CIEMAL: Bulletin PNAF in English

PNAF - Bulletin N° 30

5/11/2008

THE PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THE FAMILY presents e-Bulletin #030- 2008, to share information about the diverse and complex problems that the children and adolescents face in Latin America and the Caribbean.

BRASIL: “OPEN DOOR” PROJECT WORKS WITH CHILDREN IN THE METHODIST CHURCH OF BRAZIL

The Program with Children, Adolescents and the Family is collecting information about the development of projects with children and adolescents which the churches are carrying out with support from CIEMAL.
The “Open Door” Project is being carried out in the Methodist Church in São Paulo, Brazil with the participation of some 350 children and adolescents.
The program includes the following:

After School Tutoring: Children and adolescents participate in this program which is helping improve their comprehension and learning skills. The program is supported by a team of volunteers from the church and has great acceptance by the church and community.
Mission Sunday School: 104 children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15 participate in this program which includes learning about the Word of God and participating in recreation and sports activities, including swimming and soccer.
Bible Study and Prayer with Adolescents: Leadership; skills are being developed in this program offering guidance and orientation for adolescents which provides them a space in which they can exchange ideas and commentary on aspects of their lives, study the Word of God, deepen their prayer life and grow in their faith during their teen-age years.
Handicraft Training for Mothers: Instruction in different handicraft skills is the central part of this activity which will enable the women to develop skills which will enhance the family economic situation.

This Project has been developed by a Work Team and a group of volunteers who with love and commitment are giving their time and talents to improve the education and values and principles of Christian life among the children and adolescents of the church and community.
The leader of the project is Pastor Felipe Maia. He can be contacted by E-Mail at: ffrmaia@gmail.com

BOLIVIA: Bewteen 30 and 40 thousand abortions per year in Bolivia

En Bolivia between 30 and 40 thousand abortions are recorded each year, and many of the women die as a result, especially among the impoverished sectors of society, according to Congresswoman Elizabeth Salguero, a member of the Commission on Human Rights in the Lower House.
The mortality rate among mothers in Bolivia is approximately 230 per each 100,000 live births, one of the highest in Latin America and the world, a statistic revealed in a national survey carried out by the Institution of Coordination for Women.
This survey also revealed that among 100 women who were consulted in different areas of the country, 79 rejected the possibility of abortion. The Quechua and Aymara women are particularly opposed to this practice. (www.redandi.org)

NICARAGUA: Children adversely affected by garbage

The children who live and work in the municipal garbage dump “La Chureca,” are the most adversely affected by side effects of their living conditions, according to an article written by journalist, Myladis Moncada. “It is regrettable the issue of the children living in these conditions is not being addressed because their rights are being violated, particularly their right to a good education.” In addition these children in ‘La Chureca” are most vulnerable because of their suffering from hunger and malnutrition according to statistics from the Latin America and Caribbean Economic Comission. The journalist issued a call both to society as a whole and the State to take seriously this grave problem the children face each day. “We must recognize that the children and adolescents who are living in the midst of garbage and contamination must be cared for. It is urgent to develop and ebact social policies and programs which will benefit them,” Moncada pointed out. (www.redandi.org)

COLOMBIA: Children and youth are an example of peacemakers

In Medellín, Colombia, in a symbolic act, more than 150 war toys, 50 bayonets and a revolver were turned in as a response to the Plan for Disarmament which the government is promoting in the city. More that 500 children from at least 20 educational insititutions turned in the toys which the children then destroyed as an example of promoting peace in their country. (www.redandi.org)

PERU: There are more than 6 million poor children

In the last 10 years abandonment has been constant: 60% of the Peruvian children and adolescents, approximately 6 million, are poor, and 25% of the children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, according to a report “The situation of children in Peru,” prepared by UNICEF with the help of the National Institute for Statistics and Information (INEI) and the Canadian Embassy. The report also reveals that 44% of the children between the ages of 3 and 5 live in rural areas and do not have access to basic education. This data questions the government actions to reduce the lack of education by 9% within three years. (from El Comercio: www.elcomercioperu.com.pe)

ARGENTINA: The need for a UN program of rehabilitation for children and adolescent drug abusers.

The Coordinator for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (CDIA) has pointed out the need to set up a specialized program for children and adolescents who are addicted to drug abuse. Nevertheless, so far the Government has not granted this request. The program could also enable the justice department to investigate the persons who exploit the children and adolescents. CDIA has recommended that the program be inter-institutional, integrated by the organizations working with street children. (www.redandi.org)

PNAF - Bulletin N° 27

2/17/2008

THE PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THE FAMILY presents e-Bulletin #027- 2008, to share information about the diverse and complex problems that the children and adolescents face in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PARAGUAY: SCHOOL DROP OUT RATE IS 7.5%

Of the enrolled students last year, 7,5% dropped out of their studies according to the Ministry of Education and Culture of Paraguay. Most of the students are from the seventh to the ninth grades. The report indicates that the primary cause for their leaving their studies is the economic situation of the families, The Vice-Minister of Education, Marta Lafuente, explained that another problem of the educational system is the repetition of the first two grades of basic education which is 4,9%. (La Nación)

ARGENTINA: SEVEN MILLION CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE SUFFER FROM CAVITIES

According to the Argentine Odontological Confederation, 7 million children under the age of 12 have cavities. They comprise 87% of the population in this age range and the majority of those with the dental problems live in the northern region of the country. Susana Piovano, professor of the University of Buenos Aires affirmed that introducing fluoride in the water is a positive measure, above all in those sectors of society where are fewer economic resources, since early exposure of baby teeth to fluoride provides important protection and prevents cavities in the permanent teeth.” (La Gaceta)

BOLIVIA: CHILDREN RUN AWAY FROM HOME BECAUSE OF MISTREATMENT

Given the mistreatment received in their homes, more than 80 children and adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age living in the rural areas, arrived in Sucre, risking an uncertain future. During 2007 the Defender of Children and Adolescents cared for 86 cases of this nature. The children and adolescents chose to run away from home because of the constant abuse they suffered according to Elizabeth Mamani, a social worker from the office for the Defense of Children and Adolescents in the city. (Correo del Sur)

PARAGUAY: THE SITUATION OF CHILDREN IN THE STREET IS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN

The situation of children in the street is a structural problem which should be addressed by programs involved in the struggle against poverty, stressed Victorina Ruiz Díaz, the Minister of Children, “The degree in which the families connect with programs to turn their situations around determines whether or not the children also turn around,” the Minister pointed out and mentioned the program “Hug” in which some 1.500 in several cities participate. “It is not a matter of taking the children off the streets and putting them in a shelter. They have their rights and those rights should be respected,” the Minister stressed. (Diario Abc Color)

PERU: LIFE SENTENCE GIVEN TO THE ASSASSAINS OF A KIDNAPPED CHILD

The Third Criminal Court sentenced the assassins of Cléver Huaytará to life in prison. The delinquents who kidnapped the child in October 2005 and then brutally killed him when the ransom they demanded of 12 million dollars was not paid. After a lengthy investigation the Judicial Authority determined that Nilo Gonzales Huamán, uncle of the 12year-old boy, and Victor Laura Sánchez were the perpetrators of the crime. Cléver, only child of a clothing store, was kidnapped by his assassins on October 24, 2005, when he left his school, Educational Center “Gustavo Adolfo Picker”, in Villa María del Triunfo. When his body was found, he had suffered a fractured skull and broken facial bones and one of his eyes had been ripped out. “He was so disfigured from being beaten that it was hard to recognize him,” according to the report of the crime. (Diario OJO)

BOLIVIA: CHILDREN IN COCHABAMBA SUFFER ILLNESSES

In Cochabamba, more than 480 Yuqui and Yucarés children suffer from influenza and diarrhea following the floods on the Ichilo River, according to Eguar Orihuela, a leader of the Yuquis. Edwin Saucedo, director of the Department of Health of the region, “in addition to influenza, diarrhea and skin diseases, the floods have brought epidemics of dengue and malaria. As a result a campaign of fumigation and providing orientation on disease prevention.” From his office Raúl Ergueta, representative of the Committee for Emergency Operations, affirmed that they will continue sending humanitarian aid and a health brigade to the area. (La Prensa)

ECUADOR: CHILDREN BEGIN A NEW LIFE

As part of a Project “Liberated Children” sponsored by the Vice President of the Republic and the National Institute for Children and Families, some 500 children who lived inside the prisons with their mothers were turned over to the families of their grandparents or their aunts and uncles. The project, which has a budget of 1.9 million dollars, has a goal that no child or adolescent now living in prison, will be there several months from now. The families who take the children will receive a basket of provisions worth $50 a month and an equal amount for Health and Education. (El Universo)

PERÚ: CHILDREN WHO BEG ON THE STREETS WILL BE TAKEN TO SHELTERS

Children who are found begging on the streets will be taken to shelters and only allowed to return to their homes if their parents promise that the children will not allowed to return to the streets to work according to Susana Pinilla, from the Ministry of Women. She also announced that through her office, persons will be on patrol to rescue the children who work and beg on the streets. “This is a campaign to prevent begging and child labor. Children deserve to study, enjoy their childhood, and have free time for play and not have to work until the wee hours of the morning”. (Agencia Andina)

The PROGRAM CHILDHOOD, ADOLESCENCE AND FAMILY calls upon the BISHOPS, PRESIDENTS, PASTORS and LAY PERSONS, EDUCATORS AND CHURCH LEADERS to make every effort to promote the diffusion of this Bulletin for use in the work carried out in their Churches.

PNAF - Bulletin N° 21

12/3/2007

THE PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THE FAMILY presents e-Bulletin #021- 2007 to share information about the events that are taking place in the World related to the situation of children adolescents and the family. We all are called through our Churches to create a better world.

BOLIVIA: CHILD ABUSE IS A COMMON MISDEMEANOR TAKEN CARE OF BY THE POLICE

The cases of physical and psychological abuse against children is increasing. Two of every ten aggressions concern intrafamily violence. These cases are taken care of by the Division of Minors and Families of a Special Force in the Struggle against Crime in the city of La Paz in order that they be made public. (LA PRENSA)

PERU: A CAMPAIGN FOR EARLY STIMULTION GIVES SUPPORT TO CHILDREN

A campaign called “Early Stimulation” proposes to sensitize companies and institutions concerning the great support that this concept can provide children and their education as well as provide the necessary tools to create Classrooms for Early Stimulation in poor areas of the country. (RPP NOTICIAS [News Radio from Peru])

URUGUAY: ONE-HALF OF THE CHIDREN ARE POOR

Fifty percent of the children in Uruguay live below the poverty line according to Jorge Freyre, director of “Children United” (an NGO that works to improve their quality of life.) In addition he pointed out that the economic crisis has cause a dramatic increase in the number of children and adolescents living in extreme poverty. (BBC NEWS)

ARGENTINA: 57 THOUSAND CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WORK AS RECYCLERS.

They are between 5 and 17 years of age and they work in the streets and city dumps, collecting and recycling paper, glass, metals, etc. The data are a result of an investigation of child labor that was carried out by the International Labor Organization (ILO). According to the study some 4 million minors under the age of 17 are working in Argentina. (PULSAR)

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLC: THE RED CROSS DISTRIBUTES 160,000 LITERS (APPROX. 45,500 GALLONS) OF WATER FOR THE HURRICANE VICTIMS

One of the principle problems faced by the population of the Dominican Republic following Hurricane Noel has been the lack of potable water. The Red Cross is distributing water to meet this urgent need of the people.(RED CROSS)

NICARAGUA: CHILDREN COULD BE UNPROTECTED

Natalia Barillas, head of the Ministry of the Family has warned that children could be left in total abandonment if the National Assembly approves the decrease in the budget for this important ministry.
The Minister reported that such a reduction would affect the structure of the Ministry and would make it impossible to fulfill the Code for Children and Adolescents in accord with the international conventions which the government of Nicaragua has signed and made it difficult to provide effective protection to vulnerable groups. (REVISTA MUJERES HOY [WOMEN TODAY MAGAZINE])

NICARAGUA: VIOLENCE WITHIN THE FAMILY BEGINS TO BE RECOGNIZED IN PROTESTANT HOMES

One hundred women, including pastors, from both urban and rural areas were invited to a conference on violence against women in Nicaragua. The conference began with a presentation by Lorna Norori, a psychological therapist who spoke on the effect of violence from a health perspective. She also indicted that violence against women is a serious social problem and also one related to human rights, She called on the women to demand that the government give more attention to the issue and provide funds for its implementation by the Ministry of Health. (ALC [Latin American Communications])

LATIN AMERICA: METHODIST MESSAGE CALLS ON THE PRESIDENTS OF COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA TO SEEK THE PATH OF PEACE BETWEEN THE PEOPLE

A pastoral letter sent to the presidents of Colombia and Venezuela, signed by the Rev. Juan Alberto Cardona Gómez, Bishop of the Colombian Methodist Church, expresses deep sadness and great concern about their increased verbal confrontation. The Methodist Church strongly urges, “in the name of our merciful Creador Father,” that Presidents Uribe Vélez and Chávez Frías, reduce the aggressive verbal exchanges and request their respective diplomatic bodies to seek a solution to the conflict, “which will lead to positive steps toward peace and the continuation of the traditional familial relationship between the two countries." We ask that everyone pray for an end to the serious conflict and violence which affects the people of Colombia.

PNAF - Bulletin N° 18

11/19/2007 15:00:00

THE PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THE FAMILY presents e-Bulletin #018- 2007 to share information about the events that are taking place in the World related to the situation of children adolescents and the family. We all are called through our Churches to create a better world.

CIEMAL: Prayers for the families and children, victims of Hurricane Noel in the Dominican Republic

Rev. Alejandro Figueroa, (ied@codotel.net.do), Secretary of the Methodist Church of the Dominican Republic, is asking all of the brothers and sisters of the Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean to pray for the victims of Hurricane Noel that destroyed homes, medical facilities and other social structures, affecting thousands of families and their children.

CIEMAL: Successful campaign for the protection of children

The National Secretary for Children and Adolescents, Petrobras and GLOBAL through the Global News Agency, worked together during the Rally of the Chaco, 2007, on a strategy to prevent and intervene in acts that place the rights of children and adolescents in jeopardy, particularly in instances of sexual exploitation. (RED ANDINA, Andean Network)

LATIN AMERICA: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25 was declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women back on December 17,1999, by the General Assembly of the United Nations. All governments, international organizations and NGOs are invited to organize activities designed to increase sensitivity to this issue. (UNICEF)

VENEZUELA: Journalists’ language promotes the rights of children and adolescents

Work has been done relating to the need for journalists and communicators of the public media to be more sensitive when reporting on events related to children and adolescents. Many times they use and abuse language which can become discriminatory.(ALC Latin America and Caribbean Communications Agency)

ARGENTINA: A book educating for peace by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) officially incorporated into the curriculum

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Nation approved and incorporated the book, “Learn to Educate for Peace,” published by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) as a text book to be used in the schools in the entire nation. More than 200 Argentine students participated in two workshops where, among other activities, they analyzed and discussed the book’s chapter on “Rethinking the idea of peace.” (ALC Latin America and Caribbean Communications Agency)

COLOMBIA: CHILDREN OF THE INGENOUS AWA PEOPLE BUILD THEIRLIVES.

A project proposes the creation of a protective ambience to reduce the degree of violation of the rights of the children and adolescents of the indigenous Awa people in Colombia in the face of the armed conflict in the country which has intensified in the area of Nariño, in the southern part of the country. (UNICEF)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: UNICEF will provide psychological assistance to children affected by the hurricane

The United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) is putting a program in place in the Dominican Republic to provide psychological help to children affected by Hurricane Noel in which 85 persons were killed and 48 disappeared in this Caribbean nation. UNICEF will be using an approach that has been used in recent years by professionals in other nations after situations of natural disasters. (DIARIO LIBRE)

PERU: 100 children with cleft palates will be operated on at no cost

A total of children who suffer from cleft palates will be operated on at no cost by a group of volunteer German doctors in the National Hospital “Archbishop Loayza” of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) as part of the 2007 Campaign of free surgery to correct cleft palates". (DIARIO EL COMERCIO)

PERU: Yesterday gang members; today film makers

Young people from the area of Cajamarquilla have produced a film about the discrimination they suffer. The organization JADAT, which works with young people who have few resources, has released its fifth production, “A World without Color”. It was filmed in Miraflores, A.H. Paraíso, Lurigancho and Chosica. (DIARIO LA REPUBLICA)

PERU: PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE

The thousands of children and young people, who were affected and left homeless as a result of the earthquake which occurred in the southern coastal area of Peru, are suffering from stress and emotional trauma. UNICEF, as part of the program of the United Nations to assist victims of the earthquake, will begin providing orientation and support for them. (UNICEF)

PNAF - Bulletin N° 14

9/6/2007

THE PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THE FAMILY presents e-Bulletin #014- 2007 to share information about the events that are taking place in the World related to the situation of children adolescents and the family. We all are called through our Churches to create a better world.

PERU: SPANISH RED CROSS OFFERS PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN PISCO

The Spanish Red Cross has sent a team to provide socio-psychological support to children who have been identified as the most affected by the earthquake which was centered in Pisco last August 15. At the same time the Spanish Red Cross has begun a program for volunteers of the Peruvian Red Cross which will train them for socio-psychological intervention in the situation. As part of their training they will be working in the earthquake area with the Spanish Red Cross.
So far the Peruvian Red Cross has distributed blankets, tents, health kits, cooking supplies, water, etc. to 3,500 affected families (17,500 individuals). Assistance has come from the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent in order to provide emergency supplies and food to the families in the provinces of Chincha and Ica who have lost their homes and are living in tents near the rubble of their houses. (TERRA)

LATIN AMERICA: OPPOSITION TO CHILD LABOR

Under the theme, “Work is not for children” Global Humanitaria (a Spanish NGO) has begun a campaign against the exploitation of children, reporting on, denouncing and sharing information on the situation of more than 218 million children at the present time. Many international organizations have denounced child labor and have begun campaigns asking that governments taken action on behalf of the rights and protection of children. According to the OTI “forced labor is present in one way or another throughout Latin America” in almost every one of the countries and in all kinds of economic situations.

The International Convention on the Rights of the Child approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1989, determined that children have a right to education, health care, recreation, abuse and abandonment. When children are in a situation that requires them to combine work and school, the effort it takes in most cases results in high levels of low grades and school drop outs. Without education, the circle of poverty continues. (GLOBAL HUMANITARIA)

ECUADOR: CHILDREN OF THE INDIGENOUS NATIONS

“We come from different places: the towering snow covered mountains, the giant mother forest, and the vast seas. We have come together on this eighteenth anniversary of bi-lingual education to be together, to respect each other, to join our hands and to make our voices heard”. The Confederation of the Peoples of the Kichua Nationality of Ecuador brought together children, adolescents, teachers and leaders of the indigenous nationalities. The different faces, dress, languages and dialects enriched their diversity. But all of them have the same history and the same reality which gives strength to struggle together to assure that their rights are fulfilled. The children and adolescents commented themselves to assume a more active role in the National Organization of Intercultural and Bilingual Education in Ecuador (DINEIB). (AGENCIA DE NOTICIAS PLURINACIONAL DEL ECUADOR)

ARGENTINA: CHILDREN WITHOUT A FUTURE

Malnutrition, illnesses, lack of security and lack of work are some of the problems which children and adolescents face if they are among those who live in the marginalized neighborhoods in urban situations. In those settings, children are the majority and they are a generation at risk in every meaning of the Word. The absence of any kind of hope for the future, as a result of living and growing up in a marginalized community, causes many of them to remain outside any formal social circle.
In these communities it is common to see school-age children roaming the streets far from any school during the hours of classes when they should be in the classroom. And when they become teen-agers they continue outside the educational system, and in many cases they fall into the sub-culture of drugs, a context in which they are subject to, or pushed into, criminal activity.
A commitment by the civil society and its organizations and all State institutions is necessary to effect change. (ANUPAZ, Children United for Peace).

PERÚ: PERUVIAN SPORTS FIGURES TAKE JOY AND GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN OF PISCO

A volley ball and a soccer ball became symbols of joy for dozens of children who were able to enjoy volley ball and soccer games with a group of sports figures who went to Pisco to provide a time of recreation for the children affected by the earthquake on August 15. The sports figures of both volley ball and soccer, played with the children in sports fields who could not hide their joy of playing with their idols. Later the sports figures autographed the children’s white polo shirts which carry the motto: “Shaping Champions”. The children all received polo shirts and heavy ponchos, the latter to protect them from the cold. It was time that the children had a time to play in the midst of the terrible days caused by the earthquake which caused the destruction of their homes and the deaths of many of their family members. (AGENCIA ANDINA).