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VIRGINIA VILLAVERDE
TARIJA Bolivia
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Right in the centre of the city of Tarija , Virginia uses her skills as
a teacher and as an artist to help the young men under 16 who are
detained in Oasis for crimes such as robbery, rape and homicide. They
cannot be charged due to their age. This work is very demanding on her,
but her success at it has been noted in Tarija and she has been invited
to join a well known professional group that have formed an NGO, as
occupational therapist.
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Virginia normally goes to Oasis every afternoon for three hours but
today she was working in the morning as well. She was with a group of
six young men painting cream cloth bags with designs they had chosen
applying with brushes vivid colours of acrylic paint.
A
Canadian organization has ordered 200 of these and the group has
already finished more than 100. Virginia and one of them use the sewing
machine to run up the bags and the others paint. She is taking some art
classes on a Thursday night to improve her own skill.
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During her classes, she spends time constantly teaching the young
people how to improve their attitudes and conduct. Some years before,
the treatment given them in the centre was violent and cruel. Now the
police on duty, the cook and all the educators are respectful and kind
to them and work well together as a team.
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None of them had any skills before in this area, so Virginia has
introduced them to this art as well as to woodwork. They were obviously
enjoying their activity. One said that it helps them to pass the time
in detention. They are very appreciative of her relationship with them.
They spoke proudly of the work they have sold when the centre organizes
an exhibition of their work. One is planning to continue with painting
on cloth to earn his living.
On a Thursday, Virginia
goes on a voluntary basis to the home where some of these boys graduate
to, so as to follow up on their progress. Some are drug addicts and get
rehabilitation there. |
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