INFOCIMA Nº 48 – DECEMBER 2024

The Smile of the Month:

José Gutiérrez,

Hello, my name is José. I came to CIMA because of substance abuse and thanks to the constant support of my tutors, I am gradually improving and finding my way back. At CIMA, I learned many valuable things that will help me build a better future. In the workshops, I discovered skills I didn’t know I had: I learned to paint on fabric and work with ceramics. I also learned woodworking in carpentry with Professor Daniel. With Professor Mario, I learned to play musical instruments, something that fills me with joy. I also worked on the farm, where Professor Sebastián taught me how to care for animals, feed them, and work in agriculture. Additionally, Professor Felipe, taught me practical skills such as welding, attaching pipes, and connecting positive and negative cables. With Mother Edy, I improved my logic and mathematical reasoning, which gave me more confidence in my studies. I am very happy and grateful to have come to CIMA. Here, I found not only support but also a place where I could learn and grow. Everything I’ve learned, I will take with me to apply outside and build a better future. Thank you, Father Jean-Louis, for founding CIMA and giving us the opportunity to change our lives and learn so much.

Testimony of Ex-CIMA: Cristian Ávila

Hello, my name is Cristian, and I am 27 years old. At some point in my life, I realized that life could be very harsh. Initially, I played soccer because I dreamed of becoming a great player but, little by little, I started making bad decisions. I began hanging out with the bad crowd, skipping school and spending time near the river with my friends. That’s when I started using basic cocaine paste and marijuana. I also got involved in gangs, theft, and even shootouts, and was detained by the police several times. During that time, a security guard who went of CIMA often saw me in detention or at the police station, and one day, he spoke to my mom and recommended she takes me to CIMA. I remember when I arrived at CIMA, and my first reaction was to run away. While my mom was talking with Father Jean-Louis, I found an opportunity and ran away to the Cieneguilla roundabout. However, since I didn’t know the area well, my mom found me quickly. She spoke to me honestly and motivated me to change my life. At that moment, I decided to stay at CIMA. Over time, I began to adapt and enjoy being at CIMA. Now I can say that my life has changed, and am grateful to my mom and Father Jean-Louis for welcoming me to this place that became my home and the starting point for building a better future.

Testimony of an educator: Jorge Luis Barnet

I thank God and CIMA for the work I currently do as a tutor for Group A2. Through this role, I can bear witness to the greatness and love of God for His children. Many years ago, I faced addiction problems, and now that I am sober, I can share a message of hope: miracles exist when there is faith, willpower, perseverance, work, and strong values. At CIMA, I have the opportunity to teach these values to young people who come from dysfunctional families and arrive here without hope. Thanks to the team effort of tutors, teachers, the psychologist, and the social worker, the kids are achieving significant changes in their lives. CIMA’s mission and vision enable them to achieve goals and build a meaningful future filled with quality of life. As a father, I feel blessed because my own children also benefit from this environment of moral, educational, and spiritual growth. They share the joys and challenges that characterize teenage years, and it strengthens us as a family. I am proud to be part of this committed team that works daily to forge a future for these young people, helping them reintegrate into society properly. Despite the limitations and challenges we face, nothing compares to the joy of seeing the happiness and hope reflected in the smiles and faces of these kids when they achieve their short, medium, and long-term goals. As long as I remain at CIMA, I will continue to experience this wonderful journey filled with faith and hope for those who need it most.

2024: A Year of Achievements and Gratitude

The year 2024 has been a period full of challenges, learning, and, above all, great achievements for CIMA. Looking back, we feel deeply grateful for the joint efforts of our team, the commitment of the kids, and the constant support of those who believe in our mission. This year, we saw our kids grow not only academically but also through practical workshops that foster their creativity and life skills. From carpentry to fabric painting, music, agriculture, and more, each activity left valuable marks on their development. The year culminated with the closure of the 2024 academic year and the workshops. In each area, teachers selected three kids who stood out and received diplomas, symbolizing their effort, dedication, and a step toward a future full of possibilities. In the days leading up to Christmas, we experienced moments of unity and joy. The kids sang carols, shared reflections, and concluded by singing the CIMA Anthem together, reminding us of the value of community and hope. The arrival of the new year fills us with excitement, and challenges us to continue building a home where values, education, and love are the foundation of every story of change. Together, we will continue transforming lives and sowing hope. We deeply thank everyone who has been part of this wonderful year, especially those whose financial contributions allow us to maintain and improve our program’s quality.

Birthdays of the month

Children and Adolescents: Cristofer Alanya Roger Saravia Diego Maldonado Fabricio Coz

Colaborators: Jorge Barnet Daniel Montgomery Félix Huillca Happy Birthday!

News:

Several groups visited CIMA and shared special moments with us and our kids. Some organized games or sports activities. There were also hot chocolate events and gift distributions. Thank you to everyone for offering our kids memorable moments.

On December 23, many kids left to spend Christmas with their families. For the eight children who couldn’t return home, we invited their families to celebrate Christmas at CIMA.

In Peru, the school year ends in December. This year, four kids completed primary education, and seven teenagers graduated from secondary school. We wish them all much success in this new chapter of their studies.