Seeds of Hope Q1 2008

So just to remind you on what’s being going on over the last few months. The final figure for the Christmas card sales last year was US$3800! They used this for the rental of the two new schools and for materials for the academic year. The money raised by Matthew Ray, who ran the New York marathon on behalf of Seeds last year, has bought all the children new school uniforms. This is the most costly item for parents and Peruvian children are not allowed to attend school without one. 

Our money from this year will go towards the building and furnishing of a new café and travel agency. The café will be based in Huaraz, the birthplace of Seeds and a popular tourist town. Not only will it help to generate an income for Seeds, but they can also use the space to advertise their work and attract more volunteers. AND the older students can earn a bit of cash here, taking them away from working on the streets and giving them some valuable work experience.

If anyone is interested in doing some work experience with Seeds they would love to have you and are better equipped than ever to look after you in their accommodation at the brand new volunteer centres in both Huaraz and Cusco. I also thought it would be nice for the children to have a bit of personal contact with us. So if anyone can squeeze 30 minutes out their day to send the kiddies a quick letter and a photo just get in contact with me at spannaray[at]hotmail.com. They’d love it.

Lastly something that made me laugh. Seeds have been finding environmentally friendly ways to carry out their work. They’ve enlisted the help of the children’s sheep to trim the overgrown garden. Every day the sheep are coming to school and are slowly munching their way to a tidier garden for Seeds. Brilliant. Wonder if it will catch on over here…?!

Anna Ray May 2007