Hi everyone. for those in LIMA PERU…Are you interested in getting your hands dirty THIS SATURDAY April 12 and helping out an orphanage with around 100 amazing kids? We’re beginning plans for a huge water project which will see Westfalia Orphanage water quality rise above World Health Organisation levels, provide year-round, safe water access, update old, faulty pipes, provide the orphanage with a newly government-required fire-hydrant capability, and an orchard complete with 100 fruit trees and drip irrigation! Big!
So we’re starting now by cutting a staircase into the hill where the highest new tank is going to go (see photos above). We need stairs cut into the mountain because that tank will require regular access and it’s pretty risky as is. We’ll also be leveling and preparing an area where the three new domestic water tanks will go. All this work is hard labor with pickaxes and shovels. We’re hoping to get up to 20 people to get the job done in one day.
Westfalia Orphanage is situated in Cieneguilla which is one of the most natural, beautiful places in Lima, if not Peru so you’ll be working while looking at amazing, huge mountains.
It’ll be a fun day and you’ll know that you’re directly helping to improve the water conditions for around 100 orphans. I’ll give everyone a tour of the orphanage and you get to meet these great kids. Also, once we complete these water improvements all volunteers will be entitled to as much water as they can drink and carry! :p
Please send me a message as soon as possible to confirm numbers and work out transport. You’re welcome to bring friends too! It will be a great day. Thanks everyone!
Scott
URGENT!!!
Westfalia Orphanage has an urgent need, as well as an important recurring need, for a gasoline-powered portable water pump. They normally require a pump like this to assist in the annual cleaning of their water tanks and the existing portable pump is irreparably broken. The urgent need is also to be able to support a well disinfection procedure to assess their well’s ability to provide clean drinking water to the children and staff of the orphanage. If the procedure is successful it will make a major improvement in the health and quality of water to the kids and they’ll be able to drink the water out of their taps in their houses. Without this pump, we’re unable to accomplish this procedure to test how the well responds to the disinfection.
The pump will safely dispose of the highly chlorinated water after the disinfection process. The only safe location to dispose of the 20,000 liters of chlorinated water is above the well’s tank site which requires a portable pump to pump it there. Without this pump, this disinfection procedure cannot occur.
In addition to this application, this pump will be used several times a year to empty the various water storage tanks so they can be cleaned. In addition to that, it will serve as an important emergency water pump if the existing pumps have maintenance problems.
A large hardware store in Lima called Sodimac has the ideal pump, a Honda WB30XT 3” portable pump priced at US$465. Westfalia Orphanage would also need around 25m of discharge hose for another US$107 bringing the total to US$573.
If you can help out purchase this vital pump please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your Facebook or twitter. This pump is also vital to our biggest project yet, Westfalia Orphanage Clean Water Project 2014, and any extra money will go toward the US$32,500 needed for that.
Thanks for helping to make a difference!
On Saturday 21st December, Sonrisasenperu hosted our 4th annual Westfalia Orphanage Christmas Party. It was a huge event made possible with lots of help from so many people. A special thanks to Alex and Business Links Institute, Sean C. and family, George S., Mahlon for the amazing photos, and everybody who contributed with gifts, food, or their time! (Way too many names to list here – but you know who you are. You really lit up the day for these kids!). My sincere apologies for taking so long to do this write-up but it’s been hectic of late. I lost my entire computer hard-drive just before Christmas (with no backup!), busy doing the Christmas thing, and my wife and I had our baby, Cristina, on January 4. So time is something I haven’t had a lot of lately.
The party was the best we’ve ever had with an amazing show with dancers, DJ, singing, dancing, games and prizes, face-painting, the usual traditional turkey lunch, and Santa and helpers were handing out the gifts this year which the kids loved. It was such a special day for the 100+ orphans that live at the remote orphanage in Cieneguilla on the outskirts of Lima, Peru.
We had a huge trampoline with safety net and it was amazing seeing how happy the kids were! It was definitely something new and exciting for them.
Like every year, each child received two gifts and it was so rewarding to see the looks on their faces as they came up and collected them from Santa and his helpers. These aren’t kids who have bikes, cell phones, playstations, or toys we took for granted growing up so their faces showed how exciting it really was for them.
The kids were very busy familiarizing themselves with their new gifts which was great to see.
As well as those who got involved in the gift process I’d like to thank those that came out and spent time with the children. It meant a lot to them to spend such a great day with good people.
A big thank you to those who have helped us make this event so special. And thank you to all those who have donated funds, food, clothes, and their time to these amazing children. For over 4 years now I have personally seen amazing changes in these children. They all come from terrible situations whether it be physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, from the streets, or simply that their families cannot afford to care for them. They come from all parts of Peru to join this big family. And they continually grow in character from shy and reserved children into loving, confident, caring, empathetic teenagers. And this doesn’t occur simply from dropping off food or clothes but from constant contact and letting them know that people do care about them, and that they are worthwhile. And the children are well aware of the global help they receive and constantly ask me about the people and countries that contribute. So thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.
Sonrisasenperu has some very important projects coming up for 2014 including a HUGE water project which includes building a high capacity water filter and several large water towers to run clean water to every building at the orphanage (currently there is only one clean water point). This would put a stop to the use of contaminated river water. The project includes the planting of 100 fruit trees and drip irrigation to provide a self-sustaining food source for the orphanage. We will also be assisting in the upgrade of the childrens’ rundown, 24 year old accommodation. We also continue to provide food and clothing for the 100 orphans at Westfalia as well as other rural children in need.
If you can help out please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your facebook or twitter.
Thanks for helping to make a difference!
If you can help out please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your facebook or twitter.
Thanks for making a difference! 🙂
What is it?
On Saturday, December 21 we’re hosting our annual Sonrisasenperu Christmas party for 100+ kids of Westfalia Orphanage in Peru. These kids all come from broken, abusive homes, abandonment or their families gave them up because they simply don’t have the money to take care of them. These kids don’t have electronics games, bikes, or televisions. They don’t go to the cinema on a Saturday night or enjoy trips away with family. They share a room with 3 or 4 other children and there are 12-15 kids per ‘house’. They live in an orphanage compound in the mountains of Cieneguilla on the far edge of Lima and we want to brighten up their Christmas which is traditionally a sad time for them as they don’t have the family time we all have.
What’s happening?
We are organising presents for over 100 children. Last year we managed to give each child 2 presents. We’ll also be providing a traditional turkey lunch, snacks, drinks, and dessert. We’re going to have lots of games, competitions, and prizes. There will also be a live show for the kids which includes singing and dancing. Oh yeah, and we’ll be providing lots of fun! … BUT we really need your help!
How can I help?
In the past donations have helped us provide permanent, clean drinking water when the kids were using polluted river water. You’ve helped fund a new industrial stove to replace a gas-leaking, 22 year old stove as well as a load of new pots and pans. You’ve helped replace broken windows and provided shoes, clothes, blankets and literally tonnes of food and essential supplies to the orphanage. But we need you to dig deep again. If you can help out please send us a donation. We need to make sure 100+ children get at least one present, a memorable turkey lunch, snacks, drinks, games, prizes, etc. The orphanage’s food stocks are traditionally low over the Christmas break so we also want to buy food provisions such as rice, beans, potatoes, meat, eggs and milk. If you’ve never donated and been a bit hesitant…now is your chance.
If you’re here in Lima, Peru and want to donate a gift or food, please send us an email (‘Contact Us’ at the top of the page). You can also see the 2012 Sonrisasenperu Christmas party here! Or our 2011 Christmas party here!
Please post this on your facebook page to help spread the word! Thanks for helping make a difference 🙂
Hi everyone! Quick renovations update for Casa (house) 2 at Westfalia Orphanage on the outskirts of Lima, Peru which houses around 100 children. Recent changes in Peruvian law have meant that we need to urgently renovate many of the buildings at the orphanage. Work has began but, sadly, stalled again due to lack of money 🙁
Good news first! We managed to do most of the concreting, get some tiles down, and complete a lot of one of the bathrooms (we just need to do the floor tiles and install the toilets).
Bad news … the water filter we installed last year for clean water needed it’s annual service ($185 for U.S. parts) and the water pump decided to start leaking, requiring another $55 to repair (the amazing Randy repaired these free!).
This, plus the constant food requirements of the 100 kids has made completing the project impossible. The kids from House 2 are still living with the other kids so we really want to get them back in their own house in comfort.
So there is a real urgency to get Casa 2 repaired and renovated to allow the 15 children to move back in. There is also an urgency because if the work isn’t done quickly, and the government agencies aren’t satisfied that the orphanage meets the health & safety requirements, then the permit for the orphanage is at risk of being revoked or their permitted capacity downgraded. We do not want to see any of these children transferred to another orphanage because of a shortage of space due to inability to meet the deadline for completing these required renovations and satisfying the government ministries. Most of the 100 children have been at this orphanage all their lives. This is their home. Their family.
Help! If you can help out please send us an urgent donation. We really need to get this finished asap. And please, share the link of this post on your FB and help spread the news! Thanks!
After a very busy but rewarding December at Westfalia orphanage giving the kids a Christmas to remember, it is time to move on to our next project. We had been talking about renovating the now 24 year old buildings that house the 100 children for a while now but after recent government inspections we have had to speed up that plan. The 100 orphans are lodged in 6 houses which accommodate up to 15 children per house. At the moment each house has 2 bathrooms, one for the boys, and one for the girls. Within each bathroom is one toilet, one shower, and one sink. So you can imagine the difficulties of 15 children plus 2 carers trying to get ready for school in two small bathrooms. Besides being 24 years old and in need of repair/renovation, new government laws make it necessary to double that capacity thereby providing 2 toilets, 2 showers and 2 sinks per bathroom.
The government regulations apply to various parts of the buildings so we need to do the bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, lounge/dining area, and the large laundry area where the children wash their clothes by hand. This includes tiling the entire floor area where there was bare concrete before.
The children from Casa (House) 2 had been moved to the other houses to allow for renovations thereby making the other 5 houses very overcrowded. Renovations had just started when Defense Civil (the previously mentioned government department) told the orphanage that they had to install concrete security zones (round concrete pads) in front of every building, as a gathering place in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. They also included a list of other required changes which they deemed prerequisites for the continuation of the orphanage. This required the immediate halt of Casa 2 renovations and the money diverted for the security zones. You can see a photo of one of the many costly concrete security zones below.
As if that wasn’t a big enough problem, yet another government department inspected the orphanage and indicated that, in spite of the fact that they have no disabled residents, have never had any disabled residents, and never plan to have any, they must install wheelchair ramps on every building (that would be about 10 buildings) and that they must include a bathroom stall suitable for wheelchair use, in each building, complete with grab bars etc. So the little money available to at least start the renovations has well and truly dried up leaving Casa 2 barely started and 15 children squashed in with the other 5 houses.
So there is a real urgency to get Casa 2 repaired and renovated to allow the 15 children to move back in. There is also an urgency because if the work isn’t done quickly, and the government agencies aren’t satisfied that the orphanage meets the health & safety, as well as security requirements, then the permit for the orphanage is at risk of being revoked or their permitted capacity downgraded. We do not want to see any of these children transferred to another orphanage because of a shortage of space due to inability to meet the deadline for completing these required renovations and satisfying the government ministries. Most of the 100 children have been at this orphanage all their lives. This is their home. Their family.
If you can help out please send us an urgent donation. We really need to get this finished asap. And please, share the link of this post on your FB and help spread the news! Thanks!
Usual Christmas?…no presents, very little food, thinking about what ‘normal’ kids have. This Christmas? …280 presents, turkey lunch for everyone, singing, dancing, games, nibblies, cakes, muffins, and cookies, drinks, water balloons, lots of fun…and knowing that just because you don’t have a traditional family, doesn’t mean you don’t have love. Thanks for all those that made it possible to show orphans without family that they really do have a family!
On Saturday 22nd December, Sonrisasenperu hosted our 3rd annual Westfalia Orphanage Christmas Party. With the help of so many people, it was even bigger and better than last year. There was lots of fun, singing, dancing, games and prizes, a traditional turkey lunch, soft drink and sweets. It was such a special day for the 100 orphans that have lived at the remote orphanage in Cieneguilla on the outskirts of Lima most of their lives.
A huge thank you to those that helped make this day possible, particularly George, Alex, Brenda and Patricio, Miguel, Clare and her students, Sean & family, Randy, Yuko and the boys, and even my mum Mary who was visiting from Australia and probably wrapped over 100 presents herself! It was a huge task to organize and coordinate all the gifts, food, drinks, games, and activities so thanks everyone for helping make the day perfect!
Each child received two gifts each and it was so rewarding to see the looks on their faces as they came up and collected them. These aren’t kids who have bikes, playstations, electronics of any kind, or toys we took for granted growing up so their faces showed how exciting it really was for them.
A big thanks to those who came out and supported us as well and helped out with the games (Clare and her amazing students!), food, giving out the gifts and helping out with the Christmas spirit! Check out the kids dancing Gangnam Style with Clare and her students http://youtu.be/C1PeoDGcwBE
And seeing the kids opening their presents was an amazing sight.
So again, a big thank you to those who have helped us make this event so special. And thank you to all those who have donated funds, food, clothes, and their time to these kids. For over 3 years now I have personally seen amazing changes in these children. They all come from terrible situations whether it be physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, from the streets, or simply that their families cannot afford to care for them. They come from all parts of Peru and join this big family. And they continually grow in character from shy and reserved children into loving, confident, caring, empathetic teenagers. And this doesn’t occur just from dropping off food or clothes but from constant contact and letting them know that people do care about them, and that they are worthwhile. And the children are well aware of the global help they receive and constantly ask me about the people and countries that contribute. So thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.
Sonrisasenperu has new projects for 2013 including the urgent need to upgrade the childrens’ rundown, 23 year old accommodation, continuing classes for Westfalia Orphanage (English, dance, and swimming) as well as continuing to provide food and clothing for the 100 orphans at Westfalia as well as other rural children in need. If you can help out please send a donation or help spread the word by copying this post onto your facebook or twitter. Thanks!
On December 22 we’re hosting our annual Sonrisasenperu Christmas party for 100+ kids of Westfalia Orphanage. These kids all come from broken, abusive homes, abandonment or their families had to give them up as they simply didn’t have the money to care for them. These kids don’t have phones, playstations, or televisions. They don’t go to the cinema on a Saturday night or a weekend away at the beach with family. They live in an orphanage compound in the mountains of Cieneguilla on the far edge of Lima and we want to brighten up their Christmas which is traditionally a sad time for them as they don’t have the family time we all have.
We are organising presents for 140 children. This includes the 100 children of the orphanage, some past orphans who have ventured into work or study, as well as some of the childrens’ family members who will coming to the party. We’ll also be providing nibblies, drinks, a traditional turkey lunch, lollies and desserts. We’re going to have lots of games, competitions, prizes and face painting. We’re hiring a group to provide a live show for the kids which includes singing and dancing. Oh yeah, and we’ll be providing lots of fun! … BUT we really need your help!
I know we’ve asked a lot this year…with your help we’ve provided clean drinking water so the kids aren’t drinking dirty river water and getting sick. You’ve helped fund a new industrial stove to replace the gas-leaking, 22 year old stove as well as a load of new pots and pans. You’ve helped replace 72 broken windows and provide literally tonnes of food and essential supplies to the orphanage. But we need you to dig deep one more time this year. If you can help out please send us a donation, and remember every dollar counts! We need to make sure 140 children get a present, a memorable turkey lunch, lollies, drinks, games, prizes, etc. If you’ve never donated and been a bit hesitant…now is your chance 🙂
If you’re here in Lima Peru and want to donate a gift, please send us an email. You can also see the 2011 Sonrisasenperu Christmas party here!
I wanted to dedicate a post to all the wonderful people who have donated and helped realise the sonrisasenperu dream of helping those in poverty. I received an email from Elissa, an Australian living in San Diego, who donated money and requested I use the money for the almost 100 children of Westfalia Orphanage. Upon sending her photos of the kids with the food that her money paid for, I learned that part of the donation was on behalf of her sister, Leanne (Geelong, Australia), who had requested that instead of a birthday present she wanted money donated to a charity. Amazing!
So thank you to Elissa and Leanne and all those who have donated to help those less fortunate then ourselves. One of our main projects is Westfalia Orphanage due to the incredible difficulties this non-government orphanage faces. It provides housing, education, and psychological assistance to almost 100 orphans, victims of family violence and abuse, abandoned, or homeless children. Being a non-government orphanage, the only assistance it receives from the Peruvian government is a monthly quota of rice, and it is nowhere near enough to provide for the kids. So every week I try to take up fruit or basic foods such as rice, beans, wheat, pasta and meat when funds allow.
We also receive wonderful donations in the form of clothes, shoes, appliances, books, pens, pencils, paper and food. So a big thank you to those that have helped out. We have even received items from overseas; people bringing things with them when coming to Peru. Great effort! Some have even sent care packages! We use these items to help out the 100 kids at Westfalia Orphanage as well as poor families unable to keep up with the needs of their families.
If you would like to help the cause, send a donation. $20 buys a crate of most fruits here in Peru. A 50kg bag of rice is about $45. Also feel free to post on your facebook to help spread the word! Thank you for your support and helping to make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves.
After a long break from dance classes due to difficulties in obtaining a dance teacher, and one willing to travel the 90 minutes each way to the orphanage, we have finally started dance classes again! We got a lucky break meeting the amazing Clare, an English girl now living in Peru who volunteered to teach various kinds of dance including modern, hip-hop, salsa, and freestyle.
Of all the classes we’ve provided to the kids of Westfalia Orpahange, dance has always been their favourite and it’s great to see how involved they get. We are rehearsing for a dance performance at our annual Sonrisasenperu Christmas Party on December 22, so watch out for the photos and video!
Check out more of the projects we are doing, including at Westfalia Orphange, in our newsroom.
If you are able to help us continue with these important projects, especially coming up to Christmas, please send us a donation. Remember, it isn’t that hard to help make a difference in the lives of people so much worse off than ourselves … maybe one less takeaway/take-out this week. Every dollar counts!