Manos Unidas Peru

Photos for Funds Exhibition

2012-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

PHOTO EXHIBITION AND SILENT AUCTION

Sponsored by Children of Peru Foundation, NY

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Q Cafe, 3223 15th Ave. W Seattle WA 6:00pm-8:00pm

$15 Donation

Join Celeste Marion, Manos Unidas Co-Founder, and new members of the U.S. Board of Directors to view the Winter Photo Exhibit, 2012 by Cusco photographer Vanessa Cuneo, demonstrating the beauty and innocence of Manos Unidas Students.

These photos will be on display at the Q Cafe, a non-profit neighborhood cafe off of the Dravis exit of the Ballard bridge, the month of January and auctioned off on January 21.

Children of Peru Foundation is sponsoring this event with a $1 to $1 match, up to $10,000!

Can't make the event? Your Online Donation between Jan 1 and Jan 31, 2012 will also be matched.

Special Guest Performance by Seattle's DE CAJON Project, an Afro-Peruvian blend of rythym, music and dance PLUS suprise ending!

Lets reach our goal of $10,000!

$15 entrance fee includes drinks and appetizers

Buy your tickets here, space is limited!

Note: A similar event will be held in NYC in May, 2012

Winter Photo Exhibition and Fundraisers in the U.S.

2011-10-25T06:11:00.001-07:00

Celeste Marion, Manos Unidas Co-Founder and Coordinator, will be visiting the U.S. this Winter with a special photo exhibit. The facial profile exhibit by Cusco photographer Vanessa Cuneo, demonstrates the beauty and innocence of some of the students at Manos Unidas.

The 15x25 photos are specially printed on canvas and will be on exhibit at Q Cafe in Seattle, WA for the month of January. A special fundraising night will be held at the cafe on January 21, 2012 with live music and dance performances, a silent auction of the photos, drinks, appetizers and special Peruivan knit Alpaca and artistic jewelry sales.

New York City will also host a fundraising event mid January, details to be announced.

Community Living South Huron Raises $ for MU and visits us!

2011-10-25T05:59:00.001-07:00

Community Living South Huron is a non profit organization providing supports to people with a developmental disability to participate in all aspects of community and family life in Ontario, Canada.

Kathy Penhale, a dynamic leader and educator at CLSH, was inspired by MU's mission as she searched programs to visit for people with disabilities during her trip to Cusco in October. We began correspondence via skype and she felt motivated to host a fundraising event within her community for the kids here at Manos Unidas. The event consisted of many special adults collecting pennies, a Peruvian themed night with raffle prizes, peruivan food, live music and dancing to raise money and inform the community of our mission. These guys raised almost $1,000!

Previous to the event, some of the adults at CLSH met with a couple of the young adults at MU via skype and had a chance to meet eachother, interact (via translator!) and even show off some dancing skills (on our end :)

Kathy's visit to Peru was encouraging and inspiring. She shared 24 years of advocacy work for people with disabilites, promising us that things CAN CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Thanks Kathy, we look forward to our continued friendship with you and the people at CLSH.

Therapist Without Borders to Head Volunteer Program for 2012

2011-10-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

Mission & Vision: Therapists Without Borders matches professional therapists with underserved communities around the world, both by partnering with established organizations and by establishing support programs where there are none.

Manos Unidas has partnered with Therapists Without Borders and is now accepting accplications for our 2012 volunteer program. We offer 2 volunteer options:
* Professional Exchange Program
* Long term volunteer Program

Please see the volunteer page for detailed information and the application process.

3rd Aniversary for Camino Nuevo

2011-10-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2011, Manos Unidas celebrated the creation of the first private school for special education in Cusco: Camino Nuevo. Our third year and more than 65 kids! We are celebrating the dedication our families have put forth, the hard work our teachers have gone through and the pool of supporters that have helped us get to where we are today.

The show started off with a wild circus act! The train passed by filled with all kinds of animals, the the lions did their act, jumping through hoops and posing for the people. Then came the elephants, trotting along, up and down the stairs, down the slide. The circus ended with the famous clowns jumping, tumbling and dancing about, such crowd pleasers!

The evening was filled with drama presentations, one about a bat who could not sleep, the other about the Moon who did not want to come out. Our start Marinera dancer graced us with her presence, a stunning performance!

The show ended with Celeste Marion, Manos Unidas Founder, with a moving song for everyone: "Todo Cambia" (everything changes), representing the changes we have seen so far and those that are yet to come.

What a celebration indeed! More than 100 guests filled the public auditorium, cheering and aplauding our special starts. I am sure there were some tears shed as well - tears of joy and happiness, celebrating the habilities of special kids.

Behavior Specialist Visits MU

2011-08-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Cristiane B. Souza is a board certified behavior analyst and certified special education teacher. She works as an educational consultant with families of children with special needs (NY). She provides behaviorally based interventions for learners aged between 1-21 years, diagnosed with ASD and related disorders both internationally and around the USA. Cristiane also works as an expert witness at hearings, develops research related to autism, co-writes articles, presents at conferences, and develops workshops for families and professionals in the special education field.

Cristiane is on the Manos Unidas Board of Advisors and spent an intense week with us at Manos Unidas August 15-20. As a part of the Professional Voluteer program, she spent her time evaluating and consulting behavior issues with students, held a professional workshop for MU staff and other colleagues in Cusco on Behavior Modification for students, hosted an open forum parent meeting and spent intensive hours working alongside teachers.

Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious and we are proud to have her on our Board of Advisors as well as our Board of Directors. GRACIAS POR TODO CRISTIANE!

Empowering Families

2011-08-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

We have a long road ahead of us in this society. We are blazing new trails everyday within regular education schools to public transportation. As an educational institution we can make a certain level of change, but we need to support of families and parents who believe in their children and believe they have a place. We need their voice, their strength.

This is the first year we have provided a space for parents to unite, create their own group of directors and begin to take initiative. It begins with getting to know eachother. August 16 was our first family outting day where families played volleyball, competed in potato sack races, joined together to cook on the BBQ and relax. We took a moment to gather the parents and have them share some of their experiences, fears and joys.

This is the beginning of a new strength for Manos Unidas!

Young Adults

2011-08-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Our young adults have social outtings every Friday, here are a few in front of Qoricancha, the Inca Palace before meeting other younings to play basketball! We will only teach this society who we are by direct contact and friendship

92,100 Pennies for MU!

2011-08-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

How far can $0.01 go? well times 92,100 it can go a long ways! Northlake Community Church in Bellingham, WA encouraged their kids to donate pennies to Manos Unidas. What an amazing event! a million thanks to kids pastor Steve Mason and Head Pastor Jeff Geise for sharing the great work we are doing with our own special kids here in Cusco.

Dr. Amilcar

2011-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Dr. Amilcar, our Physical Therapist, works with Joaquin, one of the little guys from the orphanage. He's so excited to walk, just about there little man!

Physical Therapist Volunteer

2011-08-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Asiya Nieves, volunteer Physical Therapist, works with some parents on best practices for their kids with Cerebral Palsy. She even made a flyer that we will print shortly to give to parents. Go Asiya!

Parents have a Voice

2011-08-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Manos Unidas Peru is starting a parent support group. Parents will have a place to come and share, let go, laugh, cry. Then they will learn to be advocates for their kids. Only with their voice will we blaze new trails here in Cusco for people with disabilties. Celeste Marion, Co-Founder of MU heads up the first meeting with 23 parents.

Our kids from Hogar de las Estrellas

2011-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Not all parents accept a child with a disability here in Peru. Many are abandoned. Left in garbage bins, thrown into rivers, or stored away with animals in the backyard.

65 children attend Camino Nuevo, 18 are from Hogar de las Estrellas a privately run orphanage. They are non-profit organization founded by a group of friends that since 2001 have kept pushing for a more inclusive society in which all children are considered not a burden but a joy.
Here in Cusco they have a transitory home specially created for the attention and care of kids with mental or sensory disabilities. They also offer information to families about the different aspects of disability: medical, familial, social and emotional.

The stories of this kids are real. I am not lying when I say some kids have been found in cages living like animals. Many have been victims of physical and sexual abuse.

Hogar de las Estrellas can not afford to pay full tuition and most of our financial aid goes to them.

Our mission is clear: to bring quality education to ALL children, not just those who can afford it. These 18 kids deserve a second chance at life and we are keen to give it to them.

New families at Camino Nuevo!

2011-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

In May of this year, 3 new moms registered their kids for the first time. Single moms all under the age of 21. Kids between 8 months and 3 & 1/2 years old. Moms who earn no more than $100 a month, moms who have suffered severe domestic violence and sexual assault from their partners, moms who had the courage to knock on our door and seek help, unrelated to each other but needing similar support.

Their kids receive physical therapy, speech therapy and sensory stimulation.
For 3 year old Jimena, its her first time receiving therapy. She has severe seizures every other day. She stares into space, a human rag doll. But she has a little smile that escapes every now and then.

The moms are in an safe place. They come to Camino Nuevo 3 days a week, all carrying their children in colorful blankets on their back. They can laugh, talk, relate, cry together. Joining forces with other moms in our monthly parent schools and work with myself and our other psychologist on self esteem, confidence, how to physically protect themselves, relationships, birth control, and how to enjoy life.

Not an easy task, but worth seeing smiles on young moms who walked through our doors hanging their heads low. All of their kids receive full scholarships.
We get to support a lot more than just a student scholarship. One more family we can educate and help succeed.

MMFC and Children of Peru Provide Serious Dental treatment to Camino Nuevo Students

2011-06-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

How many times have parents and caretakers come to me crying because one more doctor refused to treat their childs infected teeth only throwing an antibiodic at them, again. and again and again. So many of our students are refused serious dental treatment due to problamatic behaviors, the need to use general anesthesia and the circus the medical field here in Peru puts us through in order to proceed with necessary procedures.

But this year was different. A team with a mission and a heart for special kids came to offer their services for free. The best dentists and anesthesiologists from Stanford came to cusco May 23-27 to treat kids with clef lip, microtia and to our benefit, teeth!

Medical Mission for Children (MMFC) and Children of Peru funded the campaign and we were able to screen about 63 kids with special needs the first day of the campaign. The team was able to operate on 14 Camino Nuevo students within the week taking out broken, rotten and infected teeth that for some had never been treated.

I had the privelage of acompaning the kids in the waiting room, helping them into the OR and supportin the nurses in recovery while the kiddos woke up from their treatment. It was a neat experience to be able to relieve so many kiddos of their suffering and help families who were desperate to have their kids treated.

A Million thanks to Dr. Jim Dickerson of Pediatric Dentistry of Salem and Dr. Helen John-Kelly who coordinated the mission and extended their mission to such vulnerable kids. We are forever grateful!

A Million Thanks to Children of Peru!

2011-05-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Manos Unidas wants to extend a huge thanks to Children of Peru, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated by the State of New York dedicated to building a better future for poor children in Peru.

Co-Founders Edouard Ruelle and Zaralina Ruelle have recognized our dedication to providing quality education for some of Cusco's most disadvantaged children with special needs. In May of this year they have graciously donated $5,000 towards student scholarships for Manos Unidas students in need.

Stay tuned for the matching campaign Children of Peru has also offered to run and will be launched in the next couple of days!

A Million thanks again for your support!

2011-04-14T05:35:00.001-07:00

Lorraine Kransdorf visits Manos Unidas for the first time and works with staff on writing IEP goals. Thanks for visiting and for our future work together!

School Inclusion, A new challenge for MU

2011-04-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Camino Nuevo has included 5 students with special needs (autism and developmental delay) into 2 regular education schools in Cusco this year. Here are some photos of one of our students first days

Welcome 3rd school year!!!

2011-04-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Special drumming guests perform at Camino Nuevos welcome back to school party last thursday. The kiddos danced to the pounding rhythms!

Gracias Seattle MU Team for your awesome Fundraiser!

2011-04-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Geraldine Rodriguez presents a laptop to MU. The amazing Seattle team of Volunteers who organized an event this month helped secure $5,000+ which goes towards some special scholarships and help with our technology needs. Thanks a million team!

New Partnership with Therapists without Borders

2011-04-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

Manos Unidas is proud to announce a new partnership with Therapists without Borders, an organization that matches therapists with underserved communities around the world.

Linda Szeto, founder of ThWB, shows a Camino Nuevo teacher how to adapt a cup for a student.

2011-02-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

COME JOIN US!

Northwest friends and supporters of Manos Unidas,

A very special group of enthusiastic and devoted volunteers have dedicated their time to organize this fundraiser for Manos Unidas in Bothell on March 5. This event was inspired by a few attendess at our house party in November and Thanks to everyone who came out to my house to show your support!

If you would like to introduce MU to friends, learn more about our work or help our community of supporters grow in our hometown, please consider attending this event. Mercedes and I will be greeting everyone via a live Skype call from Cusco and talking about our experience with the special families we serve here.

See you there!

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Co-Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
www.manosunidasperu.net

****** superstar volunteers for this event include but are NOT limited to: Claudia Moreno and her sisters, Geraldine Rodriquez, David and Mary Ann Marion, Natalie Mosley, Luis Munoz, Bill and Marcela Vodall and many other helping hands *********** GRACIAS!!!

A Fundraiser For Our Children in Cuzco, Peru

Saturday March 5th, 2011 / 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Elks Lodge of Lake City
 14540 Bothell Way NE
 Lake Forest Park WA 98155-7606
Park in the back

RSVP by February 28th, 2011
rsvp@manosunidasperu.net

$20.00 includes a taste of Peruvian dishes
No host bar

Cash is welcome. Checks payable to:
Quipunet. MEMO: Manos Unidas

For more information, call 425-486-6712

To sign up or volunteer for an event, see our "Contact Us" page.

Please get in touch to offer comments and receive our newsletter

Copyright 2011, Manos Unidas Peru

Heading to Creole Country

2010-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Heading out of Austin and into Creole country. The next few days I will be driving along the Southern Bayou to New Orleans to meet a dear friend and hopefully spread the Manos Unidas word to a lot of people!

check back and see how it went!

Thank you Austin, TX!

2010-09-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hot and Humid, big 'ol grasshoppers, sweet tea and wonderful southern hospitality. Now thats Texas!

I am on the first leg of this U.S. Fundraising tour, planting seeds that will hopefully grow into deep rooted future Manos Unidas supporters. Thanks to Veronica Looney (or Roni or ROO) and her interest to assist me in this journey, for opening up her family home to me as a base to start.

We hosted a little party to begin to spread the word, visited schools and began to create a network of supporters here. Roo will take the reigns when I leave and continue to network in this community to host a future event here.

Thanks to Barb and Kelly Looney, Roni and Dave for allowing me to be a part of their family for 10 days! (and George and Zoe too!)

If you live in the Austin area or know people in this area who would be interested in supporting Manos Unidas, please contact me: celeste@manosunidasperu.net

Thank you Texas!

MANOS UNIDAS KICKS OFF FUNDRAISING TOUR 2010

2010-09-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

2 years as the First Private School for Special Education in Cusco, Peru and look how far we have come! Can you imagine what the next 2 years will look like? The next few months will tell!

I am on a mission. My goal is to plant seeds around the country, seeds that will eventually grow into strong rooted support systems for Manos Unidas. Between the months of September and December 2010 I will be visiting 8 cities in the United States to raise awareness and support.

The next 2 years will be vital for the sustainability of Manos Unidas. We will be introducing 2 new programs that will change the way children and young adults with disabilities are treated in Cusco and surrounding areas: Inclusive Education and Occupational Training for young adults. Our goal is provide education and inclusive opportunities for more than 150 children within our 7 different programs.

On this U.S. tour I will be promoting our volunteer and professional exchange program to Universities around the country. We are looking for dedicated volunteers and professionals. Please see our Volunteer Page to learn how to participate!

I will also be raising money for student scholarships.

Most children in Cusco can not afford the $60 monthly tuition. Our goal by December 31, 2010 is to raise $25,000 to secure scholarships for the estimated 150 children we will serve in 2011 and 2012.

Can you donate $50, $100 or sponsor a child for the year for $720? You may do this by attending one of our fundraising events posted on our BLOG or donate online. Check our website and watch our funds grow, help us reach our goal!

Watch our powerful video, share it with friends

Will I be visiting your town? Check our BLOG and see where I will be next!!

Thank you to all the wonderful people who are opening up their homes and lives to benefit our cause. This will only allow us to improve the lives of many children and families in Cusco and around the world.

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
51 984 455888

Welcome to the Market!

2010-09-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

A dedicated community of Cusco Artists have contributed their hard work in order to support Manos Unidas. Click here to meet the artists and view merchandise. Market and event dates will soon be posted.

Manos Unidas U.S. Tour this Fall

2010-09-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Friends of Manos Unidas,

It is obvious that 2010 has been a wonderful year for Manos Unidas. We have been involved in so many exciting projects and developments in the Cusco community. A huge thanks to all the professionals who participated with us this year and the donor community that have made so many things possible for us.

BIG NEWS! I am about to embark on a great adventure! Beginning Sept 14 I will be traveling to 7 different cities throughout the United States to raise funds and awareness for Manos Unidas. I have been cordially invited into the homes of several kind spirits with 3 objectives in mind in each place I will reside:

1) Host an event for people interested in learning more about our work and raise funds
2) Present the professional exchange and volunteer program to Universities in the area (dept. of special ed, psych, global health and related fields)
3) Present Manos Unidas in Artesan Markets with hand made Peruvian items produced by a community of local artists here in Cusco.

Please join me in this adventure!

Manos Unidas Dates:

September 20-25: Austin, Texas
Septmber 25-30: Houston, Texas
October 4-18: New York City
October 19-25: San Francisco, CA
October 25-31: San Diego, CA
November 1- 30: Seattle, WA
November 19-23: Portland, WA

Follow me on this fun adventure on the MANOS UNIDAS BLOG and see where you can join us!

More formal invitations will be sent closer to the dates of the actual fundraising events.

Here we go! And thanks for your support!!!

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion

--
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas
51 84 984 455888
www.manosunidasperu.net
www.manosunidasperu.blogspot.com
"Preparing Children with Disabilities for a Successful Future"

10 days to make a difference

2010-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

10 Days to Make a Difference

I was asked by Amy: “If I come down, can I really make a difference in 10 days?”

Amy, Kim and Dawn and Alyssa, a super team of physical and occupational therapists spent 10 intense days sharing their knowledge, skills and hearts with parents, students and Manos Unidas staff.

These incredible women encouraged moms and dads with strategies for their children. They taught the hokey pokey to severely disabled teenage girls in an orphanage. They designed our new physical therapy equipment. They showed a mom at 12,000ft above sea level how her daughter with cerebral palsy should best sit in the field to help cut grass. We laughed and cried with families and with each other.

I think it’s inevitable to say they made a difference in the lives of many people. My eternal thanks to you girls!

During that same time period we were blessed with the presence of the Andover District Explorer Scouts from England. Their challenge was met in 3 days!

This incredible team of youngsters and their supervisors sanded and painted our new beautiful art room, sanded and varnished our poor worn out benches, made friends with our students and made young and old disabled spirits alike smile at a local orphanage. I would say that’s a job well done!

A big thanks goes out to Explorer Josh Compton and his school for raising $600 to fund the construction of our new physical therapy equipment. We are so grateful for your contribution Josh and your energy!

We also want to give a huge bear hug to Bruce Kriedeman, our great Aussie friend who recognized the need for so many things in our school - and provided them. Your crazy laugh will always ring through our walls, thank you for all you did.

It goes to show that “Time” is only a measurement tool – what’s important is how it is spent.

To see the complete Manos Unidas Photo Gallery June-August Click here

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Co-Founder/Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
www.manosunidasperu.net
www.manosunidasperu.blogspot.com

First International Seminar on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cusco Peru July 16, 17 2010 a A SUCCESS

2010-07-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

The original idea began simply - 3 volunteers, specialized in autism education, would share their knowledge with a small group of parents and teachers at Camino Nuevo. Then it began to grow.

Why only Camino Nuevo teachers? How do we begin informing the community of Cusco on Autism? Why are doctors and nurses here so ignorant in autism detection? What about school psychologists in regular education schools? They should know how to detect and apply teaching methods too, right?

Well everything begins by questioning - and then creating solutions. And that is how we ended up with 150 participants ranging from all of the above in the First International Seminar on the Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cusco, July 16 and 17.

Shanna Alvarez, from the University of Washington and Children’s Hospital spoke on early detection and screening measures for young children with autism as well as how to promote communication with non-verbal children – and all in Spanish, great job Shanna!

Mary Fordham, special education teacher in Portland, OR, presented on classroom setup for children with Autism in the United States as well as how to teach functional skills using different teaching strategies and reinforcement systems. Nice work Mary!

Natalie Mosley, special education teacher at Bothell High School, WA, spoke on how to transition adolescents with autism into the community through functional academics and vocational training. Both Mary and Natalie spent grueling hours practicing with the translator in order to make their presentations impeccable. Excellent work Nat!

Other presenters included Willeke Brouwers from Holland, Marichely Guevarra, Deyra Suarez and myself, presenting on How to Teach Kids with Autism using reinforcement systems, praise, individual teaching and prompt systems.

Obviously the organization that went into this event was exhausting! Hours of translating hundreds of power point slides into Spanish, helping volunteer presenters organize and edit material for the reality of the audience here in Peru, speaking about the conference on live radio and television shows, sending out invitations to more than 200 institutions, looking for sponsors for the event, printing out 5,300 pages, organizing sound and light, putting together my presentation the day before the event, and most importantly greeting guests, thanking them for participating and uniting parents with children with Autism from all over the city.

The event ended with an emotional closing about being the first seeds in Cusco with knowledge about Autism and how to use that knowledge to be proactive in the movement that we wish to continue here. This event will change the way Cusco begins to think about Autism and the way we change the lives of many children and families.

To see a complete photo album of the event click here

Abriendo Puertas :: Opening Doors

2010-07-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Another live television interview, and this time during the 6 o’clock news! Celeste and Mary met on Canal 31 (Channel 31) in a brief discussion of Autism: what it is, what characteristics to look for, and how you can help an individual with Autism.

Through promoting the seminar and school, an incredible opportunity arose! During commercial, the news anchor met with Celeste. She told Celeste about her thirteen year old cousin with cerebral palsy, and wants to host an exclusive interview with Celeste focusing on the disorder and Camino Nuevo!

Who knew climbing through one door, would immediately open another?!

! Fun Fact !

2010-07-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Natalie Moseley is a special education teacher of moderate to severe disabilities at Bothell High School, the same high school where Celeste spent four fabulous teenage years! They never met or knew each others’ names until recent communication this spring! Graduating from the same school where one of her first volunteers teaches? Coincidence…or destiny?

Public...City...PUBLICITY!

2010-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Less than two weeks; the seminar is approaching rapidly! We have been busy promoting the first Autism seminar in Cusco and our school, Camino Nuevo. After personally handing out 150 letters of invitation to schools, universities and medical centers, Celeste, Mercedes, Mary, Natalie and Shanna participated in live radio interviews as well as television programs. Here are a few photos from this past week’s publicity.

Celeste and Shanna with Radio Universal.

Shanna becoming one of the crew with Cusco Familiar.

Celeste and Shanna live on television!!

Volunteers Are Here!

2010-07-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

As the Autism seminar in Cusco nears, Manos Unidas’ first team of professionals has arrived! Mary Fordham, Natalie Moseley and Shanna Alvarez have come to Cusco for the month of July, gracing us with their presence and abounding knowledge. All three professionals in special education hold graduate degrees from the University of Washington. Traveling from the northwest states of Washington and Oregon, they’ve settled in quite well and seem to enjoy taking in the Andean sun whenever possible. For a relaxing weekend escape from cross-cultural instruction, diagnoses and language classes, Natalie, Shanna, and Mary (left to right) discovered the colorful Peruvian pueblo, Pisaq. Here in the Sacred Valley they spent the day meeting local artists, tasting the typical Andean beverage, chicha, and exploring the well known Pisaq artisan market.

Autism in the Andes The First International Seminar to Educate Cusco about Autism

2010-07-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Autism in the Andes

The First International Seminar to Educate Cusco about Autism

Friday July 16 and Saturday July 17 the Municipality of Cusco will be filled with psychologists, special education teachers, parents, nurses and doctors, regular education teachers and university students. They will come to learn, we will be there to teach.

There are an estimated 9,000 children with disabilities in the Cusco region, hundreds with Autism and without a diagnosis. They are kids with “retardation”, speech delays, hyperactivity, possessed with spirits . . .or my favorite diagnosis: your kid is fine, he doesn’t have anything!

This weekend will be an epic turning point for the Cusco region. Parents, professionals and students will learn about: detection, diagnosis, education and vocational training for children with Autism.

Camino Nuevo, the Manos Unidas special needs school, together with Abrazos, a dutch organization for diagnosis and orientation for Autism, are organizing this event. We gladly welcome: Shanna Alvarez, Mary Fordham and Natalie Mosley as guest presenters. All 3 professionals are graduates from the University of Washington’s Special Education masters program, Seattle, WA and are specialists in their fields (speech and language, autism classroom education and young adult vocational training).

We have delivered 150 letters of invitation to schools, universities and medical centers, been guests on live radio programs and television programs and will be holding a press conference this Wednesday to promote the seminar. We are expecting around 200 people.

Our BLOG will post our live radio and TV interviews, fun experiences here in Cusco, and the details of the event. Bookmark our blog and check it frequently for updates.

Thank you for supporting this opportunity to plant the seeds on Autism detection and education in this community.

2010-06-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

We welcome Amilcar, our first physiotherapist on the Camino Nuevo team. We have begun our severe/profound program in the afternoons that is quickly gaining reputation. Amilcar is dedicated to our long term vision of being able to support and work with the most neglected population of kiddos (those with severe disabilities) in this community. He has been working with 5 students in the afternoon. Starting Monday, June 28 will we be bringing 2 brothers, both with cerebral palsy, to our center. This kiddos live in extreme poverty and due to a generous donor we will be paying their taxis to come for rehabilitation and language development 3 afternoons a week. Amilcar is also extending his services via Camino Nuevo to an orphanage run by the nuns of Calcutta, India for abandoned kids with severe disabilities that remain enclosed in their home. Due to another generous sponsor, we are able to bring 1 of these kiddos to our school in the morning but the remaining 25 stay at home. Thanks Amilcar for going to their home and working with them in the meantime!

Teacher birthdays and Mitch sightings

2010-06-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Donna, our moderate to severe Autism class room teacher celebrated her 27th birthday on June 14. All Camino Nuevo staff were present to dance, sing, eat, drink and celebrate this day with her. Wait . . .is that Mitch Teplisky dancing with the birthday girl?? Happy Birthday Donna!

Soy Andina and Manos Unidas in Cusco

2010-06-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

South American Explores and Bullfrogs Lounge in Cusco Present . . . .

A Special Charity Film event supporting Manos Unidas' Special Education School in Cusco!

The Award Winning, SOY ANDINA, a film about Peru, dance and identity, will be shown at Bullfrogs Lounge in Cusco this THURSDAY, JUNE 17

The night will highlight the work Manos Unidas is doing in cusco to improve the education system for children with special needs and their inclusion into the society.

There will be a Q and A with Soy Andina Director Mitch Teplisky who is currently in Cusco as well as the founders of MU, Celeste Marion and Mercedes Delgado. (an all star cast!)

Stick around all night for food, drinks, games and live music that will support special needs kids in Cusco.

We will begin the Movie at 9pm so come early to get comfy!

FREE ENTRANCE , voluntary donation

BULLFROGS LOUNGE, warankallqui 185 (corner of Ruinas y Choquechaka)

SEE YOU THERE!

2010-04-26T05:18:00.001-07:00

Sponsor a Student In Extreme Need

Manos Unidas is sponsoring the education of 5 students in extreme need due to abandonment, negligence and severe poverty - with 3 more on the waiting list. We will not turn students away who can not pay - However, our current budget can not continue to support them.

We are looking for a number of scholarships to support the education of these children and their families. Unite your family to support a student scholarship – get your kids involved! Ask your boss if your company can support a scholarship! Ask friends in your book club or social group! Get your school to sponsor a student! Be bold – this is how change happens.

Donate $60 on a continual monthly basis for 12 months and receive personal information on how your scholarship is positively affecting the life of your student and their family.

One time annual donations and half scholarship donations are accepted.

Please contact: info@manosunidasperu.net to sponsor a student scholarship.

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
51 84 984 455888
51 84 633368

WE DID IT! $3,589.94 IS THE GRAND TOTAL!

2010-04-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our goal was $3,500 by April 20, 2010 . . . congratulations everyone . . . .

WE DID IT!
Our grand total: $3,589.94 to build and equip our new classroom for kids with severe disabilities. This was such an unexpected miracle.

6 new students have a classroom, 6 new moms have the opportunity to join our parent family, 2 new teachers have the unique experience of being trained with Manos Unidas and 42 individuals should feel proud of their contribution to this classroom.

2010 is bringing light to Manos Unidas and for the first time I understand why I was placed here. It seemed like such a long and impossible road 3 years ago when we began with 1 student and 1 table. All the effort is paying off now and it is all making sense - this is what I was meant to do in life. :)

A thousand thanks to all who supported us in this campaign, I would give you all bear hugs if I could.

keep posted, more to come from us soon!

Celeste Marion
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
www.manosunidasperu.net
celeste@manosunidasperu.net
51 84 984 455888

First Day of School

2010-04-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

We have been working hard to raise funds for this classroom and while we still have a bit to go to meet our goal, we began classes. Our parents couldn't wait any longer so Monday, April 12 we started school! We welcomed 5 new kids to our program, still waiting for 2 more kids to arrive this week. The first week is always a bit of a challenge: getting to know the kids, working with anxious moms, organizing transportation, new teachers and support workers. We need a lot of materials for this class but little by little we will adapt. I can't stress my gratitude to the people who made this a reality!

10 days to go to raise $700 . . .we can do it!

2010-04-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

Friends of Manos Unidas,

April 20 is our deadline . . . . we only have $700 to go . . . who will be the next to donate $50? or $100? or even $500? DONATE HERE to support our new classroom for kids with severe/profound disabilities.

I want to extend my personal thanks to: Susan Kranz, Nora Haddock, Leah Stovel, Christen Morrow, Cindy Garrott, Simi Pearce, David and Mary Ann Marion, Fay Masmi, and many others who have helped raise $2,800 in 15 days.

Our classroom is almost up and ready to go. Its amazing to me that we have come this far. Thanks Mitch for all your help and of course to John Adriaenssens of Fairplay. For those that continue to raise money or just beginning to raise funds. . . please be encouraged to know that your donations directly support the students of Camino Nuevo and the quality of services we provide.

(side note) We are also looking for 3 people to sponsor student scholarships this year, please contact us if interested: Student Scholarships

This seems like dream, a million thanks to everyone.

Dont forget to check us out on our BLOG!

$700 to go . . . . lets do it!

Mil Gracias,

Celeste Marion
--
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas
51 84 984 455888
www.manosunidasperu.net
www.manosunidasperu.blogspot.com

"

A finished product

2010-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this classroom came to life so fast? We picked up the furniture from the bus station, thankfully everything arrived in mint condition from Lima. It was so exciting to rip open cardboard boxes, throw around the packing newspaper and bring color and life to Camino Nuevo. Here are a few photos of the new furniture and therapy models in the classroom. Now we need a little decoration and our students!

Almost There!

2010-04-06T05:24:00.001-07:00

Hey check it out! The classroom is almost done! Just needs some windows, plywood for the walls, a little love and whala! Just waiting for packages to come from Lima, fingers crossed they havn't been lost/stolen. Thursday is our inauguration day . . . . ching ching

$1,160 to go to meet our goal!

2010-04-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am amazed to report that in 9 days we have raised $2,3 40 for our new classroom for children with severe/profound disabilities! THANK YOU Tiffany Cable, W. Rain, John Adriaenssens, and all other incredible donors in this campaign!

As we speak: the workers are welding together the structure, new furniture and equipment await in the garage and families continue to call to secure the registration of their children. I can not believe this is going to happen - Mercedes and I had planned to create this classroom next year! However, the demand of parents and orphanges wtih their kids on our waiting list, encouraged us to make the bold move and start building. This is only happening with the help of generous donors!

We have 17 days to go to raise $1, 160! We can do this! Let unite! What ever you are able to donate: $20, $50 . . . $500! Gifts of $100 or more will receive the DVD of Soy Andina and a hand made card from our students. Gifts of $500 or more will have their names placed on a plaque in the new classroom.

The Manos Unidas Blog has all the details regarding this project if you were left out of the first loop : ) as well as our donation campaign, and updated reports on the construction of this new classroom.

Mil Gracias a todos!

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru
51 84 984 455888
www.manosunidasperu.net
www.manosunidasperu.blogspot.com

Furniture Madness in Lima

2010-04-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

Off to Lima . . . .

Last weekend I was off to Lima to purchase valuable materials for our new classroom. One of the fun (and exhausting!) experiences I had was buying these beautiful kids tables and chairs. Below is a photo of the furniture fair I had to tackle in order to find these jewels, the jewels in the state I found them, then the fine duty of packing them up to send on the bus . . . get to pick them up here in Cusco tomorrow!

It has begun!

2010-04-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

It has begun!

Our workers began to set the frame for the new space a few days ago. They are battling random rain showers as they weld together each bar, making our timing a challenge. But we have faith! We know they will finish in due time!

A Growing Demand

2010-03-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

March 2010 Newsletter

Spring is a time for abundant growth: rains nurture the soil, stems
begin to sprout and colors paint the earth. The seeds Manos Unidas
planted last spring here in Cusco have sprouted. We are growing, fast.

“Growing” a new classroom

Mercedes and I opened the doors of Camino Nuevo, on March 1, 2009 as the first private school for special education in Cusco. As many of you know, we begin in a living room with 2 students. An estimated 400 of 9,000 children with disabiliites in Cusco are being served with limited services. Our goal is to provide access to affordable and quality education for all children regardless of their ability to pay tuition. The majority of our students receive scholarships for their studies. Our reputation for quality education has soared. We have maximized our enrollment for 2010 with 56 students, an outstanding number compared to the 2 we we began with in 2007.

Unexpected Urgent Need

Our space is limited yet our waiting list is long. We have 8 students with severe/profound needs on this waiting list which has presented us with an unexpected urgent need for Manos Unidas: building our first specialized classroom for children with severe/profound needs. Included on the waiting list are 3 extreme cases of abandonment who reside in orphanages, with out access to educationn - and we refuse to turn them away.

In the past, we have been unable to serve children with severe/profound needs. Due to demand, Mercedes and I have made the decision this year to implement a program with adequate facilities, quality equipment, a physical therapist and welcome visiting professionals (art therapists, PT/OT’s, teachers) who will bring innovative education experiences for our students. The classroom will be due to open Monday, April 5!

Help us plant this new seed

We need to raise $3,500 by April 20. Can you donate $20 or $100 -- or whatever amount feels right - to help us raise $3,500 to build Camino Nuevo’s first classroom for severely disabled children?

Our supporters

We have partnered up with Quipunet and Soy Andina to raise funds for this classroom. We also thank Washington and California supporters who helped raise funds in 2009 to support scholarships for disadvantaged students in the 2010 school year. See who our generour supporters have been on our blog. Partner up with us too! Share this newsletter with family, friends, churches, schools and work places and “Chip-In” towards our goal

"Chip-In"and Donate

Your donation will be met with:

Continual updates and newsletters about our progress.
Opportunity to share experiences together on our blog, view our media, connect with fellow Manos Unidas supporters.
A tax deductable donation through our fiscal sponsor, Quipunet, a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) supporting rural Peruvian education programs
A hand made thank you card made by one our students
Donations of $500 or more will have their names engraved on a plaque that will be placed in the new classroom

Join our Community!
Follow the construction of our classroom, equipment purchases and our first day of school on our blog www.manosunidasperu.blogspot.com
Read more about our work: www.manosunidasperu.net

Send tax deductable donations to:

Quipunet
3801 S 31ST St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Memo: Manos Unidas

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter! Share this project and help create lasting social change within this community and others around the world!

Sincerely,

Celeste Marion
Founder/Head Coordinator
Manos Unidas Peru

084 984 455888
Celeste@manosunidasperu.net

2010-03-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

March 22, water awareness day! Our first attempt at a general lecture on the importance of water, how we use it, how to keep it clean, how to respect the water. An interesting challenge to get all 43 kids seated and attentive . . . .even if it was only for less than a minute! Here is our proof of success! Good job Ana Melva (our workshop/vocational teacher) at keeping everyone's attention. As the lecture preceded departure time, the last 5 minutes of the day turned into a bit of water play while waiting for the buses to arrive.

Staff Training

2010-03-24T06:12:00.001-07:00

Saturday, March 20 Camino Nuevo held its first all day teacher training workshop. As we go in to our second year its important that we create expectations and standards for our teachers as well as give them the necessary tools for providing effective education. All 10 of our staff participated in an interactive workshop that focused on: positive behavior support, classroom setup, alternative communication, prompt supports for teaching new skills, data collection, functional behavior assessments, picture schedules and creative curriculum design. What a team we have this year!

2010-03-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

At "Camino Nuevo"every student receives an individual assessment in various areas of development: language and communication skills, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, academic skills for their age and and a behavior assessment. We will be spending the month of March assessing students and creating individual work plans with attainable goals to work on this academic school year. We are honored to have the presence of Victor Hugo, our psychology intern from the Universidad Andina, to assist in the evaluation process. Part of the Manos Unidas mission is to give young education and psychology students exposure to successful and effective education for children with special education needs in this region. Camino Nuevo is the only school in the area that creates individual work plans with goals specific to each child for the academic year. We hope to show a new generation of professionals the quality of education that can be provided and the standards our students will be able to surpass.

Recycled Materials for Education

2010-03-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

We started our 2nd official school year on Monday, March 1. How exciting to see our students returning to school only to continue building on their abilities. This year are are focusing on two main areas of our development: early childhood education and young adult occupational education. Our young adults will be focusing on creating art projects that can be sold in the community as well as focus on self-help and community independence that will lead to vocational training. We present our first project with our young adults, silhouettes made from recycled paper and newspaper. They proudly present their final projects. Follow their progress this year and watch their talents grow!

2010-03-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Be a part of Manos Unidas on a daily basis

2010-03-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Friends of Manos Unidas, we are going to attempt to run a blog for all of you curious supporters about the who, what, where, why, when and how of each day we spend here in Cusco. This will be a great way for you to feel connected to our reality, a good way for me to communicate with everyone and a way to keep some sort of a communal journal. Please feel free to comment and pass it on to friends. Monday, March 15 will be our first entry . . . enjoy!

2010-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Manos Unidas Blog Coming Soon!