MEXICO 2000, ITS HISTORY
1985 1986 1987 |
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1988 1989 1990 1991 Volunteer in Honduras |
1993 |
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" HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP " Project for youngsters with cancer.
With the ambassador and Ms. Laguette, a project will be signed in favour
of this NGO. GVSI, in its own frame of mind proposed to install a lift,
since it would be possible to fit it into the house. The outlay is around
Fr. 50000.- , the work will be finished by 1994.
Honduras 1994 |
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1995
Overseas activities
In Mexico the lift was installed, and funding was started on the day of
children rights, aiming at purchasing a vehicle to transport children
with cancer, and in Honduras the building of the school goes on and the
field of sponsorships was organised.
1996
Overseas activities
In Mexico the lift was officially inaugurated with the attendance of local
authorities,
of the ambassador and the Swiss consul in Mexico, of GVSI representatives,
and of moms and children of the house of friendship. Cooperation will
go on with the medicines counter. In Honduras a more complex and multifaceted
intervention is organised.
1997
Mexico
After the "LIFT" operation is over it has been decided to treat
youngsters with cancer, participating to the medicines counter.
Inspired by the DAY OF VOLUNTEER sponsored by UN, the first solidarity
chain was organised.
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Honduras 1998 |
Mexico
The positive cooperation with the HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP of Mexico City goes
on. Father Duran always keeps in touch with GVSI and the works we donated
keep being visited by our delegates.
1999
Mexico
The presence in Mexico goes on in favour of youngsters with cancer. At
present GVSI actively funds 15 youngsters.
Honduras
Our infrastructures are still being built at the school of San Francisco.
Although the Confederation did not help, the sponsorship regularly backs
the training activity and helps the treatment of youngsters, prevention
campaigns against abortion, sexual education and family planning.
2000
Mexico
The excellent cooperation between HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP, Swiss Embassy and
its staff, as well as our delegate, Ms. Laguette, fully meets our expectations.
In addition the generous donators keep supporting with great enthusiasm.
On these grounds this project is expected to be broadened (increase of
youngsters treated).
Honduras
The Camp will go on without the presence of GVSI. In fact in early 2001,
the management decided to leave to persons available for this project,
who left GVSI upon their own choice, the continuity and full liability
of the camp. Same thing for the sponsorship. For all these activities
today GVSI has no reference person. On site there is only a support group
directed by volunteers and local project leaders in close cooperation
with the Ticino.
2001
Mexico
The activity goes on regularly, thanks to the always-prompt cooperation
of the Swiss Embassy in Mexico City, and the technical delegate, Madame
Laguette, for the local NGO. GVSI is in charge of providing care to 15
youngsters with cancer, the objective for 2002 is to reach 20 youngsters,
a result reached before the end of 2001, thanks to a generous Ticinese
donation. At present the amount to send to Mexico City is of Fr. 65'000.—
Honduras
The association Mexico 2000 wound up, thus stopping any presence in Honduras,
just like any activity in Ticino. Thanks to the results in Honduras and
the attention for health and school projects the possibility, availability
and accountability of active persons in the sector of NGO are to be borne
in mind.
2002
The activity in Mexico builds up, and thanks to the generosity of donors,
the kids with cancer of the CASA DE LA AMISTAD, have increased: up to
now 22 children are directly helped by Italian speaking donors.
The Swiss embassy in Mexico City, and the technical assistant, Ms Laguette,
always cooperate with great intensity and commitment.
The amount required per year for Mexico is CHF 70'000.--.
There are still contacts with the Association of Padre Duran, though no
precise commitments were taken.
Two steps of GVSI's overseas activity will be documented. In the first
one M Zirpoli, photographer of FOSIT, will chronicle for a multiethnic
photographic exhibition, scheduled in 2005.
The second step will be a video documentation essay by the Bellinzona
amateur Association fotocine.
The presence in Mexico for this shooting was differed to 2003, due to
some difficulties.
Recognition to GVSI for overseas activity
Balint award GVSI, for the overseas activity sector, was awarded with
the PREMIO BALINT, on June 15th 2002, at Monte Verità of Ascona,
by M. Boris Luban-Plozza, for its work in favour of kids with cancer,
in the medicine and health sector, on the anniversary for 25 years of
activity, and in particular for the 15 years of presence in Mexico.
Honduras
The support group of Honduras announced the end of works, documenting
the opening ceremony of the Centre at S. Francisco. GVSI expresses great
appreciation to the Support group for its commitment, and gives best wishes
to all those supporting this project in the future.
Peru
The Overseas sector opens up with a new front, upon the wish of some donors.
A delegate of ours, on a trip to central America for his job, received
the assignment to contact a local NGO that deals with teenagers, or young
victims of sexual violence, prostitution, or drug addiction.
For this project a Swiss citizen may be available, he already works in
this field with kids victims of violence of different nature and addiction.
The project will be further studied for support, the start is scheduled
for 2003.
2004
GVSI celebrated its 25 years of activity: a steady growing presence on the territory of Ticino and Switzerland thus reaching international dimension.
A concert took place in the parish church of Lumino , where the chorals "L'Eco del Gaggio" and "Coro Castelgrande" performed and funds for the activity of the Group in Mexico and for the Children's S.O.S. phone have been collected on this occasion.
The camping "Community for the boys, victims of the war in Sarajevo " in Bigorio has been realized in order to characterize the social engagement at international level, which has always marked the group. Twenty-five young people, still suffering and without family, passed 15 days in Ticino in an intense and creative way, followed by the local association.
The traditional activities of the Group have been carried out regularly. The activity of the district, followed by Luana, has been the main engagement of the operating area of the Group.
Furthermore, the international working camps, the summer camps, the holidays' camps of the teenagers have been executed regularly as well as the engagement of some young people in international camps abroad, with the consequent presence in Switzerland from young people, coming from different European countries.
The activities of "Tandem" completed the cycle of presences and engagements towards young people during summer, and in a particular way towards teenagers.
The working camps in the mountain regions once again wanted to testify the Group's spirit in favour of the rural communities.
The formation continued growing and the site of the FORMATION CENTRE THE GULL JONATHAN will be presented in October, where more than 350 visits took place within three months, coming from Switzerland , Italy , Germany and the United States .
The synergy with other sister associations yielded its first benefits: the agreement with FOSIT has been a concrete and important sign to distinguish the voluntaristic vision of the Formation.
The profitable collaboration with all the formation institutions in Ticino has been confirmed and important glimmers are now opening for formation groups in Italy , France , Spain and Germany .
2005
The activity continues in a traditional way and the basis performances have been confirmed. New horizons have been opened due to the presence in Mexico of the Consul of Tessin and the Ambassador. The contacts become more intense and profitable and there is also a collaboration with the other Mexican ONGs.
The "CASA DE LA AMISTAD" (friendship house) confirms its task in assisting children, who suffer from cancer and, so far as GVSI will be able to do, an increase of assisted children will be sustained or, at least, the present assistance consolidated: 20 children.
A commitment of CHF 50'000.-- is foreseen: a commitment, which today is still possible thanks to the great sacrifices of the association.
The collaboration between Swiss and Mexican authorities has been developed and new horizons have been opened giving the possibility of some intervention in minor sectors.
Indicative meetings have been taken place between the Mexican Embassy and the GVSI in Bern with the Mexican President Fox and with the Mexican Ambassador and in Lugano, during the month of October, with the Mexican Ambassador and the Foundation of the Mexican Friends Association, Mexican citizens living in Ticino .
During the meetings, the GVSI has been introduced as a representative Group of Italian spoken Switzerland for the volunteer programme in Mexico .
In October, the film amateurs association in Bellinzona handed over the documentary of the GVSI anniversary. The documentary was presented during the "Spazio Aperto (Open Space)" exhibition in presence of different supporters and videotapes and the CDs have been sold.
Alfonso Zirpoli finished his photographic itinerary handing over the photographs to the Association as well as the documentary presented to TSI during the month of May.
Professional and familiar commitments don't allow the programmed visit in Mexico city , a missing occasion for the GVSI. The president of the confederation Daiss will visit Mexico , Mrs. Dais will visit the "CASA DE LA AMISTAD", an important event for ONG engaged in the help of the underage.
The overseas sector of GVSI was presented in some cantonal events, like TRASGUARDI, important event in the sector of development and BIENNE on the occasion of the International Volunteer Stock CINFO.
Peru
The projects programmed for 2003 couldn't be developed. This obliges the parts to take an assessment pause. The whole project hasn't been closed but only suspended. The development will be linked to the visit in Lima of the GVSI coordinator within the end of the year 2005.
Brazil
Visit of the GVSI coordinator in Marilia during the month of June in order to monitor the project. He follows the programming according to the contractual limits. The harmony with the local authorities is good and the local ONG has a social recognition role. Different activities are supported by NOAH'S ARK of ONG for the maintenance of the children and the building. The possibility of a boot sale is experimented and different activities with local schools and community centres are started in order to introduce ONG. The result is good even if not immediately appearing. During a charity performance there is the meeting with the Swiss console in S. Paolo, Mr. Mondada thus confirming the Swiss commitment in favour of this project.
NOAH'S ARK hosts 25 children and is fully booked. There are some requests for the broadening of the structure, but this makes no part of the GVSI projects at the moment.
Mauro and Cleo arrived in Ticino during the month of October. Some meetings have been organized in order to promote the ONG activity, like a presence at the Italian Swiss Radio, the press conference with the intervention of the main newspapers from Ticino and Radio Tre III, a recorded presence at TSI, an information evening for volunteers, a information evening for the godparents, nowadays 20 in number, an information and operation evening in the volunteer sector in Taverno in collaboration with AFASI, meetings with some volunteers and companies interested in this project.
The engagement on this front continues with a particular attention to the vocational training sector, after contract expiry for the support of the reception house. A sector planning which will involve the GVSI and NOAH'S ARK associations in new challenges at the beginning of the year 2005.
2006
Supervision visit in Mexico, between November and December of Fredy and Paola, who could check the current projects: CASA DE LA AMISTAD and HOGARES PROVIDENCIA by Father Cincia. They even met some local ONG responsible people for the assessment of a new presence in Mexico.
Various contacts have been made with consul Mr. Pedotti, who communicated us that some local ONG people are interested in a collaboration.
Regarding CASA DE LA AMISTAD the collaboration continues with the donation of CHF 25'000.—yearly (for the help at the desk of medicines). A possible increase to CHF 50'000.—will depend on the generosity of the donators. The project HOGARES PROVIDENCIA has been suspended instead, after a meeting with the responsible people, since the promises have been disregarded. The building will be given to a Centre for socio-psychiatric people, while the sum of money destined to Father Cincia will be put at disposal of other projects.
In Mexico we met two new organizations, APIAMEX, already known through correspondence with the ambassador. One organization is led by a lady of Swiss origin, but residing in Mexico since many years. We met her during a day when visiting the zone and the interested population, which is at 3 hours drive away from Mexico City. After this visit the local ONG people were invited to get better structured, but a first help of CHF 5'000.—will be sent within mid 2006. Other helps will follow as soon as in possess of the required indications. A total help of CHF 15'000.—over three years has been established.
The other association, called PICCOLO COTTOLENGO MESSICANO DON ORIONE, is also situated out of the city, 4 hours drive towards the mountains. It is a reception centre for young people from Cottolengo, lead by 5 Argentinean missionaries, who are working in an excellent way. The structure is well kept and functional, but the young guests need to be cured by doctors, psychologists, teachers, etc., but above all by specialized and skilled staff.
Unfortunately the expenses are very high (asked for CHF 150'000.—yearly), and GVSI cannot take this burden. However the ambassador agrees with the possibility of a donation of CHF 50'000.--.
In Ticino the activity has been limited to the collection of funds through usual ways. Two presences in the schools have been recorded for the self-managed days, two days dedicated to education of the city dwellers and 4 international meetings with DEZA and FOSIT have been assisted.
BRAZIL
Two volunteers of SUPSI, Nathalie and Giada were in Marilia during three months: an experience that gave stature to our association. Mrs. Anadir, ministry head of the city Marilia come to Ticino with Mauro and Cleo to see from nearby our activity and also to take up contacts with our authorities. Different activities were carried out during her fortnight stay: through Mr. Carattini of the Professional Training she visited some of our school structures: from day nursery in Locarno to the Higher Technical School SUPSI. There was furthermore a nice meeting with the population in collaboration with AFASI. The possibility of realizing a baker’s in Marilia was also discussed, an interesting project but which needs further examinations due to the different requirements.
The financial engagement will continue, 2/3 of donations have been donated.
The project for intelligent holidays didn’t come off. It will come up again during the year 2006 and a visit in Brazil is expected for this aim.
2007
MEXICO
According to custom, the usual supervisory visit of Fredy, Annamaria and Sonia took place in November and December. It was an opportune presence to better plan the previous year projects pursued by the leaving ambassador, Mr. Pedretti.
Since some troubles happened, the “Piccolo Cottolengo Messicano Don Orione” and “Apiamex” projects have both been given up. The association of Father Cincia didn’t send some documents, so we decided to submit to the assembly the breaking-off of the relationship with ONG.
The collaboration with boys suffering from cancer is still going on; in this area, the donation extents have been similar to those of the previous year. Casa Amistad (Amistad House) is building a new sector to accomodate further 110 boys. After some years of silence, a new front has been opened in Mexico City, thanks to the presence of Nadia. Nadia works in an Institute for troubled and weakened boys and she’ll stay in Mexico until May. We get regular information so that we can form another volounteer who’ll take her place. The “Ogar I Futuro” house, where Nadia works, has already given its disponibility to carry on our collaboration.
In Ticino the activity has been supported by meetings with volounteers, together with their training, and with efforts to sensitize people on the development problems.
Stalls for collectings funds have been organized; some choirs in Ticino have given their offers.
BRASIL
The cooperation with SUPSI for the training of stagiaire girls in Marilia went on.
Two new girls have beern introduced in October, November and December. This experience has contribute to focus and to deepen all the related methods and contents.
Despite all the efforts, the “bakery” project didn’t come to conclusion.
Cleo, Mauro and Anadir, who came to Brazil at the end of 2006, have still proposed the research of a skilled professional, with the purpose of creating at local level a suitable structure that let the projetc take off.
In Ticino the research is going on, while we are waiting from Marilia the complete documentation and the formal request of the town hall, together with all the warranties, to let the project start.
Concerning the ARCA DI NOÈ (Noah’s Ark) project, we obtained the federal acknowledgement of public activity; this administrative and political act will guarantee more operativeness to the project at national and international level.
The “vacanze intelligenti” (intelligent holidays) project failed again and it won’t be presented in a short time. However, we’ll try to maintain the interest keen for this kind of approach to the world of humanitarian support.
2008
MEXICO
The collaboration with the AMISTAD house continues. We couldn’t carry out the control visit for our projects in Mexico due to the illness of the coordinator.
The purposes of the previous year are maintained as well as the collaboration with the Embassy in Mexico City.
Project for children with cancer disease: Fr. 25’000.- have been sent as support for 2008. The new construction has been realized with a remarkable cost. However, there are some management problems for ONG, who has difficulty in managing the new administration. Therefore a decision was made to freeze the helps and to suspend the projects till 2009, when a GVSI delegation will go on site to check personally and decide regarding it.
Even our voluntary service has undergone a stop: Nadia returned from Mexico, while Paola, who left in August to replace her, came back in October due to illness.
Two new volunteers have been trained, who will be employed for the projects that have been run by Nadia and Paola.
BRAZIL
Noah’s ark is always getting bigger. These works have been carried out to satisfy the rules required by the Municipality in order to obtain the federal recognition. The rough construction will be finished at the end of this year while a further contribution of Fr. 25.000,- is expected for next June in view of the official inauguration of the entire centre.
The volunteers came back three months after service at the Noah’s ark. Some questions have to be investigated before sending other young people, like the mode of their service and the conditions for a more structured collaboration and in line with the requirement of the place.
COLUMBIA
This project started in an informal way last year thanks to the availability of the volunteer Rubens, young architect graduated at the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio. The construction of a house in favor of the street urchins of the city has been realized in Bogota, executed in contractual accordance like in Brazil. Ruben came back at the beginning of the month of December after a three months’ presence of the finished project.
The investment was Fr. 8’000.- . The continuity of the project will be intensified after the visit of the GVSI management in Bogota in 2009.
2009
The collaborations with the overseas ONG continue on a regular basis. The activities always meet a certain interest by the donors, who finance the projects, as well as by the volunteers, who have been asked to carry out their task in those far countries.
MEXICO
The collaboration with CASA ADMISTAD has been taken up again, since the required conditions had been satisfied during the previous year and a donation of Fr. 20.000,-- was therefore confirmed in 2009. An official report regarding the financial situation of the House, as well as regarding the health condition of the young guests has been reached at the end of the year; the counts presented a positive balance of Fr. 10.000.--. There were 15 boys under observation, 2 actually in care while there were unfortunately 7 cases of death.
It is supposed that the extent of help can be constant with the arrival of the donation during the year, but there is also the hope for an increase of donations, in order to obtain the sum of Fr. 50.000.—.
The local ONG FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS has given its availability to welcome a new volunteer during a period of three months. Mrs. Jenny Barras, newly-graduated in social education was available, who left on 6th January and will stay in MEXICO CITY till April 2010. The local ONG have, like always, appreciated the precious job , which our volunteers carry out in loco. Jenny will there also get involved in a project destined to increase the safety of the guests of the House, as well as getting involved with the usual activities linked to her voluntary mission.
An analogue project had been presented 3 years ago, but couldn’t be carried out due to technical reasons. Financially the extent of the project amounts Fr. 15.000, a sum hoping to receive when Jenny is coming back from MEXICO CITY.
BRAZIL
NOAH’S ARK has been handed over to the community of Marilia and is nowadays a reality in charge of the Municipality, which has to guarantee the maintenance of the structure and the payments of the wages of the staff. The total investment for this project has been as follows: for construction and enlargement Fr.15.000.--, followed by the sum of Fr. 10.000.— destined for the wages of the educational staff during the year 2008-2009.
The collaboration with the local ONG will be continued with a planning on operational level of all the projects expected in the years 2010-2010, during the visit on the different building-sites, scheduled in April 2010.
COLUMBIA
The COLUMBIA project has been concluded according to the settled parameters with the local ONG. It was not possible to carry out a visit during the year, due to technical reasons and an illness of the coordinator. Ruben has taken up his job in Switzerland and couldn’t carry out the “Overseas” activity of the Association after his return. His possible new engagement in the help sector regarding the development of our projects will be settled after the visit of the coordinator in March 2010.
2010
MEXICO
The collaboration with CASA ADMISTAD continues. We have received all the necessary information regarding the procedures for using the donation of CHF 20000.--, paid during the year 2010.
Today our collaboration allows us to follow 2 new boys in care and another 15 under observation. Unfortunately, we have to announce 5 deaths.
The donation of 2011 will be sent to the Mexican NGO by the beginning of the year 2012 and should amount to CHF 25000.--.
“FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS “
The Mexican NGO, after the experience with Paola, resumed contacts with our association and this allowed us to offer 9 months of volunteering, from December 2009 till September 2010.
Jenny Barras, who initially left for a period of three months, wanted to stay 6 months, allowing to enhance the professionalism of her performance and allowing a training and deeply human exchange.
Jenny completed her work in the field of speech therapy; she has focused on developing training dynamics between the staff and within the adolescents sector with major problems.
Amelie has continued the work started by Jenny for the next three months, following more closely the boys of the children and family sector.
It was a meaningful experience because it will be taken up as a university education in training stage and evaluated in the final degree work.
The local NGO expressed willingness to continue a partnership for new volunteers, always in the charity training field.
BRAZIL
From the delivery of NOAH’S ARK, meant as the beginning of the charity work, there have been no actions on the structure, neither through money donations.
Mauro came to Ticino twice, taking up the project for the realization of the “HOUSE OF ILL-TREATED WOMEN”: a building that should rise on the land adjacent to NOAH’S ARK.
During the month of March 2011 we’ll go to Marilia. This will be an opportunity to verify the information related to this important project, increase and maintain contacts, which may lead to the realization of the new initiative for the family.
COLUMBIA
Architect Ruben resumed the contacts in Bogota six months after his return, requiring a report to his local collaborator regarding the construction we supported. Unfortunately, it was not possible to draw up the document, because the local NGO refused to collaborate in preventing the visit of the structure.
The GVSI, according to the situation that has been arisen, renounces at the collaboration with this NGO, but remains available for other experiences in this country.
CHILE
The GVSI got activated immediately after the tragic earthquake that hit the Chilean population, promoting a fundraiser to intervene, according to a proven practice for over 30 years. A working group for this project was formed in Ticino.
In December, after a few tries, the request for collaboration in education and childhood was done to the direction of the field “Overseas Activities” of the GVSI.
Some contacts have been taken and there will be proposals for action during 2011 in accordance with the statutes of the association.
2011
MEXICO
The collaboration with the CASA AMISTAD continued and this year we managed to send the sum of Fr. 25,000 --. There was thus an increase of Fr.5,000.—, a situation which has arisen due to an unexpected donation.
The presence of Jenny Barras has been recorded for study reasons and due to her collaboration with the GVSI it has been able to develop greater professionalism in the management of volunteers, especially with the NGO FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS. Jenny will receive a certificate attesting this experience, which can be helpful in her professional career, above all, if she wants to collaborate with humanitarian organizations in the future.
FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS
Jenny’s experience has allowed a greater collaboration between the local NGO and the volunteers. The problems of integration and welcome of new volunteers have been managed with great skill by Jenny, present on the site for 6 months on a personal basis. Alessandra has been able to deal with voluntary due to a remarkable technical, didactic and moral support. Problems have been discussed and agreed related to the housing, the interpersonal relationships and working hours through Jenny’s mediation with the various local operators.
Alessandra will stay 4 months at NGO and there will be another volunteer, who will replace her in February 2012.
The GVSI has invested financially Fr. 2,400.—for volunteers – in wages and direct helps.
BRAZIL
During the month of March we went to Brazil, a visit not only “technical” but also relaxing as we were accompanied by some friends.
The construction NOAH’S ARK has been completely absorbed by the city, even in its external caption. The plate of thanks remained, laid the first year when the finance of the project was decided. The functionality has been improved and some improvements of certain costs have been faced, thus making the structure much more functional and suitable to its use.
A professional training project remains open with the city, still not far outlined. However, the intention is to work at it.
COLUMBIA
The situation has not moved. We were available, but the NGO decided to move towards other sources and resources.
CHILE
The building-site has not been opened yet.
There were problems related to the kind of work that the NGO can assume, in particular its financial entity. The Management has decided to invest Fr. 30,000.- in an aimed project. Negotiations are in progress to reach its concreteness within the year 2012. They didn’t want to use volunteers in this country, but we are waiting for Ruben’s availability, after the excellent experience made in Columbia.
2012
The overseas activities were held in line with the expectations, both on financial field as well as on the commitment of the volunteers.
MEXICO
The collaboration with the CASA AMISTAD continues. We received all the necessary information to confirm our donation of CHF 25’000.-. A figure that, according to the director of the institution is getting increasingly important due to the crisis in Mexico, which also affects the charitable institutions and non-profit associations. We confirmed again the entry of 5 new boys and the monitoring of 15 others. Concerning 2013, CASA AMISTAD has already been warned that the donation may decrease, due to existing difficulties in Switzerland regarding donations and fundraising.
FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS
The work done by Jenny has given excellent results, allowing a selection of staff, prepared and trained by our Association in Ticino. New alliances have been opened with other NGOs linked to training activities.
Amelie remained for three months providing her presence qualifying, then Jenny stayed 1 month, dealing mainly in training the young volunteer Valentina, who during the 3-month stay at FRATERNIDAD SIN FRONTERAS dealt in a particular way with communication, administration sector and aid to local volunteers.
Earlier this year, after the return of Valentina, Linda del Frate took over the role previously occupied by a volunteer of Ticino. Linda served for six months, bringing a breath of youth and optimism within the local NGOs, strengthening the various local professionals, and releasing an impression of great seriousness related to our organization
Another project has been developed during the period of Linda’s stay in favour of local NGOs: the donation of a vehicle for the transportation of children among the various service facilities in the district, for an amount of CHF 10,000. - .
At Easter 2012 we had the visit of our delegation for a supervision of the local activities, meeting the local authorities, the Swiss ambassador and the local branch of Pro Ticino.
The different meetings between the GVSI delegation and the responsible people of the Mexican NGOs and the Swiss Embassy in Mexico City confirmed the excellent relations that exist between the active entities in the humanitarian aid field, specifically in the context of aid to suffering children.
BRAZIL
The activity in Brazil hasn’t registered any significant developments. NOAH'S ARK follows the boys in families through a program of direct aid in collaboration with volunteers, led by Cleo.
The idea to build the house FOR SINGLE AND ABUSED WOMEN is always present, but up till now there hasn’t been any concrete activity. Donations for this humanitarian project have been put on ice for the time being, waiting for a future development.
Nothing has changed much after our presence in 2011 and we are still waiting for more detailed and clear news: Cleo and Mauro arrived in Ticino a couple of times with reassuring and constructive news that bode well for 2013.
The collaboration with the PROFESSIONAL PROJECT continues. An important development of the project is expected in 2014, which should lead to the creation of a specialized vocational school in favour of a specialized learning.
COLUMBIA
There was no evolution of the project. The interest in this country continues and is supported by the local NGOs for the time being.
CHILE
The contacts made in the previous year have given their results. In the course of 2012 we laid the foundations for the construction of the CONCEPCIÓN school, and the planning began at the beginning of 2013, in collaboration with the Volunteer Arch Ruben Semadeni, already active for some time in Colombia.
Furthermore, we made use of the collaboration of another young architect, former volunteer in Columbia and collaborator of Ruben during his presence in Bogota. On 1st February 2013, after approval by the direction of the GVSI Overseas Activities of the plans and the budget, we were able to start the work. The planned investment is CHF 30'000. - and the works should go on for approx. 4 months.
2013
The area OLTREMARE of GVSI has marked its presence in a new country in Latin America: Chile. An intervention built with perseverance and professionalism immediately after the earthquake, which required an initial investment of CHF 30'000.— in the small town Concepción. The project was made possible due to a genuine outpouring of solidarity both from GVSI and from the local community. The collected testimonies involved parents, teachers, young people and military authority. They all brought their help and their offers for the school.
During the closing party of the site, the GVSI coordinator, the school director and the mayor of Concepción expressed words of gratitude towards those ones, who allowed the realisation of the project.
Current assets recorded the donation of Fr. 25'000.— in favour of the "Casa Amistad" in Mexico City, for children with cancer. It was possible to enter a new cycle of treatment for two new children. Unfortunately the amount will not be sufficient for the complete treatment, but GVSI hopes fervently of being able to give Fr. 50'000.— within 2016.
There has been no departure from new volunteers for the different "Oltremare" activities. Some negotiations have started in Argentina for a project that will require an investment of Fr. 50'000.—in 2016.
The GVSI activity in Ticino is mostly oriented towards the activity of funds-raising and the training of new volunteers. There were a few appearances in Switzerland inland within the training and participation in “Transguardi”.
We report the presence of two high schools in Ticino to inform on the activities of international volunteering and the related needs of small ONG's.