2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

"Casa Taller"
The establishment of a community workshop center

Bella Flor project summary as of May 2001:

Since the beginning of this year (2001) we have been researching various marginalized
areas around Bogotá in order to find the right community to work with and start our project
"Casa Taller". Based on this research we started our second project in
Bella Flor, Ciudad Bolivar, one of the largest areas of refugees
settlement.

The living conditions in Bella Flor are rudimentary and precarious. Some households
have running water, some don't. The housing conditions range from fair to primitive
depending on the economic situation and time of arrival of the families. It is considered
a high-risk area where landslide can occur due to poorly planned housing locations and
climate conditions.

Update on Program Activities:

• In March, 2001 we initiated a community integration program, to get to know and
  understand the communities' needs. The first hand result of our regular visits and
  research is the formation of MaLaudes, a group of women collaborating with
  Laudes Infantis to establish "Casa Taller" and promote a sense of solidarity in
  the neighborhood.

• In June, with the help of some of your donations and the sale of our
  hand-made products (Calendars, diaries, Christmas and birthday cards) a lot of
  land in the heart of Bella Flor was acquired. Construction of the infrastructure
  for the building started in August.

• In early November, we organized a day of recreative games and activities
  with the communities' children celebrating Halloween (día del niño), We had the
  attendance of more than 1000 children of all ages (2years-13years).

• On November 17th, 2001 a fund-raising event was organized in Bogotá, including
  a photo exhibition and video projection describing the problems we are confronted
  with, the objectives of our foundation and the concrete project we are initiating
  in Bella Flor.

Update on Construction:

Our plan is to continue the construction of "Casa Taller" and start our program as soon as
construction of the ground floor has been completed. The completed "Casa Taller"
will have 3 floors.

The initial programs and activities of "Casa Taller" will include:

• A counseling and information office to inform and refer communities to public
  social benefits and health services.

• A daycare nursery service, where working mothers can leave their very young
  children.

• Alphabetization and vocational workshops (carpentry and ceramics)

We need your support to be able to continue the construction of "Casa Taller". Please review
the budget describing the needed materials. Our intention is to work with the community at all
levels and generate income and jobs within Bella Flor.