Barrio
Mitre is built on the city rubbish dump.
Some of the trash has been there for fifteen years.
It is here that a Jesuit priest named Rodrigo has set up the Ava
Tava project.
I
had been invited as a guest performer.
Rodrigo showed me around his fantastic project which includes
the preparation of a barrios newspaper.
Saturday morning study tuition classes, run by volunteer middle
class teachers, are another aspect of the project.
I saw percussion classes and art classes.
Due to poor nutrition, many of these kids are very slow learners.
It is common to see little children losing their hair.
Slow learners maybe, but kids who are certainly not….. ‘dumb’
These
kids can see the importance of education.
They believe it may be their deliverance from the poverty cycle.
As I walked around the fenced compound, I was taken up to a room
to see a painting that the poor kids of the barrios had completed.
From
a cupboard was brought a large plastic roll.
Painted by the slow learners, children of the barrios, I prepared
myself for a theatrical ‘Wow, that’s great!’
But
look at this!!
I was gob-smacked!!
This is a painting of unbelievable beauty and made from discarded
material.
I wanted it.
I had to have it.
I have almost secured it.
Real
beauty amongst the trash.
Thanks
to another generous contribution from the SAC administration,
I have the cash to buy it.
I intend to bid double what they are asking - maybe even more.
Rodrigo is almost out of funds.
SAC has to have it and I will pay anything to get it.
If I secure the sale, I intend to show this work of art around
Adelaide schools.
I want other schools to commission artworks from the children
of the barrios.
Maybe others will follow my lead by paying double for these works
of art!
I am willing to share my expertise in money management and art
investment!!
OK,
so back to the special guest performance.
The kids had been primed.
’The ‘Musical Magician’ is coming!’
All the groups were interrupted and asked to report to a large
room for the visiting Kangaroo (Craig is just too difficult for
the Spanish palate).
I
pulled out about 20 plastic cups, something I have done numerous
times around the barrios.
But a good project can make a huge difference.
In that room, where the children have love all around them and
where education is taught with patient care, I taught the entire
piece not just the short extract.
The kids soaked it up.
As
for the success of my little workshop, I like to think they enjoyed
my act.
My ego compels me to believe they loved it!!
Ava
Tava is making a difference.
When you look at these kids working in the Jesuit priest’s
project, you can see a sparkle in their eyes.
SAC will probably end up being a large sponsor for their barrios
newspaper.
I intend to pay double the normal advertising fees of course.
Sister
Judith - start planning where to put the works of art I intend
to commission.
I may return with several suitcases full.
Their project is so good, their barrio so poor, violent, abusive………
but children are learning………. some children
see hope for the future.
Thanks
to the St Aloysius College community.
The incredible fundraising you are doing is allowing me to buy
art from really, really poor kids.
And I intend to pay double, triple or as much as I can to bid
the price up.
Gee I’m good with money!!!!
Te
mando un beso grande,
Craig
