CCS volunteers visit the prison most Fridays and take the children out into the real world for a few hours. And apparently it's a bit of a tradition to take presents in at Christmas time ...
I've never been in a high-security prison before (!) so it was a bit of an experience. Luckily for the blog, I was allowed to take my camera in, just for this special occasion. We had to walk through the mens' area before getting to the women's and past where they work, making wool and cotton for the mantas, which they weave elsewhere. And then we were taken through to the women's area and into the Wawa Wasi (about 20 times the size of mine, funded by UNICEF, and painted by CCS volunteers and inmates). The children and mothers gathered and were very happy to receive the presents, paneton, and coca cola! Probably the only luxuries they'll get this Christmas ...
Mary Bell, an ex-volunteer and her husband Mike, donated the money for the presents. So thank you Mary and Mike, and I hope you get to see these photos sometime soon!
Waiting in suspense ...
Marisol, being Mama Noel!
The first one was for Beckham
Luis and Nick get stuck in
Solange poses on the slide
He may not look it, but Luis was very happy with his lorry!
This mother was leaving today, but was really scared as she has no money, doesn't know how she'll get home (several hours' drive away), and has 7 other children at home waiting for her. They are looking after themselves - the oldest is 11. Her husband left her when she was 3 months pregnant with her youngest child, pictured here. All a bit sobering ...
No comments:
Post a Comment