2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

"Casa Taller"
The establishment of a community workshop center

Bella Flor project summary as of May 2002:

• Introduction
  
• Update on current and new projects
  
• Update on program activities
  
• First quarter summary

Introduction

Project "Casa taller" in Bella Flor initiated in 2001 (2001 project summary),
is now in its critical development stage. We are actively looking for support
here in Bogotá and abroad through our website and supporters like you.
Click here to donate!

Our main objective is to facilitate educational and social development
programs within a community of displaced families having practically
no access to basic social services.

Update on current and new projects

"Casa taller" Construction site
As of the end of April the foundation and the ground floor exterior wall
structures and floors, including masonry and cement work have been
completed. This represents about 30% of the planned three-floor
community center in Bella Flor.

Creation of Playground "Parque la Torre"
The objective is to create a playground in the heart of Bella Flor, where
children can play in a safe and organized way. An area for that purpose
was allocated by the local community board. A newly formed parents
action group, "Padres en Acción" is responsible for the work. To keep
costs to a minimum, recycled materials are being used for equipment and
fences. "Parque la Torre" will be completed, November 3rd 2002, according
to a scheduled 6 hours work done every Saturday by a rotating "Padres en
Acción" group of 10 members.

Solidarity plan (Acción social)
The objective with this plan is to promote a sense of solidarity amongst
the community and to deliver practical help to one family in need per month.
"MaLaudes", a group of single-mothers, is in charge of coordinating support
to newly-arrived families, that have no appropriate shelter and clothing.
Help is delivered in kind such as basic housing material and in work time.
A two days work time period is allocated to a specific family chosen based
on a situation evaluation.

Creation of cooperatives (or micro-enterprises)
MaLaudes is coordinating a comprehensive investigation on the opening of
various cooperatives serving the community from their homes. The project's
objectives are to build services and create employment at the same time.
Following shops are being considered:

a) Mini-food-market
b) Art & stationary supplies
c) Beauty shop & hairdresser
d) Alteration & tailor shop
e) Thrift shop (second hand clothing)

Infirmary and health campaigns
Based on a population census performed by "MaLaudes", various health
campaigns promoting basic hygiene and care have taken place since the
beginning of the year. As a result, an infirmary is being established
and will be operational as of June 2002.

Update on program activities

During the first quarter of this year we introduced part of our workshops program:

"Refuerzo escolar"
A school alternative workshop bringing basic schooling and literacy to
a group of children having no access to a public schooling system. This
workshop is taught on a daily basis.

Creative and vocational workshops
The focus of our workshops is to build-up self-esteem and confidence
through creative and practical activities. The following workshops
are given every Saturday to about 130 children and youths:

a) Theater and dance
b) Puppetry
c) Sculpture
d) Arts & Crafts, sewing

Community Integration
Community Integration events have been part of our programs since the
very beginning. Following are some of the highlights:

a) Children's celebration, Día del niño", November 3rd 2001
b) Vacation program: games and recreation afternoons, December 2001
c) Christmas programs and celebration, December 2001
d) Arts & Crafts exhibition and family fair, March 2002 and April 2002

First Quarter Summary

During the first quarter of this year our focus has been to motivate and
promote community participation, resulting in an increased participation
and involvement from "MaLaudes", a group of 7 single-mothers, and a newly
established active parents group called "Padres en Acción". Each of the
groups is developing project ideas and is responsible for their
implementation and results.

Following is an overview of accomplished projects:

• "MaLaudes" and "Padres en Acción", work groups established
• Bella Flor population general census
• Regular health campaigns
• Educational and creative workshops started
• Regular community integration events
• Solidarity Plan
• "Parque la Torre" playground in construction
• "Casa taller" first floor structure completed