Noche Sin Techo! (and other updates)

Last Friday, September 3rd, 5 of the older girls from Corazon del Pastor, some staff and volunteers from Ninos con Valor participated in Noche Sin Techo. This event was planned by Mosoj Yan (Camino Nuevo or New Road), an organization here in Cochabamba that works to get kids and teenagers off the street. A few times during college, my friends and I participated in the Invisible Children sleep outs. So, I was expecting something similar--a somber occasion where we watch movies and talk in small groups, etc. However, as much as I enjoyed spending time with the girls and attempting to be in solidarity and support those who sleep on the streets, Noche Sin Techo was something far from my expectations.

Instead of talking about the reality of life on the street for kids, and instead of watching a documentary about street kids, and instead of suggesting ways in which we can assist these kids, there were comedy routines and dancers, singers and musicians who lighted the mood. It seemed like a celebration more than a movement of solidarity and support. Many of the participants seemed to believe this was a camp out or a fun night. Also, the entertainment never mentioned the reality that tons of children and teenagers are abandoned and runaway, live on the streets and sniff glue, steal for a simple meal.

I was discussing my feelings about the night with one of the other tias who attended and she agreed. She also told me that many kids sleep in the plaza we slept in every night. So, these kids were kicked out of the plaza so we could show our support? That just doesn't seem supportive and helpful to me! I do understand that Mosoj Yan wanted the participants to be safe, however, kicking "street kids" out of a usual place they sleep is not a way to show support and solidarity. This tia also told me that the same cops that were there to protect us from any danger mistreat "street kids" all the time. They will round them up, take them up to into the hills above Cochabamba, make the kids wash their cars, and then leave them up there to walk back to the city in the middle of the night by themselves. Others will be beaten by police officers, and sometimes shipped to other parts of Bolivia to big buildings where rapes and violence are common. It is funny to me that none of this was mentioned during the evening.

I think it is wonderful for the girls to participate in activities like this. The five girls who came chose to attend. But, it would have been even better for them to really see the reality of "street kids." However, I was proud to work with an organization and with girls who are willing to put aside comfort to spend a night in the cold, sleeping on the ground to show support for kids, just like them! Many of the girls at Corazon del Pastor could be living on the streets, but have a roof and food, love and support because of Ninos con Valor.

Other news from Cochabamba:

*This weekend I am heading to Solar de Uyuni, one of the biggest salt flats in the world! Uyuni is south of Cochabamba. We are taking 2 buses-a total of 18 hours! I am super excited!

*September 14th is the 200th anniversary of Cochabamba! There is no school, and will be huge celebrations!

*September 29th will be the 4 year anniversary of Ninos con Valor! The girls and the babies will be participating--some of the girls will be playing music, some will be dancing, some will be making art projects; the babies will be dancing and singing! I am so excited to see them! Also, the tias, including myself, will be dancing! We will see how this goes!

*September 17th is a dance party and sleepover Clare, another volunteer, and I are planning for the girls! They just cannot wait to dance to Justin Beiber and the Jonas Brothers!

So, things are going well here, minus a few problems with ameobas and bacteria. But, as I keep telling myself, it could be worse! I still cannot believe it is September! I wish I could slow time down! I am very excited to head home, but I really cannot imagine leaving the girls and babies behind! But, I can always come back!

I hope this post finds everyone well back in the states! As usual, I am sending all my love!