Solidaile : Solidaire des Initiatives Locales à l’Etranger

1 december 2008

Solidaile is now half way through its third year and the results are encouraging.

 

Setting up the alternative tourism trail

 

Franck, a Solidaile trainee, is close to finalising the setting-up of an alternative tourism trail which will take in such points of interest as Huancavelica (located in the heart of the Andes) and La Merced (located in the upper Amazon). With remarkable professionalism he has succeeded in putting in place unique tourist activities, working closely with the local authorities  who will ultimately manage these trails. He has also managed to instill real enthusiasm in all the participants and in particular the Peruvian agency Pachamama which will be in charge of promoting the trail. The trail will be tried out for the first time at the beginning of December and will open to the public towards the middle of 2009.

 

Voluntary aid for schools in Huancavelica

 

Since September, three volunteers, Julia, Sabine and Alexis, have gone to Huancavelica and provided valuable educational support to children and teenagers alike. They have also devoted part of their time to teaching French to the young adults who will take charge of the alternative tourism activities in 2009 since the majority of participants will be French. It is hoped a further four volunteers will join them next year.

 

Development of Craft skills thanks to a new grant from the Societe Generale Foundation

 

With the help of Kuyanakuy in Lima and thanks to a grant from the Societe General Foundation ‘ Talents et Partage’, we have obtained sufficient means to start an important crafts training programme for young people whose families are already involved in crafts in some way. The aim is not only to pass on their know-how but also to enable them to increase their production and introduce new tapestry designs.

 

At least three new projects planned for 2009

 

Among the projects planned for 2009, one in alternative tourism in the Valley of Supe is of particular significance and of historical interest as it includes the still preserved but little known city of Caral, the oldest city in America. The local team in charge of the project, well known to us for its professionalism,  plans, first of all,  to  improve the sanitation and water supply of the village, with the help of experts,  before proceeding with the building of a centre, in the traditional style. It is planned that part of the new site will be used by children and teenagers for educational activities (school books will be provided) and for the organisation of support classes, to be provided by the volunteers sent by Solidaile.

 

With regards to agriculture and animal husbandry, at least two trainees, both agronomists (ISARA, Lyon) will set out for Peru in early 2009 for a period of six months to monitor our current projects. They will also work closely with a Peruvian agricultural organisation to develop new ways of providing support. Some of these projects are located in the upper region of the Amazon where the local population wishes to have the means to promote and develop their traditional knowledge and skills.

 

Events

 

Last October, Solidaile was given a stand at the fair of Salon Du Bien Etre at Villefranche-sur-Saone. The event organisers agreed to donate part of the proceeds of the ticket sales.

 

In early 2009 we will be organising a dinner in order to celebrate three years of Solidaile. Later in the year we hope to organise a concert the profits of which will allow us to finance some of our other projects.

 

Your support is important to us

 

Now that we are nearing the end of the year we would like to take the opportunity to remind you that Solidaile is authorised to issue tax receipts to anyone making a donation. This means that individuals can claim, in their tax return for 2009, the equivalent to two thirds of the amount donated in 2008. For further information, please consult the link ‘Tax Deduction’ on our website.

 

Until the next newsletter, the Solidaile team wishes to thank you for your invaluable support and interest you have shown in our work. We wish you a very Happy Holiday season.

 

Solidaile