THE BAKING WORKSHOP

Before commencing this blog - an amazing sight - the valley of Jicamarca turns green after very unseasonable rain, an event that happens about once in every eight to ten years.

Work begins on the construction of the new building for the Baking Workshop.

The roofing of the building is always a moment of major importance and the tradition is that a meal for the workers be provided when the work is finished.

Celebrating the roofing of the construction, and in keeping with an ancient indigenous tradition, Rosa pours chicha on the ground, giving back to the earth something of the fruits received and enjoyed.


Acknowledging the generosity of many people - present and absent, Senora Maria officially declares the Workshop open!!

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

The Vegetable Garden at Cangallo continues to flourish with the help of Andres and the women of the Children's Kitchen. The recent unexpected spring and summer rain saw an abundant harvest.


Delia, the coordinator of the Children's Kitchen at Simon Bolivar inspects beetroot from the vegetable garden that will be used during the coming week.

Senora Trinidad shows off a pineapple from the vegetable garden.

ACTIVITIES AND FORMATION

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Lucy Cuentas, our Parish Social Worker, the team at the Parish Community Centre and the Josephite Sisters, we have been able to provide an ongoing series of Workshops aimed at the particular needs of the local women and families. Lucy has been extremely successful in her attempts to attract the attention and efforts of the local Church and local government agencies with regard to the plight of those living in the harsh reality of Motupe Montenegro and Jicamarca. Unfortunately, government agencies and politicians show most interest around election time.

Mariella attends a Health and Hygiene Workshop organised through Lucy and the Parish Community Centre.


Carmen leads a Women's Handcraft Group in the Valley of Jicamarca. Nearing Christmas the women create many types of handcrafts for sale in the local markets, thus boosting the family income for the Christmas period.

THE KITCHENS

School hours are either from 8:00am to 1:00pm or from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, so there are always two sittings in the Kitchens. The first from 12:00 noon for those heading off to afternoon classes, and 1:30pm for those finishing their morning classes. The women begin working in the Kitchens about 9:00am, and finish around 2:30pm - a reasonably long day's work.

One of the many special needs children who frequent the Kitchens.

Seven communities in the Parish of Nuestra Senora de la Paz have children's kitchens in operation thanks to the supporters of The Shared Table. Thanks to the generosity and the efforts of the Mildura Parish, PFD Food Sevices Pty Ltd Australia and the Terang branch of The Knights of the Southern Cross the Baking Workshop promises to be a great source of support especially for single parent families. Once again, thank you all so much for your generosity and faith.

OTHER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

CHILDREN'S KITCHEN SAN ANTONIO The residents of San Antonio in the Valley of Jicamarca have long suffered the presence of land traffickers who illegally sell off land throughout the Valley. Senora Martha Vargas has been untiring in her efforts to provide a kitchen for the poor families of the area, despite constant threats from traffickers who have tried to take the land upon which the simple kitchen stands. Recently a title for the property was legalized, and a more appropriate structure has been erected. The Shared Table has assisted Martha and the families of San Antonio for the past 5 years. These people wish to pass on their thanks and appreciation to all who support The Shared Table.


A small celebration and blessing, acknowledging the efforts of the local women, especially Martha, and a new stage in the development of this Children's Kitchen. Also, a statement against the bullying tactics of land traffickers throughout the Valley.

THE HAPPY WORM PROJECT
(El Lombriz Feliz)
For a number of years the parish has supported this environmental project which produces fertilizer from recycled household garbage. For further information, go to
www.centroecologico.blogspot.com
Recently a small office and administration centre were opened with the assistance of The Ballarat Diocese.

The small administration centre which is the first stage of a bigger planned complex where environmental programs can be run for locals, schools and university students in the future.

This poster was given by the Municipality of San Juan de Lurigancho, recognizing the fact that the project "El Lombriz Feliz" was judged to be the best local environmental progects in the whole of the District during 2009. San Juan de Lurigancho happens to be the most densely populated District in all of Peru, so Mary and her team can be justifiably proud of their efforts.

A simple breakfast of tamales (corn mash) and coffee is shared after the official opening of the administration centre.



ONCE AGAIN, THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!