Fifteen years of Argentine Aid Project

THE group Vía del Señor (The Lord’s Way) - based on the great commandment of love, of God and of neighbour - was formed in 2003 by Westport resident Jim Curran and, with the enthusiastic support of a few Argentine and Irish friends, endeavoured to combat extreme poverty in a country that once was amongst the wealthiest countries in the world.

"This year we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Argentine Aid Project, an amazing journey which has touched the lives of many people in Misiones, in the north east of Argentina, and elsewhere, suffering exclusion, extreme poverty and sub-human living conditions," says Jim as he reflects on road he has travelled since 1993.

Argentina is no longer among the world's wealthiest nations, according to Jim. The economy has collapsed, the peso has hit rock bottom, and it is estimated that up to 25% of the population is living in dire straits, struggling greatly to simply survive and in many cases living in the most deplorable conditions imaginable.

"We are talking of up to 10 million people - almost twice the population of southern Ireland," Jim explains. "However, thanks to the wonderful support of so many sponsors in Westport, Clones, Foxford, Oberá (in Argentina), etc., our group has visited, over the years, more than a thousand people, bringing hope, joy and much needed material support such as food, clothing, educational supplies, medicine and basic building materials to try and improve greatly the quality of life of these humble but very beautiful human beings."

Jim adds: "My wife, Silvina, and I don’t see it as work as we receive so many hugs, smiles and kind words from very excited children, delighted with our frequent visits to their humble abodes."

They may not see it as work per se, but they have been busy. "We have also developed, planned and constructed a special community (Comunidad San Patricio, named after Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick) that consists of a number of basic, purpose-built two- and three-bedroom homes to give some of our beloved families and the elderly the dignity of a decent home. We also have, thanks to the residents and members of the group, vegetable gardens, a community oven (to bake bread, pizza bases, cakes, etc., for the use of the project as well as for sale to the public in the city of Oberá, so as to generate a small income), and a small technical school which will help educate not only the children but also many of the mothers and fathers who never got the opportunity to finish even primary school. Many are semi-literate or totally illiterate, as a result."

The project - St. Patrick’s Community - is set in almost idyllic surrounds on 12 acres of sub-tropical woodland with its own water supply. There is also a chapel that is the heart of the spiritual life of the residents, plus a number of neighbouring families who share in the life of the community.

Jim and Silvina, along with some other volunteers, visit up to 77 families weekly, putting in train their dreams of a better, more secure and healthy future, especially for 'the little ones'.

"Education, healthcare and improved living conditions are at the heart of our development plan for our dear families," says Jim. "Education increases their chances of decent employment, which is sadly lacking in the lives of numerous men and women. Many are seriously exploited, working like slaves in tea, yerba and tobacco plantations under scorching sun, leaving great numbers sick and infirm at a very young age."

 

New facility

Silvina and Jim now hope to try and confront the ever-increasing problem of malnutrition amongst young children and mothers in particular with the construction of a special nutritional centre.

"This facility is being built in St. Patrick’s Community and we hope to open its doors before the end of next year. There is so much need for such a clinic.

"Part of the cost of this project as well as the construction of our educational centre has been the result of funding from the Credit Union movement, and we thank them greatly for that."

Enterprising individuals or families in St. Patrick's Community are facilitated with a system of micro-credit (i.e., interest free loans) to set up a small business such as a second-hand clothes shop or small corner grocery store.

Over the years, funding has also been provided for the construction of a home and therapy centre for special needs children in the town of Aristóbulo del Valle, located almost 70 kilometres from the city Jim and Silvina work in.

The project has major potential but is battling to survive due to lack of funding for staff, maintenance and daily running costs. This year, on their return, Jim and Silvina hope to increase the financial support for this very exciting and essential facility.

"As I said earlier, the journey has been an extraordinary, marvellous and truly fulfilling one. At the centre of everything we try to do is love and the spirit of community. We are now witnessing the fruits of the dream with hundreds of healthier, better educated and happier children, and their parents are so grateful to all of you, our supporters, for realising their dream. Thank you very much (muchas gracias) for all your kindness and support."

 

Anyone who wishes to support the work of Jim, Silvina and the group in Argentina or elsewhere can do so by donating to: AIB Westport, account name Jim Curran (Argentine a/c), sort code 93-71-69, account number 07515190.