BACK TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGN 2007

School classes in Peru begin on March 1st and it is time to help these kids once more. They are forced to work on the streets to survive, lets make it a little easier on them and get them the basic school supplies.

Get together your friends, family, coworkers, etc. and help us with the donation of a basic school pack (valued on S/. 70.00 soles - around USD 25.00*)

If you wish to colaborate with the education of these kids please e-mail us to magisdomingo@gmail.com

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!

* The school pack is refferencial and can vary depending on educatinal levels, the basic one has: 2 blue pens, 1 red pen, 1 black pen, 2 pencils, eraser, sharpener, rulers, scissors, felt-tip pens, coloring pencils, water colours, glue, sketchbook, 7 notebooks, 5 file folders, pencil case and backpack.

Christmas Reunion

December 16, 2006

Getting ready...

Bullet proof volunteers!!! Willing to do almost anything for the project... Hard work since 10 a.m. to get everything ready for our little guests at 4 p.m. Exhausting but... worth it! great kid's smiles!

The delicious turkey sandwichs... total success with the kids!

The gifts from the "santas" who so generously colaborated with us. Forgive us but we had to wrap the gifts all over again so they would look similar and avoid arguments of the kids because of size or colour.

They start to come, one by one...

And it all started...

Until an unexpected "VISITOR" arrived...

And the party really started! hahaha, laughter, curious looks, the "visitor" talks to the kids, jokes, even dances! until he finally sits down to give the presents...

THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE POSSIBLE THAT WONDERFULL AFTERNOON, TO THOSE WHO DONATED THEIR TIME AND PRODUCTS FOR THE GIFT BASKETS, THE SNACKS THE KIDS TOOK HOME, THE PRESENTS, THE CARDS, THE COMPANY, THE LOVE AND SMILES...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

"For a world within the reach of children"

A couple of weeks before Christmas we started to get ready for it: the kids create things to decorate their houses, details for greeting cards and to put in their rooms.

Our dear friend, Dr. Maribel Yaya Beas (Surgeon - Dentist C.O.P. 11362) checking two of the girls. The nutricional problems and bad hygene had a huge consecuence on the kid's teeth.
Thank you very much Maribel for your support to the project and to the kids!

Dra. Maribel Yaya Beas
Av. Nazca Nº 121. Jesús María.
Telf. 332-2338

CHRISTMAS 2006

November 5 - December 15

WELCOME!!!

Today we launch the Christmas 2006 activities, not just thinking about this particular celebration, but to get ready for the new school year starting March 2007.

We know that many friends want to help the kids but it's not always possible for them in the way they wish they could.

That's why we present a variety of alternatives (from greeting cards to being a "Santa") so nobody gets sad because it wasn't possible to help and give some joy to these kids and their families this season.

CHOOSE YOUR WAY TO HELP and e-mail us to magisdomingo@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS CARDS

A special and different detail for a warm greeting this season...

Beatiful handmade greeting cards, unique and with different details (cloth, embroderie, overibbons, etc). Individually packed in clear plastic with a white envelope. Donations from 3.00 to 5.00 soles depending on the work (1.00 to 2.50 usd each)

A special thank you to Grafipapel S.A. for the envelopes donation.

BE A SANTA TO A LITTLE ANGEL

Give a new outfit to one of the kids (top, bottom, socks). If you are interested in colaborate in this way, please contact us to receive the name, age and size of the boy or girl and any other detail you need in order to help.

CHRISTMAS-LIKE DINNER (December 16)

Donate sweet bread, candy, beverages, apple sauce, fruit, whatever you think the kids might enjoy as a part of the celebrations!

GET YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!!

Get cool stuff made by the kids like pendants and bracelets, done on the saturday handcraft sessions.

GIFT BASKETS

We'll give identical gift baskets to the mothers of the kids with products such as milk, sugar, rice, etc. E-mail us to get the list of products (it's ok if you get to donate one product, but if you want to donate two, or three, or four...)

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

If you come up with another way to help please feel free to let us know! your time, your ideas, your profesional skills, your music, your art, your help to reach other people... EVERYTHING IS VERY WELCOME AND WE THANK YOU FOR IT!!!

One of the goals of this project is not only to give inmediate help to these kids, but to reach people and let them "know". As we previously said, it's enough to smile and say "no thanks" when we don't want or need whatever they offer to us. THEY ARE NOT INVISIBLE, they are just not as lucky as you are and deserve our respect and consideration.

CHOOSE YOUR WAY TO HELP and e-mail us to

magisdomingo@gmail.com

"For a world within the reach of children"

Ale (11 years old) is one of our talented artists.
Here she smiles for the camera showing one of her drawings. She's a very good student and she could be the first of her class if she didn't have to work all night selling roses or candy. She wakes up at 5am to read or study what she learns at school! She loves to draw and paint.
Look at that smile.... Her problems and limitations have no power over her heart, she's caring, loving, sweet, smart and funny.

Do you have notebooks or sketchbooks that you no longer use? canvas? colour pencils, watercolours, crayons, paint, etc?
Let's help Ale develop all her potential!

"For a world within the reach of children"

"What's Learned? Puzzles require abstract thinking: the ability to see a space and envision what belongs there. Puzzles also require fine-motor control in order to place the pieces into place. Having puzzles for varied skill levels permits children at all stages of development to experience success."

Marian Edelman Borden (professional writer and Journalist, her articles have appeared in American Baby, Healthy Kids, Parenting, Barney Family, Sesame Street, and the New York Times)

"Flea Market" at the Reina del Mundo School - October 28, 2006
Our first experience selling the artworks of our little and talented artisans.



We thank the school for letting us participate in this activity and to the students and their families for their collaboration. A special recognition to our volunteer friends Allison and Javier, who were there early getting things ready and making the first sales!

"For a world within the reach of children"

Concentration, abstraction capability, memory, coordination, mental speed... everything excersises as a game, a puzzle turns then into a new tool for the kid's development.

Fernandito, so little and yet he spends most of his days on the streets. If he's not with his mother, one of his sisters takes care of him. They all work selling flowers, candy or bubble gum... Doesn't he deserve something better?

"For a world within the reach of children"

Saturday, October 21, 2006...
Two of our artist smile for the camera with some of their creations, Janisse and Sol, enthusiastic with the project and the oportunity...
Help us help them!!!

While walking through the Historical Center of Lima a few days ago, we found this sculpture, a tribute to the shoe-shining child... We can not avoid thinking about the similarities shared by the sculpture and the real kids working in the city, around the historical center, the financial center, the shopping centers, etc... The resemblance is remarkable, and we don't mean between the kids and the sculpture, but by the indiference of the people walking by.
Like to the sculpture, many people just walk by and choose not to see the kids approaching them - not to beg - to offer their work.
A piece of advice to those who are not interested on havind their shoes shined, buying roses or candy: "No thank you" and a smile. Our kids tell us that that is enough. There's nothing worse than indifference. Remember, they are not invisible, they are simply less lucky than you.

We start a new season of handcraft works, this time trying to generate resources to be able to afford the workshops and the activities for the end of year, like Christmas and also the school supplies packages for next year. The kids learn new techniques while they help the rest of the group achieve the final goal. Every piece produced in the workshops will be exhibited for selling with only that purpose.


They keep an organized and clean work station, storing their "creations" in containers marked with their names. Although the pieces are not perfect, they are made with a lot of effort and dedication. They take their time learning and over and over try the cuts, twists, folds, until they are satisfied with their work.



Some of the work in progress and the expected final product.

Some of our friends and benefactors ask about where and when these will be available - don't worry! We'll let you know in time! You can get your Christmas presents and new and colourful stuff for this summer!

Time to celebrate the birthdays of the last few weeks...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLOR, JIMMY and ALEXANDRA!!!!
We love you very much, and wish you all the best! Thank you for your confidence in us and for your sweet love!

October 14, 2006... A mini-tournament of a "memory game" is improvised, forty cards divided in pairs with animal pictures are the stars of the game, attention and a good memory are the best allies to win! The kids get excited, and after their initial frustrations they ask for a re-match. In play we develop our skills!

"For a world within the reach of children"

September 18, 2006
Nothing like the smiles of the children to keep up the work!

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. "
~Walt Streightiff

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
~Stacia Tauscher

September 2nd 2006... Back to the activities with the kids.
We changed the handcrafting for the reading, drawing and painting. Once more they gave us a lesson!!! We discovered little artists with big enthusiasm!

"For a world within the reach of children"

"For a world within the reach of children"

A night with friends... the kids at the park read letters from far away friends. Lisa writes to them from Sweden... the children read with surprise the words of a Swede they've never seen yet who knows about them, and writes with love telling them about her work at her parent's farm when she was a child, sends pictures and her best wishes.
It's not necessary to have them close to care about them, but to give them some attention and love!

"For a world within the reach of children"

Even though they have to work on the streets, out in cold nights and most of the time without an adult to take care of them, they are still kids!
They play, laugh, those who are lucky go to school... They also cry, feel, they know... We can't ignore them, they are not invisible...

"For a world within the reach of children"

“For a world within the reach of children”

Activity: Fund raising (raffle)

Drawing: July 1st, 2006

Conditions:

Prizes will be delivered within 7 calendar days or as coordinated with the winner.

WINNERS

Surprise prize 1 - Rafeli Matos Montañez - TKT 1286

Surprise prize 2 - Ximena Tamayo - TKT 1211

Surprise prize 3 - Zayda Corzo - TKT 0208

1 Set of glasses - Yessica Salinas - TKT 010801

1 Set of coffee cups - Nathalia Patiño - TKT 029201

Blender - Sebastián Jesús Tapia - TKT 018301

Coffee maker - Magda Puertas - TKT 131901

Iron - Annarita Nieri - TKT 094001

Rice pressure cooker - Desiree Raposo - TKT 1002

MARRIOTT – Tea Time - Evelyn García - TKT 1001

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OUR FRIENDS FOR THEIR COOPERATION!!!

"Give love and get a smile"
(el oscarito, volunteer)

"For a world within the reach of children"

Saturday, June 24th, 2006
After a few tryouts... the project was a success!!!
We want to congratulate Angel for his effort and enthusiasm which made it happen!

"For our children, art could be the valve that regulates their intellect and their emotions. It can become the friend they can naturally turn to when something is bothering them - even unconsciously - the friend to go to when words are not enough". Viktor Lowenfeld ("Your child and his art")

"For a world within the reach of children"

Saturday, June 17th, 2006... Magis afternoon, the kids start to take the initiative, they no longer wait for a "grown up" to tell them what to do. Little by little they find the areas they like the most, they are concentrated on their work and try over and over again until it comes out right.
They start to trust us a little more, they talk about what they would like to study, what they would like to become... seamstress, nurse, teacher, to learn handcrafts, electronics, English, etc... they tell us about some of their problems at home, their health, their limitations and needs... Despite our sadness for not being able to give everything to everyone, we try to help with the few things we have around, with our time, our dedication and the support of our dear friends and benefactors.

"For a world within the reach of children"

EVERYBODY, HELP!!!

We continue our fund raising for the projects and the help for the kids, this time with a raffle. The donation is only S/. 1.00 (around 0.30 usd) and there are some interesting prizes: 1 Tea Time fot two at the Lima Marriott Hotel, 1 rice pressure cooker, 1 iron, 1 coffee maker, 1 blender, 1 Set of coffee cups, 1 Set of glasses and many surprise prizes.
We want to thank our benefactors for their generous donation of the prizes for this raffle.
If you want to join us, the draw will be on July 1st, 2006 at the Fatima Parish in Miraflores (Lima) after the Magis volunteer activities.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

"For a world within the reach of children"

June 10, 2006... kids like Francis follow very carefully the instructions they are given for every project.
While they work they improve their motor skills, their concentration, eye-hand coordination, and they notice that they are capable of creating good and valuable things, both beautiful and useful.

"For a world within the reach of children"

Saturday, June 3, 2006... The children keep learning, they develop their creativity and coordination, they use tools and materials of different shapes, sizes and textures. The outcome?... bracelets, necklaces, pendants and smiles!!!

"For a world within the reach of children"

May 27-28, 2006, the volunteers in spiritual retreat, recharging batteries and filling with ideas to keep on working with and for the kids who need it the most.

"For a world within the reach of children"

"In every child Society has a piggy bank for the future. If it only pours inside insults, hunger, injustice, coldness, hardness, selfishness and hitting; when the teen years come and it is time to break the piggy, a beast might come out. But, if sweetness, bread, tenderness and love, is poured inside it's likely that a man come out instead"
Manuel Siurot (Spain, 1872-1940), known as “the teacher of the poor children", quit his brilliant career as a lawyer to follow his true calling "teacher", he created schools and led by example.

"For a world within the reach of children"

A new Magis evening, team work; some teach... BUT (WE) ALL LEARN! Little by little we gain the kid's trust and love, the group keeps getting bigger and the kids are more and more interested... "What will we do next week? - asks Angel - Can I bring my sister the next time?"... It's so good to see how although we have very little resources and time, we are making small changes, the aggressive and timid kids from the first weeks come to work with us with love and smiles. They are noticing that our concern for them is real.

"For a world within the reach of children"

"The best way to make good children is to make happy children."
Oscar Wilde

"Childhood is the stage in which every man is a creator"
Juana de Ibarbourou

"Whatever it is that children receive, the children will give back to society"
Karl A. Menninger

"What you put inside yourself the first years of your life will stay in there beyond death"
Anonymus

"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man"
Rabindranath Tagore

Saturday, May 13th, 2006, only few hours away from Mother's Day, Magis evening is spent creating greeting cards and wrapping presents for the moms, adults and kids working just the same - the goodwill of the kids and the teamwork make it all worth it!

"For a world within the reach of children"

Magis evening... a moment of learning and cool activities for the kids: drawing, painting, creating, playing... A few hours away from the streets, in a safe and warm enviroment in which without noticing it, they'll start learning and developing their talents and interests.
THANK YOU for joining us and for your enthusiasm!!!

"For a world within the reach of children"

As a part of the fundraising activities for the proyect and as Mother's Day is around the corner, we are proud to present our handmade greeting cards. They have no text inside so they can also be used for birthdays, anniversaries, congratulations, etc.
We thank our dear friends and benefactors for supporting our work by providing the materials.
The donation per card with envelope is S/. 3.00 (around 1.00 us dollar). We have a variety of motifs which you can choose from or even can be done upon request (Requests outside the country will have to add the shipping costs). Although the project begins for Mother's Day, it will continue.
If you wish to contact us or need further information, please e-mail us at magisdomingo@gmail.com , we are thankful for any kind of help, from a pencil to an idea!

Thank you for your colaboration!

"For a world within the reach of children"

First sunday of our project, Magis... April 23, 2006... a lot of hope, great expectations for the group, a great will to work... since very early that morning, every corner of the classroom we managed to get (borrowed) for our meeting is decorated and by area: "Storytelling", "Drawing and Painting", "Games", "Creative Hands"... the only thing left: waiting for the kids to arrive... Butterflies in our stomachs... What are we going to do? Will they participate in the activities with us? Will they like all the things we prepared for them? Will they come back? So many questions running around inside our heads!... Doubts disappear with Milagro's shy smile. She's 7 years old and sells candy every night, she's tired because she hasn't slept just to get in time for our little meeting, she stares at us and says hello, one by one she gives us a kiss and a hug! So much love! Her eyes shinning while she looks around, finally she finds the table with the handcraft projects, she sits down and starts asking, a few minutes after we discover that she's got an extraordinary ability, she quickly fills the wire with beads to make a beautiful bracelet. While she works she tells us that she can't go to school because she hasn't got the supplies, she says she's good in math and talks about her mom and sister. After a couple of hours she's still cheerful, she wants to keep making bracelets! We tell her that it is time to say bye for now, that she can take the three bracelets she made with us and that we look forward to teaching her how to make earrings the next time, her face lights up and once more that smile appears. All the doubts, frustration, problems, everything disappears with that smile, our hearts feel bigger and the satisfaction is immense... Thank you Milagros! We'll keep up the work!

"For a world within the reach of children"

MAGIS

Welcome! Thank you for sharing this project with us: Children who work on the streets.
We want to give these kids and teens the tools they need to "walk the extra mile", the difference between being resigned to a life filled with vice and "outside" of society, or to open their minds and senses to the change, discovering their talents and giving them the opportunity to show their potential, with an education based on values and humanizing their work with dignity.
"For a world within the reach of children"

Magis - Voluntariado Universitario Jesuita (Jesuit Universitary Volunteers)
Proyecto: "Niños que trabajan en la calle" (Project: Children working on the streets)