Introducing Leonel...
7 June 2016
As an 18yr old teenager he left behind the trappings of modern society and ventured into the Amazon jungle. He wanted to know more of medicinal plants and tribal life. He was to be gone from the warmth and security of his mother and father for three days. Many weeks later a young man emerged from the jungle clear on his destiny in life. Awed by the teachings learned from the jungle he knew from that day forth his destiny was to help the children of Peru. That wise 18 yr old was Leonel, founder and head of Intiwawa.
As a young university student Leonel encountered the first community that he couldn’t walk away from in San Isidro, Arequipa. Initially he began working with only a few children on the side of a dusty road each Sunday morning. Over 15 years the number of children grew and other communities also came under the wing of Intiwawa. Leonel’s actions spoke louder than words and also over time others came to assist Leonel in his destiny. Leonel now has the assistance of over 50 volunteers each year, a small team of volunteer administrators in Germany and a small but dedicated Peruvian committee. And the few children in the street has grown to over 200 children across communities in the highlands of southern Peru.
Help us to give opportunity to those children that have few opportunities. Please donate to my 1 month fundraiser here https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/intiwawachildrenofthesun.
Recently the volunteers performed a play for the children based around a story I believe is well known in Germany. In the theatre show the universe holds a committee of powerful stars whom watch over planet earth. Every few years they would send a star to earth to advise the group of significant events in the history of mankind. A young star is sent to earth and reports back to the group that the only event they witnessed was a young man barely more than a teenager teaching children on the side of a dirty road. The young star is ridiculed by the more powerful and established stars and ostracised from the group. Years later another star is sent to earth and witnesses the same young man with many devoted helpers working with hundreds of children. Once reported back to the stars the young star is returned to the committee with great status and praised for seeing the significance of her original observation. This not only was an entertaining performance but also a powerful reminder of the good that Leonel has brought to the children of Peru in the form of Intiwawa.
There are no big financial backers behind Intiwawa, but there are a lot of big hearts. Every donation whether big or small makes a significant difference in the lives of our children. If you are in a position to do so please donate here https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/intiwawachildrenofthesun.
When I was 18yrs I think I spent most of the year quietly chilling to Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. What was your favourite song as an 18yr old?
