Individual development and empowerment leads to freedom which is the basis for all progress. One of the key performance indicators is a contribution to the local community through schooling, health, training etc.
Through the project “Los Pequenos Milagros” Ernesto Bartusch tries to contribute in his way to the local community of Centario.
The project started in November 2002, when a local priest named German Cazeneuve laid hands on a report listing the alarming numbers of children suffering from malnourishment and underweight. German became curious why this was the case and visited the local community of Centenario to learn more. What he discovered was a mix of massive unemployment, emotional problems, lack of drinking water, poor housing and hygiene leading to many infectious diseases and illnesses. Having seen the problems, German started the project “Los Pequenos Milagros” – The little miracles.
The project started with the establishment of a “canteen” in the local church where particularly the children were fed. Many locals volunteered to help in the kitchen and vegetables, eggs, meat, milk and fruit were donated. Once the canteen was up and running, family activities were organized to enhance the emotional bond between the children and their families. As time passed by German realized that more was necessary and as a consequence educational-, recreational, job training and hygiene projects were established. Today this great project still relies on German, who is still very much personally involved in the collection of food from the local markets.
At the end of last year a 400 m2 community centre was built with a huge kitchen, canteen, classrooms with computers, showers and sanitation including washing machines and even a small dental practice. As the project flourishes, more funds are needed and that is why Nature & More will continue to support “Los Pequenos Milagros” through the one cent for the future campaign.