INFOCIMA Nº 38 – FEBRUARY 2024

We apologize for the delay in submitting the February newsletter. We were hacked on 10 February and the access to online accounts got disabled. Since the 11th we are working with a backup hosting, until it was solved.

Smile of the Month

Jairo Venturi

Greetings, my name is Jairo Venturi and I want to share my testimony of life at CIMA. Home. I was here for a short time two years ago, and came back a year ago, for the same reasons that had led me to enter the first time. At first, adapting was difficult, but thanks to conversations with my teammates, I started to see everything in a positive light. There are times when I feel sad that I didn’t make the right choices in the past; I understand that I must accept my mistakes. At CIMA, I learned valuable things: welding in the technical initiation workshop and cultivating in the farm workshop. I have also participated in the Ayacucho computer and handicraft workshops. Music has always been my passion, it’s in my veins. I love composing, and every time I go to the computer workshop, I start a new musical project. My big dream is to be recognized worldwide in the hip hop genre. I have also gained knowledge about my rights, my duties, and manners, learning to be respectful and maintain a moderate vocabulary. I am forming myself as a strong person, willing to face and overcome my problems. I thank Father Jean-Louis and people at CIMA for giving me this space, where I am excelling and seeking to move forward.

Testimony of Gabriel Lino.

Joseph’s Brother – exCIMA

One morning, I woke up early to visit my brother Joseph. He was in a home located in Cieneguilla. My mom and I took a bus and waited for a car that would take us to Cieneguilla. The journey was very long; at last, we arrived and got off at a stop called Algodonal. We started walking, and I was looking around. Then, when we got to a bridge, I was afraid to cross, because I didn’t have much confidence. Then my mom told me not to be afraid. Below the bridge was a large river. We crossed and walked for five more minutes. We arrived at the venue and at the entrance there was a sign that said “WELCOME TO CIMA” Upon entering, I was surprised to see children of all ages. They looked happy, they played and ran around and everything was happiness. Then, I saw my brother Jose playing games with his friends. One of them said to him, “Joseph, your mother and your brother have come to visit you!” My brother was happy to see us and came to us and hugged us very tightly. He was no longer the boy he had been before, but now he had changed in many ways. We talked about a lot of things about the family that he missed very much. At one point he rang a strange bell and my brother said, “Mom, wait for me for a while!” Then, he brought three plates of very delicious food. After lunch, I saw a lot of kids cleaning, they were the most dedicated kids I had ever seen in my life. Some kids my age invited me to play with them. I was a little embarrassed, but my brother motivated me and I went to play soccer with them. We played very happily, and I felt like I was in family, they were good. After half an hour, we were exhausted and then we started talking. They told me about their experiences when they were on the streets and that made me sad. One of the children said that CIMA was the best home in Peru. I said goodbye to them and went to where my mom was. I told Jose about the conversation with his friends, and he listened attentively. After five o’clock in the afternoon, my mom and brother said goodbye. My brother, with tears in his eyes, told her how much he loved her. I was filled with melancholy when my brother and I said goodbye, he told me to take care of mom! During the return trip, I remembered how beautiful the experiences at CIMA were, it was and will remain the best experience I have ever had in my entire life! Gabriel Lino.

Testimony of Rosa, a collaborator

My name is Rosa Isabel Bravo, and I have deep gratitude for Father Jean-Louis for my experience at CIMA, opening the doors of his home to me. When I joined, I had no experience working with children and adolescents facing family problems, addictions, including video games. Here, tutors provide fundamental maternal affection to make the children feel at home. We observe how they perform, fulfill their daily responsibilities and receive adequate food. In addition, they participate in various workshops, such as farming, carpentry, technical initiation, fabric painting, music, computing, among others. These workshops allow children to express themselves and develop all their skills. When I arrived, I initially faced some rejection from the children. They did not obey me, and at one point I came to doubt my ability to fulfill this function. Today, however, the children obey me and give me affection. We have conversations about core values such as honesty, prudence, and respect for others. In this home, the children show deep respect and affection for Father Jean-Louis. I am grateful to be a part of a place that genuinely cares about the well-being of children. We help them develop as ethical individuals and contribute positively to society. CIMA seeks to help children overcome their problems. This home is a place dedicated to the integral development of children and adolescents.

Workshops and various activities

Computer Workshop

In this workshop, we provide fundamental computer skills and encourage the development of essential digital skills. Children learn how to use basic programs, how to surf the internet in a safe and educational way. Our goal is to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. Kids learn how to navigate productivity software. They improve their writing skills and use online tools for research and learning. The workshop also focuses on the development of soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Every click and every line of code is steps towards a brighter, more opportunity-filled future

Birthday of the Month

Here is the list of people who have birthdays this month:

Children: Naen Misiyauri Miyashiro Santiago Moisés Gómez Eduarjean Aquino Mark Ramirez

Colaborators: Eva Paita

Happy birthday!

Welcome to the CIMA Family:

We introduce the children who have arrived at CIMA over the course of this month.

Rodrigo Ybarguen Jonathan Borda Diego Santos

News:

We received a visit from a group of 13 people from Rice Memorial High School in Vermont, United States. They shared a weekend with us.

We participated in the annual meeting of the German foundation Oberle.

We received a visit from Arnulfo Huamán, a Peruvian friend who lives in Spain.

The construction work of our future aquaponics workshop continues, with the volunteer students of the UNALM. Thank you!!