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 It was during a journey to Colombia that we were much taken with Margarita. A Canadian missionary, with a strong personality and great goodwill, she has devoted herself body and soul to her school and clinic for over twenty years to bring happiness and hope to the children of an underprivileged area of the suburbs of the south Colombian town of Popayan. Located in the heart of the area, her institution, serving the multiple purposes of creche, school, clinic and canteen, accommodates about 450 children aged from 3 months to 7 years all year round. Her priority is to bring these street children into the Colombian public school system so that they can take up normal schooling at age 7 or 8. In the difficult political and economic climate currently prevailing in Colombia, Margarita needs financial and moral support from foreign organisations to continue her work on a permanent basis. This is the aim of our French organisation
called 'Popayan' which has given Margarita moral and financial support
for 10 years. |
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The objects of the association are: To work in the public interest with a view to developing 'early years' projects in the fields of health, medical treatment, education and training in the third world. The association was formed on the initiative of Colette and Claude PRESLE following the adoption of Pamela, their second daughter in 1988. Today it consists of 17 members who have undertaken to support the action of Margarita by sponsoring the nursery. Account of the year ending in 1999: A sum of 30,000 FRF was sent to Margarita in four payments. This was raised by sponsorship, donations and sales of greeting cards. Account of the year ending in 2000:
A sum of 30,000 FRF was sent to Margarita in four payments. This
was raised by sponsorship, donations and sales of greeting cards. The whole of the money raised by sponsorship, donations and sales of greeting cards is sent to Margarita. There are no administration expenses whatsoever. We have regular contact with Margarita who gives us news and information about the running of the nursery by telephone, email or via families who visit Popayan. For more information on the Popayan Association, you can leave us a message or contact the President, Claude Presle, by mail : popayan.colombie@free.fr
In Switzerland another association also supports Margarita. You can obtain more information by contacting Mr Bolgan-Arduino, Chemin des dailles 5, 1870 Monthey (VS) Switzerland. Telephone +41 (0)24 471 83 85. “All children, of whatever religion,
or no religion, are welcome at the nursery.”
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