St Bernadette's Peru, Photo: Fr Pat Raleigh
Last year I had the privilege of visiting the St Bernadette's projects in Lima, Peru with Fr Ed O’Connell.
The Association of St Bernadette has been supporting children suffering from neglect and abuse in northern Lima since 1996. St Bernadette's has three components – all geographically adjacent.
Escuelita
Our first visit was to Escuelita, a remedial school for primary children with additional educational needs, based on a child's right to education. There are around 90 children in the school with ten to each classroom. It is the only school in the area that welcomes these children.
The school has a very holistic approach with four psychologists on staff. There is also a special area for physically and intellectually challenged children. They are provided with a space for vocational training such as shoe making, repair work and ceramics. It is really a place for them to get out of their homes and interact with others. The school also has a calf, sheep and chickens.
Casa de Hogar
Casa de Hogar is a refuge for child survivors of sexual abuse and violence, based on a child's right to education. It can accommodate up to 22 children (boys and girls) and is staffed with professional psychologists. The children generally spend one to two years in the home before they are integrated back to their families. They are taught basic life skills that include hygiene, taking care of their possessions and keeping the place tidy.
Casa del Nino
This is an amazing four-storey building perched on top of a hill. From the fourth floor, all one can see are thousands of houses that look like tiny coloured dots. This is a day Centre that promotes children's rights and provides a place for children, who would otherwise be left at home, often unsupervised, while both parents are working. Children can use the play areas or can use study areas after school to do their homework or class assignments. They can also participate in the many other artistic activities on offer. Approximately 1,000 children use the Centre on a weekly basis.
All three projects are professionally managed with their own Child Protection Policies.
My thanks to Fr Ed O'Connell for taking the time to show me around St Bernadettes. Fr Tony Coney, the Director of St Bernadettes, was on leave during my visit to Lima is to be congratulated on his initiatives and dedication to these wonderful projects.
Retired in Ireland, Columban Fr Pat Raleigh worked for many years in Pakistan.
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