Camp Saman

Yesterday Luis and I visited one of the two camps sheltering families near by Canoa. One of the camps is run by the government and the one we went to is run by a group of volunteers who live in Cuenca but are from all over the world. They are truly amazing and what they have created is just fantastic. Currently there are 35 families in their camp but they expect more to come.  The atmosphere here is up beat and optimistic.  Everyone in the camp has a job on site to keep the place running smoothly, they are growing food and learning about composting their waste.  They all have their own small kithen beside their tents but also a big communal area where they have activites and big meals at times.  Every week each person is given 8 points and they spend this at their shop on site (funded by donations and has pretty much everything).   We went for the day to give some toys and clothes we had brought and join in their bingo game (I was very disappointed not to have won a prize).

 Camp Entrance

 One of the wonderful volunteers and camp founder, Deana

 The tents

Children choosing toys

 My non winning bingo card

 Luis giving a prize to someone who had a winning board!

Lola tried to play but decided bingo was a bit boring for her.

The place has such amazing spirit and for some people it is a better situation than before the earth quake.  There is zero tolerence for domestic violence which is common in the area.  The camp offers counciling if it is an issue, but there are no second chances.  There is no alcohol permitted, which has also had a dramatic impact in dropping the violence.  They make the rules together and come together to meet and discuss when there is a problem.  Many of the women cannot read or write and this is something else that they are trying to help with.  
I had such a great day and was so happy to see the people optimisitic and building towards a new bright future.