope is what those working for the organisation aim to bring to the area of Huaraz. The work is based on 5 main values - love, humility, service, justice and stewardship; values that were clearly evident during our tour of the various ministries. We spent just over a week visiting the various projects of Arco Iris to get a full picture of what the organisation does. These areas included:
Cafe Turmanyé - the purpose of this cafe is to fund the Casa Hogar so the home doesn´t have to rely on foreign donations. There is a bakery connected to the cafe which has previously run workshops, equipping local young people with baking skills who may otherwise be tempted by life on the streets.
Tejidos Turmanyé - sewing workshops that produce jumpers, hats, scarves etc. from alpaca wool. They partly run as a money earner to help support the various dimensions of the organisation but they also provide work for ladies in the surrounding area who would struggle otherwise.
Quechua Communities - this work includes teaching Kindergarten classes to kids aged 3-6 to help them get off to a good start in life (see photo). It also encompasses water projects, food provision, healthcare projects, discipleship classes, homework support and church planting.
Casa Hogar (Children´s Home) - they work alongside the state to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for children aged 0-18. Some of these children may be adopted and others will be supported to make the transition into independent living. There are currently 20 kids there.
Street Work - a drop-in centre operates a couple of times a week and people working for the organisation visit places on the street where groups of kids gather to shine shoes in an attempt to make some money. Though many of these kids have a place to go at night, they are usually from difficult and poor family backgrounds with sad stories. Many also struggle with the temptations and addictions that often accompany street life.
Comedor - this programme runs everyday to provide educational support and a well balanced meal for children aged up to 12 years of age. These kids are selected based on their family background.
(For more information on the organisation check out: http://www.arcoiristurmanye.com)
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