Pedregal Alto - our special project.

Well we are on the verge of tackling a really exciting project in the area of Pedregal Alto – a high stony tract or area. When we first arrived Mick suggested we settle into the English classes before looking for a specific project. Well after quite a few visits to various outer areas of Canto Grande Marion and I decided that this was the place, it felt good, the people have nothing – yet they are a fantastic little community numbering about forty to fifty extremely poor families. They are permanent residents, not like some of the areas which consist of people trying to develop their second place of residence and hence only reside in the area on weekends.
The dream of the project is to build a solid brick building, a community centre which would be used on Saturdays or Sundays for Mass, a comedor – a dining room or lunch room - to supply meals for children during the week, a library, a secure storage area and a toilet facility. Mick pointed out to us that we should not try to envisage something fancy, all buildings up this way are either square or rectangle in shape; the locals believe it is the only way to stop them from falling down!
You may ask what about the cost? The majority of the finances for such a task are already in hand due to the extreme generosity of the two Mildura Catholic Primary Schools - Sacred Heart and St Paul’s’ - as well as a most successful Mildura fundraiser which was conducted by Maria Carrazza just prior to Christmas last year and finally other individual donations from local families and friends. Many thanks to all.
I have attached some photos of similar structures so that you get an idea of what will happen. The comedor will be managed by the local women and run on a volunteer basis. The parents would pay a nominal sum for a meal for their child or children; they may even pay for a meal for themselves, or as happens in some cases if you work in the comedor then you are supplied with a meal on that day. Most comedors in this area are open three, four or five days a week, but not on Saturdays or Sundays.
When will this all begin? Mick will speak to the people over the next few weeks and slowly sell the idea, then they need to organise themselves with regard to clearing the land in readiness for the foundations. Clearing the land is no simple task when you see how many rocks are lying around; remember the name, Pedregal Alto!
Over the next few months I will keep you informed of the progress of the project.