Peru: Ines Neira and a group of Children in Villa |
Peruvian hats on Aisling Blake and Catherine Duff |
Natuca Cordon, right enjoys a chat with Past Pupils |
The Mobile Library sponsored by The Teresian School |
Ines Neira, right, with past-pupils |
DUBLIN, Ireland ( April, 2007).- The First ever Teresian School Past-Pupil
Solidarity Event took place on 24th March at the Teresian School in Dublin.
It consisted of a coffee morning, raffle, sale of Peruvian jewellery and
handmade cards, all in aid of the Teresian Association Social Project
in Peru.
The date for this event was chosen to coincide with the 50th anniversary
of Josefa Segovia’s death, thus celebrating it as a tribute to her
from the Past-Pupils of The Teresian School, Dublin.
The organising team included several students, who last summer, as Teresian
School students, had a hands- on experience of working with the organizations
Solydes, Intikilla, and Wasi Ve in Villa
El Salvador, Peru.
“For all of us, the volunteer work in Villa El Salvador
in July 2006 was an experience of a life time and one we will never forget”,
said Jayne MacMahon, looking back to her experience, then.
“It was made more amazing by the people we met there who showed
us that there is more to life than material goods”, she commented.
“Despite the living conditions, the people of Villa still found
the strength to keep a smile on their faces and welcomed us with extreme
generosity”.
She thinks that “it was great to work in Lublit’k,
the mobile library funded by our school”. And looking ahead, now
that they have seen what is needed and what can be done “we would
all like to go back there in the future and meantime do what we can from
here to help”.
The event as well as a very successful fundraiser turned into a big happy
Past-Pupil Reunion where social awareness was raised, friendships were
renewed, school memories relived, stories told, new family members introduced
and news exchanged.
Janett Ramirez, who is the co-ordinator of the project sent a beautiful
and encouraging letter (see
.pdf here) of appreciation.
Morwenna Quinn remarked: “Isn’t it wonderful to have past-pupils
at our Solidarity Event who started in the school the first day it opened
in 1965 and past-pupils spanning the years right down to those who graduated
in 2006!”.
Speaking for the group she dared say that “we are all delighted
to meet up and support the Lublit’k project in this year of Josefa
Segovia and very happy to know that there are on-going links between our
school and the Teresian Association’s projects in Peru.".
For the teachers "the great attendance and spirit of solidarity
shown by all involved are a great sign of hope and of the spirit of Joy,
Fortitude and Love the motto which inspires all our activities".
All agreed that Past-Pupil Solidarity Morning will now become an annual
event on the Past-Pupil Calendar of Activities.
Text, SUZANE McGOWAN
Photos Ana Pêrez and Mission Group
Anne
Marie Alvarez, left, and Past Pupils enjoying the sun |
A
reminder about donations |
Suzanne McGowan, Rachel Hynes and Luisa Arboli,
prepare price cardsfor the sale. |
Caroline
Kelly and Aisling O' Dwyer ready coffee |
A
small building in the mission |
The coat
of arms of the Teresan School on the wall, left |
|
