Project at Zeballos Cue
Zeballos Cue lies in the outskirts of
Asuncion, by the side of the River
Paraguay. The Anglican Church has a
very long association with this area. It
has a church and full-time pastor,
Alberto Romero, and his family.
You may remember during August of last year there was a terrible fire at a
large supermarket, which resulted in 450 losing their lives. Many of the families
who lost loved ones came from Zeballos Cue, and Pastor Alberto has been working very hard to help the families who were affected.
The following is a letter he wrote to me, in which he states what he would like us to do for the people of Zeballos Cue, and the reasons why he wants it.
Iglesia Anglicana El Redentor, Zeballos Cue
"We need to replace all the corrugated roofs over the Sunday school rooms for a tiled roof, in order to lower the temperature inside the rooms, where the heat is almost unbearable for most of the year.
Outside the area used for sport needs to be grassed, as the dust is causing respiratory problems and means that often the church rooms or the church office cannot be used.
We would also like to make use of the space behind the church to construct more rooms, which could be used for community purposes. For example, as a soup kitchen for children; in training courses to teach skills in cooking, hairdressing, electricity and literacy, as well as in Christian discipleship, and
training for Sunday school teachers etc. and occasionally provide space for visitors from other congregations) eg. Concepcion, Chaco or Formosa) to stay the
night.
The larger room in the project would also be used for the young people's work and adolescents meetings.
On our own it is impossible for us to finance this project, so we would ask for
help from our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world".
Pastor Alberto Romero and Members of the Church Council in El Redentor, Zeballas Cue.
A bit about Zebellos Cue where we where working:
Poor shanty town area near river. Some similarities to Glorias Navales but some better homes worse roads and more rubbish. It was built up round very large meat factory British owned, company who produce Oxo. It provided all employment. British closed factory in 1970s left massive unemployment and place never recovered. Lot offamilies affected by supermarket fire. This building still a shell covered in graffitti. You will see it. The project here is large and will take a few years. Subject to money from Project Paraguay being available. Comprises demolition of some existing buildings, extensive reinforced concrete foundations to hold 3 storey building which will be accommodation for Sunday school, male and female toilet/shower block, and a school. Also play areas, small football pitch. Very interesting project and just what community needs. Also problems with ground water which being resolved at present. I was there yesterday inspecting progress. Only part of lower storey to be constructed this year.
Very high illiteracy, not much school accommodation for this area, untrained unreliable teachers resulting in high truancy. so this school vital. Am told that over 1000 new schools required in Paraguay just to meet Government aim of education for all to 14yrs. In Zebellos Cue very few go to secondary school because of need for them to have uniform and families cannot afford. Have asked for accurate figures to share at home but am told that about 50% have little schooling in area.
There will be work in community helping with house repairs. I am getting list of priorities in next few days so that I can visit and prioritise. I plan to get group involved with that. Hopefully all can do a bit so that they can see some of conditions, but clearly not as bad as some in Chaco.
Arrangements going ahead for a weekend visit to Yatnatta for group from Friday am until Sunday evening staying at Rio Verde. Saw Esteban this morning he will be with us at Z Cue with
the landrover. He is pleased Brian Oerek Sheila and Ken returning.
Click here to see what happened in 2004 in Paraguay.
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