To build a state-of-the art
Community Learning/Cultural Centre
for the disadvantaged in Peru
BREAKING NEWS: The Asociación Atocongo agrees to fund Performing Arts classes in primary school in Villa Maria del Triunfo.
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Introduction
La Fourtonie: A Chartreuse in Dordogne, France
Over the 7 years, I met Harry face to face on only some 5 occassions (approx 3 man weeks).
I got on extremely well with Harry, the owner; an American millionaire who lived in New York.
I got the space and time to "re-build myself" and Harry benefitted from my experience in Holiday Letting, and my not insignificant ability to manage the 50 Hectare estate and renovate the buildings.
It was a "Win-Win" situation.
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Why?
In 2008 I returned to Peru on a 3 month fact finding trip.
I had not been back for 40 years and really didn't know what to expect.
What I found filled me with a mixture of happiness and of great sorrow.
What I saw was a healthy economy. There are now a lot more employment opportunities.
In Lima, the area around Los Olivos in San Isidro had been turned into the financial center.
There were new high-rise modern apartments facing the golf course on Av Miro Quesada and retail shops on La Republica (which was previously just residential with the occassional "corner shop").
On the down side, there still remained an under-current of social segregation and sometimes open racism against the disadvantaged.
On subsequent investigation I established that some 42% of the 8m population in Lima live in poverty - in the "untouristic" districts that surround Lima.
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Intro (contd)
My present circumstances now allow me to devote time to "other things"; now that my 2 kids are grown up, my wife died 12 years ago and I have a pension giving me financial independence. I was 60 years old in 2009.
I mention these personal details as I believe that they are relevant to this Project.
I need to convince you not only of the need for this first Community Learning/Cultural Centre in a disadvantaged district of Lima, but to also convince you of my ability to deliver it; to raise the money, get the Centre built and into live operation with the right local management and staff.
A tall order, but achievable!
1st Impressions
I had been living in France for 7 years as an Estate Manager for a Chatreuse in the Dordogne. This was a period of "rehabilitation" after my wife died.
In 2007 I decided to leave France.
Where to go? I could travel anywhere in the world. Maybe the Far East or Africa, or even the middle East.
I was looking for something to do; I really can't sit on a beach for longer than 2 days!
Eventually I decided to return to Peru and up-date myself.
I told family and friends that I was going back for approx. 10 years "to swim every day".
However, the real reason was to see if there was anything that I could do to "make a difference".
I was not optimistic of finding something that would make a real difference, and less so in finding something that would have a serious impact on a significant number of the population. I DID!
