News about the school at Caritas Felices’ home for girls – January 2010

The construction on the school was completed in Sept 2009.  Thanks to volunteer Richard O’Leary from New Zealand, who oversaw the final construction, the school is now ready for classes.

This was a long process, with ups and downs of economy and construction, as well as internal issues with oversight of the actual construction materials.

Many thanks go to Gary Bowie and Ward Pace, who had the vision for the school and funded the majority of construction costs.  Other donors were:

*Mike and Peg Meyer, who gave the final donation to see the project through to completion

*Olga de Puga, owner of the Rosa Nautica Restaurant in Lima, who matched our funding for doors and windows

*Hunt and Tamara Dickson

*Diana Bowie

*Airline Ambassadors Charity

Over this last year, we had a number of student volunteers who assisted with sanding and painting.  Ryan Janda organized groups of friends and students from over all Lima.

Special mention goes to Renzo Peña, who purchased all the materials and supplies, coordinated the work with the contractor, and he himself worked at the site.  Although he was paid for his time earlier in the construction phase, over this last year, he donated his time to finishing the project.

The sign of donation was hung on the school this month.  The next step will be to encourage and work with Sister Rita to get the school certified by the Minister of Education before classes start in April.  Hopefully this may also enable us to apply for a public teacher.  I told Sister Rita that when we had the certificate, we would plan a dedication and celebration for all donors, community members and interested parties.  At that time we would place a large sign with the name of the school at the top of the building.