INFOCIMA Nº 54 – JUNE 2025

The Smile of the Month:

Edson Huerta

My name is Edson and I have been living at CIMA for almost three months. In this short time, my experience has been very positive and enriching. CIMA is a wonderful place, not only for its atmosphere, but for the variety of activities and resources available to those of us who live here.
One of the workshops I enjoy the most is the farm. Pigs, chickens, hens, ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits and lambs are raised here. This lively and dynamic environment creates a special connection with nature and teaches us the value of care and responsibility.
In addition, CIMA offers a wide variety of workshops where we can develop our skills and discover new talents. Among them are the workshops of painting on fabric, music, technical initiation and sports. Personally, I really enjoy participating in fabric painting classes, playing sports, playing music, and taking care of the pigs on the farm. Not only do these activities keep me active, but they also help me get to know myself better and explore my interests.
One of the things I value most at home is that there is always food on the table: this is something that I deeply appreciate. And it’s not just about consistency, it’s also about quality: most times, delicious meals are prepared, which is something I really appreciate.
My time at CIMA is a stage of true personal growth. Every day I find new opportunities to learn, enjoy and share. I am very grateful for the support, affection and all the resources that CIMA gives me.
Thank you, CIMA, for being a place where one can feel safe, valued and motivated to move forward.

Testimonial of Kedin Anculle – ExCIMA

Hi, I’m Kedin and I’m 28 years old.
My time at CIMA was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I remember my first day as if it were yesterday. From the first moment, I felt that CIMA was a welcoming place. The tutors were amazing people who always helped us reflect on our lives, not give up, and move forward. They taught me the value of responsibility, both at home and with myself.
In the Farm Workshop, I learned something very valuable: just as a plant needs care to grow, I also had to learn to take care of myself. Planting plants and taking care of animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, pigs and sheep was an enriching experience. I remember with joy the times when I grazed with the sheep, it was a real happiness for me.
In the woodworking shop, I learned how to operate the wood cutter and how to make chopping boards, chairs, and many other useful things. I am very grateful to the teachers who guided me and shared their knowledge with me.
In the clothing and crafts workshop, I learned to sew my own clothes and to make handicrafts. The teacher taught me with a lot of patience and dedication, and I discovered a wonderful world in dressmaking.
In the computer workshop, I learned how to write correctly on a computer, I even wrote a whole book. I also learned to draw using computer programs, all thanks to the teaching of Professor Hernan.
In the technical initiation workshop, the teacher taught me how to weld and how to handle the tools correctly, always considering the risks and safety measures. I learned to cut iron and do various jobs, which gave me a lot of confidence.
The music workshop was my favorite. I learned to play the guitar, the zampoña, the quena and also to sing. I am passionate about singing, and it was at CIMA where I discovered that talent. Thanks to this passion and my behavior, I had the opportunity to be part of the polyphonic choir and participate in missions and activities of the church. Thanks to this experience, I even traveled to Canada, a beautiful country that I never imagined I would know.
My life at CIMA was truly transformative. I am deeply grateful to Father Jean-Louis, who welcomed us with love into his humble home. He taught us wisely, and each morning we gathered in the prayer room to sing praises to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, thanks to CIMA, I am a trained, responsible person with values. I live with my family — my mom and my two sisters — and work in a small company in the electronics industry, where I continue to grow professionally.
Thank you, CIMA, for been my second home, for giving me siblings in life and a father who loved us all equally. I carry this experience in my heart, and I will always be grateful.
Blessings, CIMA. A true home for many more.

Testimony of Marcela Vicente – Educator

My name is Marcela and I have the privilege of being a C3 group tutor at CIMA, where I have been serving for about two months. This short but intense time spent with the young people has been a deeply emotional and transformative experience, full of moments that are often difficult to put into words.
The adolescents I work with come from difficult backgrounds: many have had hard experiences on the streets or inside their own homes. These experiences have left traces, but they have also forged in them an admirable inner strength. Behind every story there are virtues that deserve to be recognized: resilience, solidarity, creativity and, above all, a genuine will to excel.
It is natural that, in the middle of adolescence, young people go through moments of emotional breakdown. However, they are learning to recognize and manage their feelings with a courage that touches me deeply.
CIMA provides children not only with a safe space, but also multiple opportunities to grow. Through the various workshops – ranging from art to technical initiation – young people not only find distraction or comfort, but also valuable tools for their personal development and professional future. These spaces allow them to discover hidden talents, strengthen their self-esteem and project themselves towards a more hopeful future.
I would like to highlight especially the work of my fellow tutors. The love, dedication and commitment with which they accompany these young people are truly inspiring. Together we form a support network that seeks to offer them what many never had: containment, guidance and an environment based on respect, trust and mutual growth.
Working at CIMA is much more than an educational task; it is a life experience, where hope is sown every day.

35 Years of Life, Hope and Transformation – Happy Anniversary, CIMA!

This year, CIMA celebrates its 35th anniversary with joy and gratitude. It has been more than three decades walking with more than 2,500 children and adolescents, accompanying them in processes of recovery, personal growth and construction of new dreams.
Founded in 1990 by Jean-Louis Lebel, CIMA was born as a supportive response to the reality of children living on the streets. Since then, with deep human and spiritual commitment, we have worked tirelessly to provide a home, education, support, and a new chance in life for those who need it most.
Throughout these 35 years, we have witnessed countless stories of transformation. Many of the young people who arrived with deep wounds today are responsible adults, workers, parents, students, musicians, entrepreneurs, technicians or professionals. Each one carries an indelible mark of CIMA in its history.
Our work would not be possible without the joint effort of a committed team: tutors, teachers, volunteers, administrators and collaborators who give their best every day with love, patience and dedication. Nor would it be possible without the support of friendly institutions and supportive people who believe in our mission.
CIMA’s heart continues to beat strongly thanks to that deep faith in the potential of each young person. We continue to dream of a world where no child has to grow up without protection, where every adolescent can find a path of dignity and hope.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this story.
Happy 35th anniversary, CIMA! We continue walking, with love and commitment, for many more years.

Birthday of the month

Childrens: Jhonatan De la Cruz
Angelo De La Cruz
Edwar Santiago

Collaborators: Dante Tinco
Anne Crabbe

Happy birthday!

Welcome to the CIMA Family:

Let me introduce Leonardo Bravo, who arrived at CIMA this month.

News:

A group of students from the SISE Institute visited CIMA to lead a day of recreational activities with our young people. Games, dynamics and a lot of joy marked this valuable meeting. They offered sweets and sodas to everyone and also brought donations. Thank you for sharing with such enthusiasm.

During the month, we had special moments of celebration and generosity. We receive important donations that strengthen our daily work. We sincerely thank all those who make these gestures possible.

The Runayay Association offered an enriching session of the PREJOP (Preparation for Life and Work) program for our teenagers. It was a space for dialogue and reflection on the future, work and responsible decision-making. Thank you for sowing tools for life.

With great affection we celebrate Father’s Day by paying tribute to all the fathers of CIMA; father figures who accompany our young people with love and commitment. Thank you for being an example and guide.

On Sunday, June 15, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded in Lima. Fortunately, at CIMA, we are all well and no damage to report. We do reinforce safety measures and thank the calm responsibility of all people present.

On Sunday, June 22nd, we had a great party for the 35th anniversary of CIMA. We received several guests and many exCIMA. Many artists offered us a show with music and dance. With great gratitude, we have celebrated more than three decades of love, dedication, and life transformation.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this special day!