I Love Chile News Edition 12: Soledad Onetto by I Love Chile News

The Pulse of Chile in English

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Hidro AysĂŠn: The dominoes tumble A call to women: Raise your voice against harassment Peak Oil State of the Nation, 2011 The Entrepreneur Hunter

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I LOVE CHILE RADIO / JUNE 2011

A Virtual Meeting Place for the Global Wanderer ILC Radio has been streaming 24 hour, live webcasts in ENGLISH out of Chile since 2007. Globally loved as a breeding ground for expat communications and their unique wandering perspectives on Chile, ILC Radio - based in Santiago, orients local and international listeners with eclectic, open format programming on Chilean politics, news, food, music, nightlife, opinions and yes, Sports. Tune in anytime for the local scoop at: www.ilovechile.cl/radio

By Jerusa Pozo

Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva

Do you feel it? There is a sense that Chile is the place to be right now and opportunities abound for those prepared to capitalize on this guaranteed growth. The New York Times recently voted Santiago as the number 1 city to visit in 2011. The FGV predicted Chile will be the world’s 3rd fastest growing economy this year. Add this to the growing number of foreigners and lucrative businesses that are moving to Chile to live, work, and invest in. I Love Chile News is the ONLY information and print news source about Chile in English. Advertising with I Love Chile News gives you access to our large and rapidly expanding group of Englishspeaking business professionals, internationalists, academics, politicians, and frequent travelers. It will put your message in an environment where it will be respected and read. We offer customized packages, sponsorships and more for all your advertising needs. Contact me if you would like to find out how advertising with I Love Chile New can assist you in achieving your marketing objectives and reaching a whole ne audience.

By Jerusa Pozo For many the legacy of former President Eduardo Frei Montalva is that he was a good person and a fundamentally honest politician at the same time. When the museum opened in 2008, emotions surfaced for his followers. The home of the former President is full of memories and anecdotes of Chilean history. Important people who were guests in his home included Queen Elizabeth, Chilean writer Gabriela Mistral and many famous political leaders. A person’s home is the extension of his/her being and ideas. Every detail reflects the nuances of their personal character and of the circumstances they experienced in life. The home of the former president is no exception; it’s a prototype of a typical middle-class Chilean house from the forties. The life and career of a character like Eduardo Frei Montalva was reflected in the various nooks and crannies of his home. While the museum house denotes the former President’s sober style, it also witnessed the most crucial moments in his life. One example is the arrival of Queen Elizabeth. The dining room where the former President met with the Queen is the most visited. Guides of the museum say it is because Frei was an austere person and wanted Her Majesty to meet in his house -- the place that made him look more like a human -- rather than take her to the Government House. Everything, even the smallest detail, seems to scream that the former President was a man with an impeccable reputation, great values and an advocate of simplicity. The museum does not follow a conventional model and it has been preserved exactly as it was left on the day the former President died.

Steve Halsey Director, Sales and Marketing Steve.halsey@ilovechile.cl Chile in English

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Pascal Mathieu

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DJ spotlight

I LOVE - 11.indd 1 06-05-11 16:37

Photo: Courtesy Ariel Morales

ascal Mathieu, the DJ and funny man of I love Chile, has lived in Chile for over three years and has worked many odd jobs around Chile, including an extra in several theater productions. But his true passion is sports. This self-proclaimed “sports freak” is a big fan of Wayne Gretzky. He is also a selfproclaimed “travel freak,” leading him to tour 25 different countries. This has shaped his view of sports and life into something quite unique. Listen to Pascal and his unconventional view of sports (and life) every Monday from 8-10 pm. - Pascal, tell me about sports, how important are they for you? - Everything has to do with sports. I eat, drink and dream sports. I spend more time with things related to sports than anything else. I’m a “sports freak!” I think I have a serious problem. - What is your favorite sport? - I like a little bit of everything. As long as you understand how hard it is to do what they do, I can gain a new appreciation. I don’t discriminate. - But you’ve got to prefer some sports to others, I mean you’re the “sports man?” - Hmm, I used to play hockey. I´m a big fan of Wayne Gretzky, he’s a great athlete and a great man, a true role model. - Why Chile? - Well, I started traveling ten years ago. I’d been in 25 countries, teaching tennis, waiting tables at bars and hotels. One of my main goals was to be in Nepal for my thirtieth birthday, I’m a very spiritual person.

I went on a spiritual retreat for ten days. Not speaking, just meditating for twelve hours a day, and let me tell you, you find out a lot about yourself, about the Buddha stuff without the “ism,” without the religion. I Iearned that nothing lasts forever. You got to learn to move forward in a positive way; you’re not going to be sick forever and you’re not going to feel good forever. - Ok, so are you going to tell us how you came to Chile…? - Ha ha, well after that, a girl from Montreal told me I could be an English teacher, and she was teaching in Chile so I thought, “I can speak decent English and I like giving to people,” so off I went to Chile. - What was your first impression of Chile and South America? - Well, about Chile-- I only knew Marcelo Rios because he is a tennis player, and about South America--the perception that I had was a mixture of Maradona, Machu Pichu, Soccer and sexy Brazilian girls. - How would you describe yourself? - I’m actually a very quiet person; I know it is hard to believe. I’m the kind of guy that is extroverted only when I feel comfortable. I feel the energy of the group and then I make a move; it’s the same with girls. Photos: Courtesy Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva

Publisher Daniel Brewington Editor Julie Gibson Special Edition Assistant Sharon Ewing Chief Strategy Officer Pamela Lagos Director, Sales & Marketing Steve Halsey Brand Manager Vanessa Callund Online Editor Jayne Scarman Human Resources Kate Crisp News Desk Bárbara Hermosilla Contributors Julie Gibson Jayne Scarman Andrea Ernst Jerusa Pozo Shonika Proctor Barbara Buchanan Steve Halsey Richard Magennis Harper Bridgers Elias Alcantara Pablo Retamal Pascal Mathieu Gary Mallon Ian Gilbert Marcelle Dubruel Chris Wright-Badiian Daniel Greeve Alicia Granse Felipe Muñoz Milena Cid Ben Angel Gonzalo Mena Bárbara Hermosilla Photographers Gardner Hamilton Daniel Brewington Amanda Saviñón Bárbara Hermosilla Design Alfonso Gálvez Translations Mary Tapia

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Letter From the Editor

n this edition we are featuring articles about education in Chile and debut our new 4-page pullout “Little Thinkers”. Due to its popularity we’ve doubled its size and grouped the questions according to age so parents and teachers can easily navigate the page. “Little Thinkers” is created and designed by one of the world foremost leaders in education, Ian Gilbert. Ian is an educational innovator and awardwinning author who has worked more than 20 years helping schools improve thinking, learning, and creativity. Ian Gilbert’s goal for the “Little Thinkers” pages is to provide a tool for parents to work with their children, not to find out what they know but to find out what they think. But heck, why does it only have to be for the kids? I find these games are just as challenging for adults as for children. Either way the most important thing is that you are spending quality time with your child and you both are expanding your ability to think outside the box! We typically think of one’s education as beginning in kindergarten and ending after we graduate from college. But in reality, we should never think of our education as ending. Maybe the “formal” part of education comes and goes but we should never stop challenging ourselves, pushing, growing, and creating a better version of us. According to Jerold Jenkins, 42% of college graduates never read a book after college. This is shocking. It goes with the idea that some people think they’ve learned everything there is to know in 4 short years. Education is an investment into yourself. It is interesting that people completely understand the importance of changing oil in their car in order to keep the car running at peak performance. Those same individuals also realize the importance of maintaining their house so it will appreciate in value. Yet, most of those same individuals have not invested a single dime into furthering their own education – furthering their own potential. Imagine you graduated from either high school or college 10 years ago and have taken no courses since then. This would be the same as not changing oil in your car for the last 10 years. No one in their right mind would find it acceptable to go 10 years without an oil change and expect their vehicle to perform at peak levels.

CONTENTS

STAFF

JUNE 2011 / TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why would you expect your place of employment to be any different? When they are forced to make difficult cuts in difficult times, they are going to keep those individuals who have invested in themselves. People go back to school as adults for lots of different reasons. Sometimes it’s just to learn a new hobby or to try something new. Many universities or community colleges provide continuing education courses, online courses, or one can simply take a workshop. The advantage is, you meet new people and you get out of your comfort zone. Above all, you have fun. But the main advantage of adult education is that it enables you to experiment. Experimentation is crucial to growth. You get new ideas, collaborate, and above all,

We typically think of one’s education as beginning in kindergarten and ending after we graduate from college. But in reality, we should never think of our education as ending. you create ideas of your own, rather than just reporting on the ideas of others. Now there are many tools to help further our education. If you aren’t interested in another degree or a hobby, simply pick up a book. Reading is the key to endless knowledge. The more you read and the more diversity in the books you read, the more valuable pieces of knowledge you add to your mental database. In the words of Noble Peace Prize winner and former President of Israel, Shimon Peres,  ”Your best friends are not only human beings, but books. To read books is like going to swim in a sea of wisdom, endlessly fascinating. And there are so many wise people all over the world, throughout history, and you can have it free, for nothing.” The point is, your education never ends, it’s a life long process and people who are highly successful make a firm commitment to invest in their education continuously. And in themselves.

02 DJ Spotlight: Pascal Mathieu 03 Letter From the Editor 04 A call to women: Raise your voice against harassment 05 State of the Nation 2011 06 The Potential of Higher Education 07 Fibras Andinas 08 In Search of Joy 09 The Entrepreneur Hunter 10 Peak Oil 11 English Simce: First steps to a brighter future 12-13 Staying Connected with Soledad Onetto 14 Andres Bello: Educator and Altruist 15-18 Little Thinkers 19 Gabriela Mistral, Renaissance Woman 20 The State of Chilean Education Part 1 21 The Harlem Globetrotters 22 How Green are your BPA Free Products Detox for a Healthy Chilean Winter 23 The English Creep 24 Into the South 25 HydroAysén: The dominoes tumble 26 University City: Valparaíso 27 LCFA sets off for another great season 28 SVK Communications 29 Daniel Greve 30 Hot Tickets: Miley Cirus, Jamiroquai, Paul McCartney 31 The Power Tie

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04 By Jayne Scarman

s in many countries, men in Chile are not averse to making their admiration for people of the opposite sex known. The associated cat calls and lingering glances are demonstrated all too often, particularly if you have ever had the misfortune of finding yourself around the Costenera Centre construction site in Providencia at lunch time (sadly a daily occurrence for the women of I Love Chile). While some not-so-bashful appreciation may be an irritation or a cause of mild embarrassment, there is a line that should never be crossed. Unfortunately so many women find themselves the victim of opportune harassment and abuse, Chile’s Ministry for Women, or SERNAM, has launched a campaign calling on women to speak out and denounce their attackers. The campaign “Levanta La Voz Si No Te Respetan” (or “Raise Your Voice If They Don’t Respect You”) is aimed at empowering women to speak out if they are touched inappropriately in crowded public places, such as the Santiago metro. According to SERNAM figures, for every seven cases of harassment, only one person speaks out. Furthermore, between 90% and 95% of all cases of sexual harassment are committed by men. This situation, according to Minister for Women, Carolina Schmidt, is unacceptable. “When women are victims of this type of harassment, many don’t react because

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NEWS / JUNE 2011

A call to women:

Raise your voice against harassment “I think we could be a good example if we have legislation where this would be a clearly punishable offence, and that men and women can live together in a dignified manner, educated [...] without having to divide us.” they don’t know what to do,” said the Minister. “The first message for them is to not accept this and to accuse [the perpetrator] immediately,” added Minister Schmidt. The “Levanta La Voz” campaign was launched last month, with Minister Schmidt handing out leaflets to women at Plaza Baquedano, explaining what to do if they experience sexual harassment in a public place. She explained, “You cannot accept this situation. You must

make contact with a guard or police officer and say that this person is harassing me and this is abuse.” Metro carriages, concerts and sports events have been highlighted as particular problem areas for this type of crime; in truth though, any tightly packed crowd of people carries a potential danger. Thus, the SERNAM campaign aims at a cultural shift, where by denouncing this form of criminal behaviour, potential transgressors will be less inclined to think they can get away with a quick grope. This campaign comes as part of a wider movement to reclassify molestation in public places as a more serious offence. Currently, it carries a fine of between 60 and 320 US dollars. But senators have put forward proposals to introduce prison sentences of up to five years for repeat and grave offenders. While other countries around the world have introduced measures such as single sex train carriages to reduce the problem, Chile is keen to take a more inclusive approach, without having to go down the line of segregation. In an interview with BBC

Mundo, Minister Schmidt said: “I think we could be a good example if we have legislation where this would be a clearly punishable offence, and that men and women can live together in a dignified manner, educated [...] without having to divide us.” As the minister reiterated, “As women we are not an object for someone’s satisfaction and we must confront it.”

JUNE 2011 / NEWS

State of the Nation 2011 By Richard Magennis

he annual May 21st State of the Nation Address marking the president’s first year in office came amidst an uneasy couple of weeks of public unrest and violent protests for Sebastián Piñera. This extremely important day on the presidential calendar was eclipsed slightly by the demonstrations and battles with police that were taking place on the streets of Valparaíso during the event. Reactions to the speech have been varied, some complimenting its comprehensive and wide-ranging content, whilst others have complained that it lacked emphasis on recent key issues such as homosexual relations, or in the words of Deputy Osvaldo Andrade, President of the PS (Socialist Party), “that it said little of what he had done over the past year.” The speech kicked off with an introduction to the main theme - the construction of a society built on “security, opportunities, and values,” and the principal aim of his government – “to develop Chile and eradicate poverty.” He then alludes to some of the key events recently affecting Chile, such as the 27th of February earthquake that rocked the nation’s foundations; the valiant rescue of the 33 miners; the fire at the San Miguel prison in which more than 80 inmates perished; and the momentous bicentennial anniversary of Chilean independence. With respect to the earthquake, Piñera was keen to emphasise the progress that has been made in the efforts to reconstruct a society deeply affected by such a catastrophic event. He declared that half of all reconstruction had been completed, including 75% of all hospitals, and 70% of all schools, pledging that the other half would be completed by the time his term in office expires. Furthermore, he announced the introduction of ONEMI, a more technologically-advanced tsunami and earthquake warning system to help decrease the number of lives lost in the future. President Piñera then proceeded to draw attention in detail to the seven core government goals promised upon taking up the position as president in 2010. Firstly, he focused on the need to grow economically, highlighting that Chile’s growth was at its highest level in 15 years. He subsequently thanked Chilean workers and his party’s efforts for their help in producing such positive results. He also stated that the Central Bank was doing its part to help reduce inflation, although he failed to develop this point, simply stating its aim was to bring the inflation rate within an “ac-

The speech kicked off with an introduction to the main theme - the construction of a society built on “security, opportunities, and values,” and the principal aim of his government – “to develop Chile and eradicate poverty.”

ceptable range.” This year’s speech announced the progress made in his aim to create a million jobs during the period 201014, proudly declaring that 487,000 jobs had already been created, half of which had gone to women. Moreover, he stated his goals for creating a better-paid and bettertrained workforce, with lower levels of employee exploitation and higher levels of security in the workplace. Thirdly, he made reference to the government’s plan to reduce delinquency, drug trafficking, and to ensure that all citizens have full access to the law. He referred to the introduction of 10,000 new, friendlier carabineros to the streets, and the introduction of Community Officers to deal with petty crimes at a local level, boasting already a 16% decrease in crime resulting from the fruits of their labour. He highlights that by reducing drug trafficking, the number of arms and people dependent on drugs (for which Chile has the highest number of users in Latin America) the levels of drug-related crimes should also

see a welcome decline. With respect to the excessive consumption of alcohol, an instant driving ban for all those caught drunk driving was announced. Finally, Piñera’s plan to improve the standards in the nation’s prisons was announced, mentioning also the construction of four new prisons to be completed in the near future. With respect to health and education, the speech outlined a plan to unite the nation to create a solid alliance to improve educational standards across the board. This includes everything from improvements in reading and math, to the confrontation of bullying and violence in schools. At a university level, Piñera was proud to announce the numbers of those studying at university had reached a million for the first time ever. After a year of Mapuche hunger strikes and protests, Piñera also announced a 34% increase in the budget for scholarships in indigenous communities, and a 20% boost in funds used for education and the promotion of their culture. Finally, it was announced that university teaching courses would be fully subsidised for students who achieve more than 600 PSU points. Regarding health, he vowed to “put every patient at the heart of Chilean health policy,” proposing an increase in the number of prescription-free drugs available, reducing the prices in the process. He announced the inauguration of 14 new hospitals this year and 10 more before his term expires, providing care for 3.7 and 2.4 million more patients, respectively. As for Chilean women, it was announced that maternity leave will double from 3 to 6 months. The push to make Chile “the first nation to overcome the poverty threshold in Latin America” and to reduce the ever increasing inequality comes in the form of the new Ingreso Ético Particular policy. This is a monthly payment starting this year at $38.500 pesos which aims to take the wages of those with low incomes to above $180.000. Other government subsidies, such as those invested in

Transantiago, will halt the increase in ticket prices to provide some respite to less affluent families. The last of President Piñera’s core elements looks at the modernization of the state and the improvement of democracy. The President revealed the introduction of an automatic electoral inscription plans to carry out more government processes online, and the Plan for Regional Development, which effectively gives more power to municipalities for handling funds and decision-making. Piñera used the speech to clear up any doubts regarding foreign policy. He referenced the 1904 Treaty that validated the Chilean border with Bolivia, accusing Evo Morales of intending to undermine Chilean-Bolivian relations by appealing to international bodies to achieve maritime and territorial aims. He also alluded to Chile’s entry into the OCDE thus joining the world’s most affluent nations. The speech ended with the most controversial issue of the moment - the looming energy crisis. Piñera clarified that in order for Chile to be able to continue developing at the current rate, it would need to double the amount of energy produced. This in turn, he emphasised, would reduce our per-consumer energy costs that currently stand at more than double those of the neighbouring countries. He stated that he aimed to do this by increasing the amount of energy produced through renewable sources from 3% to 20%, in turn pledging an investment of 85 million dollars to companies to carry out research and to promote renewable energy-related schemes. Piñera defended his position on Aysén, stating that fossil fuelpower and geothermal energy are too environmentally damaging, and that consequently, hydroelectric power is the cleanest, and most effective source of energy. He reiterated his responsibility as president to make important decisions regarding what is best for the country’s future, proclaiming that it would be irresponsible to leave such a serious problem for the next president to deal with.

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education / JUNE 2011

At Glance:

Higher Education in Chile By Elias Alcantara

uring the month of May, along with the dozens of protests over the Hidroaysén Energy Project in Patagonia, a higher education reform protest erupted in Santiago. Although most of the public’s attention is on the environmental effects of the Hidroaysén project, thousands of students came out on May 12 to march in downtown Santiago. Their hope was to bring attention to the controversial topic of higher education reforms. The protest was organized and led by the Federación de Estudiantes de la Universidad de Chile (FECH) and was supported by the Universidad de Chile’s Rector, Victor Perez. The protest took place two months after tuition and fees were increased. Students and professors, came out to protest the rising tuition and student activity fees, the lack of government subsidies for higher education, and the lack of transparency among private institutions. The international organization for development, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has noted, “higher education is a priority of the Chilean society” so it should come as no surprise that students are very passionate about this topic. The last major Higher Education (HE) reform in Chile took place in 1980 during the Pinochet regime. The regime’s hope was to diversify the HE system, transfer state funding responsibility of HE institutions to students and families, and increase competition among HE institutions. The fundamental philosophy underlying the reform was to make universities as competitive and open as the Chilean economy in the early 80’s. The reform revamped the one-tier university system, which included eight universities in 1980, and replaced it with a three-tier university system that today has expanded to over seventy higher education institutions. The three tier system created a “university tier” which would focus on long cycle undergraduate programs leading to “licenciaturas”; a “professional institute tier” leading to career degrees; and a “technical training center tier” for two-year vocational careers. The new tier system was the first major change of the 1980 reform. The second most significant impact the reform had on HE institutions was in financing. The military led government substantially reduced government funding and established multiple competitive sources of funding. The Chilean higher education debate has also received international attention. In 2008, almost thirty years after the HE reforms, the OECD conducted a detailed study on the modern day effects of the 1980 HE reforms. Before the reform, the HE institutions received a total of 2.11% of Chile’s GDP, after 1980 they received 1.26%, and today. They receive 1.8%. The OECD highlighted the fact that Chile spends $2,646 USD per student per year in HE in comparison to the OECD’s typical country average of $7,527 USD. The study was done two years before Chile completed a thirteen-year process of development and reforms that enabled it to join the OECD, an organization that includes Italy, the United States, and China. After Mexico, Chile was the second Latin American country to be granted membership in the OECD. Upon Chile’s acceptance to the OECD, the country was asked to implement higher educational reforms to combat issues that include the current education gap that exists among the two highest and lowest income brackets. The OECD dates back to 1960 and was formed to promote global development. According to the Higher Education Chronicle, Chile has one of the most expensive higher education systems per capita in the world. The last major higher education protests titled “The Penguin Movement” were in 2006. The Pen guin Movement led to changes in the high school system. Today, thirty years after the privatization of univer-

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sities there is an all-time high strain on students who can no longer afford to pay for their higher education. With limited government programs such as loans and scholarships students are fed up. As a member of the OECD and with rising public distain, Chile will have to act soon. Protests about education at the national level and OECD recommendations at the international level have put Chile in a tough situation. Minister of Education Joaquin Lavin is one of the founders of the private university Universidad del Desarollo and is no stranger to the higher education debate. He has vowed to work on higher education reforms during his time as Minister. There is a bleak feeling about an HE system overhaul among professors at universities. “A structural change in the system will never happen,” noted a professor who preferred to remain anonymous. The professor went on to say that “it is very common for students to protest in the month of May because of the Presidential address. This will not change anything.” Minister Lavin has noted that President Piñera will discuss proposed reforms to the higher education system during his May 21 presidential address. The current administration’s plan includes the expansion of meritbased scholarships. On May 21, in his yearly address, President Piñera re-emphasized his commitment to improve higher education. He reiterated what the OECD report outlined, noting that he is, “aware of the joy but also of the costs and indebtedness that Chilean families and their children endure in order to obtain a professional degree.” For this reason he announced a proposed bill that included the creation of the Department of Higher

Education (Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior). This new department will give “college students and their families a stronger link to the State,” said President Piñera. He also went on to highlight that Chile reached an important milestone this year with the enrollment of one million college students, of which “560,000 receive a scholarship and/or loans supported by the government.” A student-leader of the Universidad de Chile, Natalia Vargas, said, “President Piñera’s higher education plan has good and bad aspects.” Ms. Vargas went on to note that “if changes are made, it will surely benefit private school students more and that there will not be any increase in government subsidies.” Although some students and professors feel that little to no changes have been made there actually have been some noteworthy changes since 1990. In 1990 a program titled “Improvement of Quality and Equity in Higher Education” known as MESCUP (MECESUP; Mejoramiento de la Calidad y Equidad de la Superior Educación), a program that still exists today, helped improve the higher education infrastructure while raising approximately US$270 million for universities. At the moment, the Chilean higher education reforms are a work in progress. President Piñera is well aware, as he highlighted in his State of the Union speech, that his administration must engage in a “new relationship with state universities while coming up with methods to improve their management and competiveness.” With a new department set to open, higher education reform will be a topic to watch as President Piñera’s administration enters its second year.

JUNE 2011 / BUSINESS

Fibras Andinas

Guanacos are a wild relative of the llama and a protected species living predominantly in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. They have a reddishbrown back and shoulders and white belly with a black or grey face and stand 3 1/2 to 4 ft. The vicuña is another wild camelid living in the high alpine areas of the Andes. It is a wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas. Vicuñas produce small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because the animal can only be shorn every three years. When knitted together, the product of the vicuña’s fur is very soft and warm. The Inca valued vicuñas for their wool, and it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear vicuña garments. Alpaca is a domesticated camelid and it resembles a small llama. They graze on the level heights of the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Chile at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,500 ft) to 5,000 m (16,000 ft) above sea-level. Unlike llamas, alpacas were not bred to be beasts of burden but were bred specifically for their fiber. Their fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, such as blankets, ponchos, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and a wide variety of textiles.

“A yearly demand of 60 tonnes of raw fibre, purchased directly from the herders, should reawaken their interest in producing high quality fibres, as well as bringing new hope for a better quality of life and pay to thousands of impoverished alpaca and llama growers living in the Chilean highlands.”

By Barbara Buchanan

hile’s first industrial processing plant of llama wool blended with alpaca and guanaco has gone into production. The new initiative is not about making big bucks but sustaining ancient textile skills. Camelid fiber exports are a multimillion dollar business with the wool a sought after product for top quality garments. Yet the herders who tend the llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in the remote grassland areas of the Andean plateau, 11,000 ft above sea level, earn barely enough to survive. Instead, large producers with their giant processing plants in Arequipa, Peru, and a chain of intermediaries swallow up the profits. Tired of eking out a living in harsh conditions for pitiful pay, Aymara herders are leaving their villages in the highlands of Chile in droves in search of better opportunities in the cities. However, a new enterprise in Arica is on the cusp of helping to reverse this trend. Fibras Andinas is about to open a processing plant where 1% of the profits will be ploughed into reviving millenary textile skills within the local community. The $1.3 million plant is due to go live at the end of this month, projected to producing over 30 tons of exotic yarn a year for hand knitting aimed at the high-end export market. It will employ 20 people and a further 60 Aymara women to select the fibers by color and quality in another location. Commercial director, Mercedes van Bladel explains, “A yearly demand of 60 tonnes of raw fibre, purchased directly from the herders, should reawaken their interest in producing high quality fibres,

as well as bringing new hope for a better quality of life and pay to thousands of impoverished alpaca and llama growers living in the Chilean highlands.” She believes there is a need to support the Aymara´s textile skills which are on the verge of disappearing as the people leave to pursue more profitable vocations in large cities. “We have devised an Enduring Social Impact program conceived to restore the interest of the community in ancestral textile production, and help them place their products in the right markets.” Entrepreneur and mechanical engineer, Jorge del Carpio and wife Isabel, a marketing professional, set up the project over a year ago. Now they have indigenous camelid herders and rearers across Chile’s XV, II, I and southern regions supplying them with wool. The company is unique because it will be producing 100% ultrafine llama yarns and those blended from alpaca and wild guanacos found in Magallanes in the south of Chile where the local government supports the rearing and protection of these animals. Guanco wool is one of the finest types of camelid fibers at just 14 to 18 microns -a micron being one millionth of a meter- making it more than two microns finer than some of the top quality categories such as Royal King alpaca. The lower the micron count the finer the yarn. Now Fibras Andinas´s wools have created quite a stir in the worldwide textile community after displaying its yarns to 4000 potential buyers at Florence´s seminal textile trade fare,

Pitti Filati, in February. “We’ve had the chance to show our prototype yarns and talk about Chile’s appearance in the yarn industry, with people from Great Britain, Sweden, France, and the United States, to name a few,” says Mercedes. There is also a growing demand for top notch yarn among the public where knitting appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance. Along with growing your own vegetables, producing your woolens appears to be ´de rigueur´ in these credit crunch times. Julia Roberts, and Cameron Diaz are just a few of the celebs you might see pulling out their yarn and needles in between film shoots. In fact there are an estimated 780,000 US knitters spending around $630m year according to industry research. “As well as helping the thousands of Aymara herders in the Andean Plateau, many local artisans and needle artists will also benefit from premium quality llama, alpaca, and guanaco yarns availAVISO 1 GRAFICATYPOS.pdf 1 26-05-11 able locally,” added Mercedes.

The llama has been used as a pack and meat animal by Andean cultures since preHispanic times. The height of a full-grown, full-size llama is between 1.7 meters (5.5 ft) and 1.8 meters (6 ft) tall at the top of the head. Overall, the fiber produced by a llama is very soft and is naturally lanolin free.

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08 By Alicia Granse

have been thinking a lot lately about how it is that I’ve come to have the relationship with food that I do. Where does it come from, this association of love with food? Should we eat to live or live to eat? Recently, I’ve been questioning this, because I seem to have lost that love, that excitement found in trying a new restaurant or making that first batch of a new recipe that makes the palate sing and the heart go pitter-patter. I have spent the past 20 plus years of my life wondering about what I get to try next, what’s going to set my spine a-tingling, knowing that when I put on my apron, things are always brighter. Cooking has been my champion and my inspiration, my vice and my passion. Until lately, when things ended so wrongly with a person I had cooked for and broken bread with on countless occasions. How quickly that once-loved dish came to taste like dirty cotton in my mouth, how easy it became to subsist on marraqueta (oh you wondrous lump of empty calories, I could write an ode to your beauty). So where did it go? And how do I get it back? I suppose that I should begin, as everyone does, at the beginning, if I am to better understand and explain myself. I come from a long line of fine cooking women. My grandmother makes the lightest, most beautiful piecrust in her sleep. My mother’s pot roast leaves the heart calling for more even after three helpings. It’s just something we do. When I was a very little girl, my parents bought me a little nerdy child’s dream: the Alpha-bakery Gold Medal Children’s Cookbook. It had a recipe for every letter of the alphabet, so as I learned to read, I learned to cook, and as I learned to cook, I learned to read. I think back on those weekends spent making ‘Elephant Ears’ and ‘Perfect Pancakes’ and remember the warmth of the kitchen, chocolate chips melting in a pan, and the sense that my mother and I were making something more than tasty treats. The house always smelled of something good to eat, and just being in the kitchen, reading a book while mom made dinner, I learned through some sort of strange diffusion how to make things taste good. The first real dish I made on my own was breaded chicken breasts and I can still feel the sensation of pride that came with making something from my own hands and giving it to my parents to try. God knows I left a huge mess and I can’t say if they actually enjoyed it, but they pretended to, which is the moral of this story. Since then I’ve been cooking not for myself, but for others. The real joy for me in cooking is the first bite my friend takes, the look on their faces when all their senses connect in the realization that something so simple can be so satisfying, that though their bodies need food, what they really get from my creations is, well, me. A particularly poignant example of my using food to express myself was a morning that happened more years ago than I’d care to count. I had just made some new friends at school and they invited me to go see the new Austin Powers movie with them (why we all loved those movies is now a complete mystery to me). My mom suggested a sleepover, and she ended up with about 7 hysterical teenage girls on her hands. What a saint she must have been to tolerate that much craziness. We spent the night giggling and talking until the wee hours, but even so I woke up around 8 and made a huge breakfast for everyone. We’re talking made-from-scratch pancakes, hash browns, bacon,

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PEOPLE / JUNE 2011

In Search

Of Joy

My recommendation for this month is not any restaurant in particular, but rather that you go out to the place that makes you remember who you are, what you have learned about yourself and your love for the thing that has the power to bring us together around a table– Food.

sausage, omelets, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. I didn’t really realize it through the haze of 14-year old insanity, but I just wanted to tell them that I was over the moon that they had decided to let me in. When I first came to Chile and realized that I didn’t particularly like churrasco and, let’s face it, most Chilean culinary habits, I had to learn to cook just for me. That was a new and rather shocking experience. I trolled the supermarkets hopelessly looking for peanut butter and havarti cheese and explored La Vega and, with my rather meager earnings, managed to come up with some new tricks to keep myself from starving. Who knew how easy it is to make chicken soup that doesn’t come from a can? Then, as my income increased and I met he-who-must-not-be-named (yeah, I just compared my ex to Lord Voldemort. What?) I started in on more adventurous things. Camotes

Photos: Sophie Callewaert

roasted with tiny sliced red onions and topped with raisins and Roquefort. Increasingly complicated sauces. Spicy salmon bruschetta with teriyaki wasabi glaze and red peppers. Chicken roasted in honey and coffee. I couldn’t get enough of the rush of taking all the crazy ingredients in my cupboards and turning it into something more than the sum of its parts. The last thing I cooked before things went cockeyed was a turkey meatloaf with sage, apple, celery, and onion, topped with bacon and the traditional brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. We had spent the morning at Jumbo, doing the things couples do on a Saturday morning and then I spent a happy afternoon assembling the ultimate in comfort food. I think even then I knew that something was wrong, because the turkey didn’t turn out how I wanted. I had made too much, it took too long to cook, and was remarkably flavorless for something that had so much potential. So, where do I go from here? It seems that I’ll have to learn everything all over again. I will have to go back to La Vega and Jumbo alone and figure out how to give myself what I have spent so long giving to other people. And, with time, putting that apron on will make things brighter again, and my spine will tingle and my palate will sing with the joy of all the things left to taste here in this great metropolis. My recommendation for this month is not any restaurant in particular, but rather that you go out to the place that makes you remember who you are, what you have learned about yourself and your love for the thing that has the power to bring us together around a table– Food. Photos: Sophie Callewaert

JUNE 2011 / PEOPLE

The Entrepreneur Hunter

By Shonika Proctor

he last half of the century has seen most industries where we buy our goods and services become concentrated in the hands of fewer, larger, and often global companies. As a result, employment has migrated to these companies. However, not everyone is following this path - individual people, regardless of age, socioeconomic status or gender are creating their own small businesses to become self-sufficient and fill the voids left by these large conglomerates. Today’s youth are contributing to this growing number of entrepreneurs. The situation we are currently experiencing is a global phenomenon where we are seeing opportunity abound for any person that enters the marketplace. Leaders in both developed and developing countries are taking note and looking towards entrepreneurship and innovation to revitalize their economies. They are exploring vehicles to support ongoing, sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives and partnerships. Leaders are also recognizing that education is key in identifying and growing entrepreneurs as well as providing them with globally competent tools for their future success. In my work with young entrepreneurs in 20+ countries, I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed with the resources and focus the Chilean Government has committed towards infusing entrepreneurship education into the Chilean school system. In the U.S., one of the top 3 entrepreneurial countries in the world, they have been working towards this for several years but have yet to integrate it. Chile is allocating tremendous resources towards diversifying high school programming including courses on entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership. President, Sebastian Piñera vowed to make Chile “the best country in the world.” Piñera holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University and is an accomplished entrepreneur. In his victory speech he stated that “Chile isn’t the biggest, richest, nor most powerful country in the world, but we should dedicate ourselves to transforming Chile into the best country in the world.” He went on to say, “we don’t have a single minute to lose.” In April 2010, just over a month after he was sworn in to the Presidency, Endeavor Chile, Fundación Chile, and Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), launched a pilot entrepreneurship education program, “Aprendimiento,” in 7 economically depressed rural high schools in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. The program was a great success with over 350+ students per school participating in the program. This year the program was expanded and now 25 schools are participating. Additionally, CORFO, Chile’s primary economic development agency, recently announced the “School Environment Support Program” to encourage the nomination of projects promoting entrepreneurship among high school students. InnovaChile offers funding for these types of programs year round, but this time, with the Ministry of Economy and Education, they made a special call for proposals that impact the school environment and promote an entrepreneurship culture in the early stages. The objective of this program is to foster the development of entrepreneurial related skills in students, increase their self-confidence, adaptability and critical thinking skills. As the high school years are often experimental years for young people, they are also hoping to build an environment that encourages young people to take more risks. The ultimate goal is to foster a generation of Chileans able to create personal and group ventures with global

Photo: Courtesy Liceo Industrial Alerce

Chile Seeks to Launch Entrepreneurship Education in High Schools Nationwide by 2014 Chile is allocating tremendous resources towards diversifying high school programming including courses on entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.

vision, while discovering and exploiting the current opportunities for achieving them. They are hoping to have a national program of education for entrepreneurship and innovation deployed and fully operational in all schools in Chile by 2014. The potential impact will be 50,000 students at the high school level. This is a tremendous and ambitious goal for the Chilean government, and I sincerely applaud them for their efforts, but as the old adage says, “’education begins at home.” Entrepreneurial education is especially important because it ultimately determines one’s quality of life regardless of whether you decide to start a business or to work for someone else. Whether in your family life, community life, career life or academic life, your entrepreneurial skills will surface again and again. The following are some tips that you can easily implement as parents, grandparents, teachers or community leaders that will not only greatly impact the lives of young people, but enhance your life as well: 1. Tell them their ideas and contributions have value. Teens are young people. While they may not have a lot of money or business experience, they do have dreams, problems and ideas like everyone else. Remind them that their ideas and contributions have value now and look for ways they can get their ideas out into the marketplace on a larger scale. Contact your local newspaper and see if they would be interested in doing an interview about the teen’s business. Or sign the teen up to volunteer or attend a business event so

they can feel a part of the greater business community. 2. Ask them what they really want. How many times have you loosely mapped out a teen’s life path and they responded they don’t want to do that? Then you asked them what they want to do with their life and they responded with a shrug of the shoulders. Well, the reality is, they do know. Responding with, ‘I don’t know’, talking under their breath or walking out of the room abruptly are all defense mechanisms. If you want to know what a teen really wants, ask them to write down what their life path looks like, what they hope to accomplish by choosing that path and how you can support them. 3. Share in their enthusiasm. It feels really good to complete or accomplish something that you have dedicated a lot of time, resources and energy. In just a few moments the whole satisfaction of all can be completely erased and forgotten. We live in a competitive society and this can lead to a tendency to criticize and find fault in others, including our children. When a teen comes to you filled with enthusiasm and joy about what they have done, share in the moment. Ask them what is the lesson they learned from the experience? How long did it take them to do it? What kept them motivated? And how does it build on to where they are trying to go in their lives? Shonika Proctor is a serial entrepreneur and social innovator who works with high impact young entrepreneurs, innovators and change makers (primarily in their teens) in 20+ countries. Follow her work at TeenEntrepreneurBlog.com

Feeling Culture Shocked? Learn the secrets of Chilean culture that every gringo needs to know with The Gringo’s Culture Guide to Chile. Available in paperback and instant ebook download. Get your copy at GringosCultureGuide.com

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Peak Oil

Social Responsibility / JUNE 2011

The world is not running out of oil itself, but rather its ability to produce high-quality cheap and economically extractable oil on demand.

By Pablo Retamal

limate change has been expressed by many as the single largest challenge humanity will face in the next 100 years. We know the story; green house gases are trapping sunlight and warming up the planet creating all sorts of nasty climatic consequences. How about if I were to tell you that that was just half the story! Yeah, the bad news just got worse. Oil has taken between 50-300 million years to form, and yet we have managed to burn roughly half of all global oil reserves in about 125 years. The world now consumes 85 million barrels of oil per day, or 40,000 gallons per second, and demand is growing exponentially. This amounts to lots of carbon dioxide emissions we need to get rid of in order to avoid climate change… but hold on, not just that, oil is being consumed four times faster than it is being discovered… and we are not discovering much of it. What will happen? Consider that without oil, we would not have petrochemicals, everything plastic around you would have to disappear, and anything that needed freight transport would no longer be viable. Without oil, supermarkets would be out of goods to sell in 4 days!! Oil production in 33 out of 48 countries has now peaked, including Kuwait, Russia and Mexico. Global oil production is now also approaching an all time peak and can potentially end our Industrial Civilization. The most distinguished and prominent geologists, oil industry experts, energy analysts and organizations all agree that big trouble is brewing. The world is not running out of oil itself, but rather its ability to produce high-quality cheap and economically extractable oil on demand. After more than fifty years of research and analysis on the subject by the most widely respected and rational scientists, it is now clear that the rate at which world oil producers can extract oil is reaching the maximum level possible. The latter is what is referred to as “Peak Oil.” With great effort and expenditure, the current level of oil production can possibly be maintained for a few

(Source: Association for the Study of Peak Oil)

more years, but beyond that oil production must begin a permanent and irreversible decline. The Stone Age did not end because of the lack of stones, and the Oil Age won’t end because of lack of oil. The issue is lack of further growth, followed first by a gradual, then a steep decline. Dr King Hubbert predicted peaking of USA oil production in the 1970’s on this basis. It is now widely acknowledged by the worlds leading petroleum geologists that more than 95 percent of all recoverable oil has already been found. We therefore know, within a reasonable degree of certainty, the total amount of oil available to us. Any oil well has roughly the same life cycle where the production rate peaks before it goes into terminal decline. This happens when about half of the oil has been recovered from the well. We have consumed approximately half of the world’s total reserve of about 2.5 trillion barrels of conventional oil in the ground. Worldwide discovery of oil peaked in 1964 and has followed a steady decline since. According to industry consultants IHS Energy, 90% of all known reserves are now in production, suggesting that few major discoveries remain to be made. There have been no significant discoveries of new oil since 2002. In 2001 there were 8 large scale discoveries, and in 2002 there were 3 such discoveries. In 2003, there were no large scale discoveries of oil. Given geologists’ sophisticated understanding of the

PROVED OIL RESERVES

(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

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characteristics that would indicate a major oil find, it is highly unlikely that any area large enough to be significant has eluded attention and no amount or kind of technology will alter that. Since 1981 we have consumed oil faster than we have found it, and the gap continues to widen. Developing an area such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska has a ten year lead time and would ultimately produce well under 1% of what the world currently consumes (IEA). BP’s April 2010 Gulf of Mexico sea-bed-oil-gusher disaster is key evidence of how desperate the oil industry is to “scrape the bottom of the barrel”. The risks were clear to BP before they initialised extraction and resulted in the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. At the time of the explosion, the operation was drilling an exploratory well at a water depth of approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 ft). While there is no agreement yet on the exact date that world oil production will peak, the degree of consensus among them is quite remarkable. Out of 21 studies, the statistical mean date is 2013 (excluding some of the biased oil company estimates), suggesting that the world may be facing shortfalls much sooner than expected. But we need to be critical of our own lifestyles and realize that a cheap and abundant supply of oil has been taken for granted by us all. We expect the pumps will run to supply us with fuel to drive our SUV’s to run around town, work and school and we cannot accept an alternate future. But when oil becomes scarcer, it is very likely that these pumps will be the first to run dry; they are at the end of the supply chain. Implications will be much worse than that. It is not a question of if, but when, the world economy will be confronted with a major shock that will stunt economic growth, increase inflation, and potentially destabilize the already social-powder-keg that is the Middle East. It will make the Second Great Depression look like a dress rehearsal, something many of us will not have experienced. But history comes in cycles, and if it has happened before it will happen again. It is a coming crisis that too few understand. Nations will fight over remaining oil. Without hydrocarbons, Earth can only produce enough food to sustain a population of 2.5 billion. The current world population is in excess of 6 billion and growing (UN projection: 7.3 billion by 2050, source: UNDP Human Development Index). Fighting climate change, transitioning to a low carbon economy and investing in sustainable solutions today will provide the much needed resilience we will need once Peak Oil strikes. Hiding our head in the sand will not make this issue disappear. Facing the challenge of climate change and peak oil combined will allow countries to bring the technological leap we need to mass produce renewable energy and end our oil addiction. It is your role as a citizen to demand policies on peak oil and climate change.

JUNE 2011 / FEATURE

First steps to a brighter future By Milena Cid

paring between private and public schools. Out of the 100 schools that reached the best scores in the SIMCE test, 97 are private schools. This gives us another look at the educational gap in the country. But even with these results, Minister Lavín, doesn’t see this as a failure. In fact, according to Mr. Lavín, this is the starting point at which all future efforts will be measured. “It is not a good result but it is the basis on which we’ll begin working for future improvements” said Lavín, once the scores were out. And as there’s no better time than the present to start the process of improvement, the Minister announced a National English Plan, in which the current hours of study dedicated to learn the language will be increased. The students will also have the opportunity of taking courses outside the established class hours. In addition, said Lavín, Mineduc (The Ministry of Education) will create a bilingual TV show made especially for preschool aged children as well as increase the number native English speaking professors.

ducation in Chile is a matter that creates controversy on many levels. There is a constant discussion on what to do to improve the standard of education in classrooms across the country as well as the quality of educators. It is fair to say that compared to 10 years ago education in Chile has come a long way. However, there’s still a long way to go to assure the success of future generations and there isn’t a better time to start than today. Thinking about the future of those who are currently filling the classrooms throughout Chile, the Education Minister, Joaquín Lavín, decided it was time not to only test the level of knowledge on traditional subjects kids learn at school, but also to test the level of English among Chilean students. In October 2010, the English SIMCE was given to all students in their third year of junior high school. The type of test chosen for this task was the Test of English for International Communication, TOEIC Bridge, which is aligned with international standards for students who are learning English as a second language, making it an objective, reliable and internationally accepted tool. The SIMCE was used to test around 240 thousand students across the country. The test is divided in two sections, Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension and included 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. The first section evaluated the level of listening comprehension in 50 questions delivered via audiocassette or CD, to be completed in 25 minutes. Meanwhile the second section measured reading comprehension with 50 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. The results The Minister of Education, Joaquín Lavín, made public the results of the SIMCE test, which weren’t

very encouraging. According to the test, only one out of ten students passed the basic level of English. Just 11% of those who took the test can understand everyday phrases; meanwhile 89% couldn’t reach the basic level of the language. The average score was 99 points of a total of 180, where the minimum to get the certification was 134 points. These results get even more notorious when com-

The future Despite the sad outcome of the first SIMCE for English language proficiency, with hard work and the right tools Chile can start heading in the right direction. According to Chris MacGuire, Director of Bridge Language Centers, their biggest challenge is keeping students exposed to the language. “That’s why our students who travel to our headquarters in Denver learn so quickly. They are 100% immersed into the language. In Chile, we face the challenge of continuously generating innovative ways for our students to practice the target language, whether it is by additional audio exercises, readings or phone practice,” he explains. MacGuire ventures to give advice to improve the level of English, “if Chile really wants to improve the level of English among their citizens, it should support initiatives proposed by universities and schools to train their current English teachers. With good teachers who know HOW to teach the language and understand HOW students learn, we will see outstanding results.” Chris MacGuire believes current Chilean English teachers need more support, and has stated, “it would be ideal if they had the opportunity to go to English speaking countries to be certified and increase their own English proficiency. This way they can provide a better experience for their students in the classroom, not only because of their improved language knowledge, but also sharing with them their cultural experiences.“ He also suggests that universities who teach English pedagogy should reevaluate the admission requirements, starting with a basic knowledge of the language. For those applicants who don’t fulfill this minimum requirement, universities could offer opportunities for students to take intensive courses to achieve this essential requirement. “Making fundamental changes in the level of English education in Chile will send a very important message to Chilean students: English is in everything they do: music, Internet, video games, movies, studies, etc. It is very important to excel in English as a second language for your future success,” explains MacGuire. To improve the results of the SIMCE won’t be easy; it will require a real commitment from the government and from all of those who are involved with Chilean education, but as the Minister of Education said, this is just the beginning of a better future for Chilean education and for English proficiency across the country. www.bridgeenglish.cl

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INTERVIEW / JUNE 2011

Staying connected with Soledad Onetto “T

oday [there are] 5.7 million mobile subscribers in the world,” Soledad Onetto posts on her Twitter page. “In the ‘future,’ everything will have an IP address, light bulbs, cars... full connectivity.” Although now temporarily disconnected from the public eye, literally, the ex-face of Chile’s Teletrece, Channel 13, speculations are swirling as to her next move. Her name may mean “solitude,” but Soledad will undoubtedly make her comeback soon. She has left behind a fairly broad, tech-savvy footprint, yet not too deep. With only a little over 2 years as one of Canal 13’s primary talking heads, her widespread popularity won her mass appeal. After a nasty breakup with the TV station, in which she claims the terms of her contract were breached, Onetto remains proud of what she has accomplished but, above all, grateful for what she has experienced. Well known today as a friendly face relaying the news of the day and for having co-hosted the 50th and 51st annual Viña del Mar international music festival, she began her career on the program “The Pulse” at the now-defunct Channel 2. She graduated from Universidad Católitca where she studied to become a journalist. However, as twists and turns tend to shake up fate, Onetto’s career path shifted unexpectedly after college. “Paradoxically, [at the university] I liked print journalism, and I definitely didn’t like the television workshops,” she says in a recent email interview while on vacation in Miami. Even though she ended up surfing the TV wave as opposed to the written word, Onetto brings the same mindset, the same communicative passion to the small screen that otherwise would have

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been published on some newspaper or magazine’s pages, and perhaps, this way she is able to touch more lives, a goal that any journalist at least idealizes. “Journalism is a profession that presents great developing possibilities and in diverse environments,” she says. “Communication is essential in people’s lives. To-

day in a hyper-connected world where time is a scarce asset, I believe that journalists are required in order to give dimension and relevance to the facts and events of the day.” Onetto has been known to be a reliable voice, and face, on Chilean television as a news anchor and host on a variety of programs and topics. Amongst her repertoire, like headline news and fluffier subjects such as celebrity gossip, she has become a leading advocate of technological innovation, as she often appears breaking down complex ideas into layman’s terms for her viewers. She always sees how technology and innovation affect people’s lives, and in a country like Chile where fancy electronics are not usually easy to come by for the majority of the population, she has kept them informed on new and interesting technical topics. “They are fascinating areas that profoundly impact every society and its individuals,” she says. “New technologies have modified human development, promoting and strengthening our capabilities.” At the university her professors motivated her and her colleagues to push themselves into uncharted territories, a theme that she carried into her professional career. They inspired her to read and to put forward new ideas and ways of practicing journalism, she says. Those professors always valued highly one’s own initiative and innovation, so it is no wonder that she does not hesitate to recognize and champion innovation that she sees around her. However, sadly, Chile finds itself on a progressive glide upwards while lacking a solid, accessible educational foundation. Through scores of recent student protests for better if at all basic needs in an acceptable

JUNE 2011 / INTERVIEW

Photo: Courtesy Ariel Morales

education system, including painful university tuition hikes and decent primary school environmental conditions, Santiago has been the battleground for the right to learn, the right to learn well in a decent classroom and the right to learn at an affordable rate, charges that Chilean Minister of Education Joaquín Lavín has addressed in recent measures to improve education conditions. In order for Chile to advance in a sustainable way, without leaving massive chunks of the population behind, quality education is not just a stepping stone but an atom-like fundamental element from which every ounce of progression must arise. “Quality education is indispensable for the development of people and countries,” Onetto says. “Studies, reflections, debates, lectures and the educational environment in general

“Education grants freedom to human beings, because it broadens our horizons, allows us to overcome our shortcomings and permits us to gain access to rewarding jobs,”

develop in the individuals’ capabilities to confront the challenges that life poses.” It would be hard to walk on solid ground if the ground did not exist. “Education grants freedom to human beings, because it broadens our horizons, allows us to overcome our shortcomings and permits us to gain access to rewarding jobs,” she says. Students in Santiago are not taking this issue lightly. Walking by Universidad Católica’s campus for architecture and sciences, a sign hung on the tall, steel fences reads “Educación sin repres(as)(ión),” a play on the word “repression” to refer to the recently approved hydroelectric dam project, another notable topic of protest. To sum it up, students are fed up with obstacles blocking their access to an education. The metaphor isn’t a brain teaser. More specifically in this case, the “dam” they are referring to is money. Too many Chileans with high potential for a bright future are getting their hopes blocked by a system that filters out the ones whose pockets may be too shallow. Something needs to change. “It’s a job of titanic proportions,” Onetto says, alluding to the current system’s improvement, “but it’s urgent that they democratize a quality education. Every Chilean should have access to a good high school with technological infrastructure and adequate sports in order for the students to develop. It’s something that should be addressed in professional institutions and universities.” Although Chile has its pitfalls regarding its educational system, like many countries, people are still breaking through and making a difference in various industries, including journalism. Today in this country, just as in many places around the world, stories are being told, issues are being investigated and justice is being sought. The watch dog is doing its job. “There is so much information and interesting ar-

ticles,” Onetto says, “quality reporting, investigative journalism and freedom to exercise the profession, except for certain exceptions. Really, there is no time to read all of it.” Without a doubt, there is no shortage of information. Yet, as each story is being told, there is an equally important if not more important story that remains untold. In a country where so much injustice sinks underneath the mainstream radar, there is always more work to be done, another rock to turn over, something unknown to discover, another dark side to uncover. Chileans face the same hardships of the people of any developing country and of many in the developed world. Their determination and resilience turn the gears of the nation and keep it churning day in and day out. For Onetto, while her challenges may be quite different from those faced by the average citizen, she has made herself who she is today through meeting obstacles head on. “They have all been huge challenges, and each gives you the courage to confront the next,” she says. “I am very grateful for the opportunities that journalism has given me.” In terms of professing her contributions to the world of Chilean journalism, she refuses to be that pre-

tentious, confessing that she has not made contributions, and that she has merely exercised the profession “with passion, freedom and transparency.” In December of last year she was recognized by the National Association of Chilean Journalists (Agrupación Nacional de Periodistas de Chile), earning the Prize of Journalistic Excellence for the year 2010. She made waves in the journalism community and the country at large, as the most followed Chilean on Twitter, but she remains humbled by her experience. “I have been able to get to know the ‘deep Chile,’” Onetto says, “the hard-working and modest Chileans that make up this country from north to south. That has been invaluable.” With her next career move still up in the air, the 34-year-old finds herself at a high-profile crossroads, but what could be maddening for some, she seems to be taking in stride. For now, what the future has at in store for Onetto remains unknown, at least to the public. Her resumé as proof, the young journalist will surely continue her tenacious drive to stay connected to the Chilean pulse. “The only way [to achieve your dreams] is to work, work and keep on working,” Onetto says, “for others and for yourself.”

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HISTORY / JUNE 2011

Andres Bello

Educator and Altruist

Photo: Courtesy UNAB

By Ben Angel

hen the Spanish colonists of South America threw off their Castilian yoke, there were a great many leaders who sought to better society after the Spanish troops boarded their ships and sailed back to the Iberian Peninsula. Along with the idealism of elective governments, improved education was a major goal pursued by South American leaders for their new countries. Probably the greatest innovator in South American education in the post-Revolution period was Andrés Bello. In Chile, his name figures prominently in the development of its national education system. Early in his career in this country, he formed the Colegio de Santiago, a high school that rivaled the Liceo de Chile in educational excellence. He also founded the University of Chile, and served as its first Rector. But he wasn’t born Chilean Andrés de Jesús María y José Bello López was actually born in Caracas in 1781. A couple of generations before his birth, Andres’ family emigrated from the Canary Islands out in the Atlantic Ocean. His father, Bartolome Bello, was a lawyer for the Audiencia (judicial court) of the city, as well as a musician. His mother, Ana Antonia López, was the daughter of religious painter and sculptor Juan Pedro López, who was, in turn, her family’s immigrant to South America. To use the words of the Memoria Chilena website, Andres and his seven siblings lived-out their childhoods without “major material shortcomings.” As a young boy, Andrés was an enthusiastic reader. His parents sent him to the Capuchin-run Convento de Las Mercedes, located in a valley outside of the city, for his education. Under the educational master, Cristobal de Quesada, he excelled in classical literature. By the time he was 15, when his instructor had passed away, Bello had translated on his own a large part of Virgil’s Aeneid. In 1797, as the French Revolution continued to change the face of Europe, Bello enrolled in the Real y Pontificia Universidad de Caracas. To earn money, he tutored several boys, including a student of the Academy of Math with who needed additional lessons in history and cosmography – Simon Bolivar. He also volunteered to accompany German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt in his exploration of Cerro Avila, which only furthered his academic interests. Andrés completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the end of spring, 1800, but failed to finish subsequent degree attempts in law and medicine. Nonetheless, his Spanish translation of the classics, which he produced as a teenager, won him a position in the colonial government as a Second Officer of the Secretariat and opened the door to the society of intellectuals and influential people in Caracas during the last years of Bourbon rule in Latin America. He was eventually selected as editor of the “Gaceta de Caracas”, an experiment in news publications by the Spanish government in that city that began in 1808. So, on the eve of the Revolution that eventually swept from the shores of the Caribbean Sea to the Chilean coast, Andrés Bello was sought after by his former student, Simon Bolivar, when Venezuela rose up against Joseph Bonaparte’s appointed governor, Vicente Emparan, and declared independence. The revolutionary leader asked his former tutor to serve the cause as a diplomat, and he sent Bello to London on a corvette provided by British Admiral Thomas Cochrane (another foreign-born leader who would also become a major figure in Chilean history). Bello spent years in London trying to encourage the British to intervene in South America. Still reeling from the loss of 13 of its most productive colonies in North America, the English found that they could not support colonial independence movements, even if they fought against their enemies. Bello nonetheless lived in much the same society in London that he had been part of in Ca-

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Andrés Bello’s mark on Chilean education, made at such an early stage in the life of the Republic, was indelible and his influence permeates even today. racas. He tutored the children of the influential and spent time with great Spanish intellectuals in exile. He became the Secretary of the designated Spanish Freemason lodge started by Francisco de Miranda (“Logia de Caballeros Racionales”). But his loyalty to the cause of South American independence was not as strong as other leaders, and in 1812, following the news of a terrible earthquake in Caracas, Bello sought amnesty from the Spanish government so that he could reunite with his family. The Spanish government refused the request, leaving Bello no choice but to continue his support of the Revolution in South America. For much of the following decade, he raised a family with an English woman named Ann Boyland. Shortly after her death from tuberculosis, he was hired as a diplomat for the new nation of Chile, becoming Secretary of its legation in London in June, 1822, under a three-year contract. During this time he married again, to Elizabeth Dunn. In 1829, he received an appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs from President Diego Portales; in February, he left the United Kingdom, never to see its shores again. Andrés and his wife arrived in Valparaiso on June 25 of that same year on board the British brig, Grecian. He apparently went straight to Santiago, where he lived for much of the remainder of his life. In the next year, he be-

came Rector of the Colegio de Santiago, and founded the publication “El Araucano”, serving as its Editor-in-Chief for more than two decades. In 1831, he went back to the classroom as a teacher, and the next year published texts on law at around the same time that he was naturalized as a Chilean citizen. Three years after naturalization, Bello became a senator and began publishing more creative works, including the poem “El incendio de la Compañía”. However, the achievement for which he was best known was yet to come. In November 1842, the Chilean government ordered the founding of the Universidad de Chile, and appointed Andrés Bello to be its first Rector. When it opened on Sept. 17, 1843, it was nicknamed the “Casa de Bello” in his honor, a nickname that survives to this day. From this lofty perch in the Chilean academic world, Bello would publish the first textbook of grammar specifically for South American Spanish, as well as books on cosmography and the history of literature. Andrés Bello’s mark on Chilean education, made at such an early stage in the life of the Republic, was indelible and his influence permeates even today. His personal history, therefore, can perhaps provide clues on where Chilean education excels, and perhaps on where it might be best improved.

JUNE 2011 / LITTLE THINKERS

Welcome to Our New Expanded Little Thinkers Pages This month we’ve doubled the size of popular Little Thinkers pages to give you even more things to do to get you and your kids thinking. The questions are now categorized according to age. For 8 and under there is the Very Little Thinkers. For 8 to 12 years there is the Medium-Sized Little Thinkers and then Big Little Thinkers for those teenagers and on. As ever, there is a mix of questions, some of which have an answer and some of which have many answers. But remember, answers are only part of the process. It is the thinking that goes on to get there that is important. So, get your thinking caps on and enjoy getting that pain in your brain!

Ian Gilbert

Ian Gilbert and Independent Thinking

The man behind Little Thinkers and Independent Thinking is Ian Gilbert, an educational innovator, entrepreneur and award-winning author who has worked for two decades helping schools bring the best out of young people through improved thinking, learning, motivation, creativity. He has recently moved to Chile to introduce his work across South America. For more information please visit www. independentthinking.com or e-mail us on learn@independenentthinking.co.uk

Guide to Parents and Teachers:

Teaching children what to think is not enough these days. Knowledge has been democratized and everyone has access to it all of the time if they really want it. The next great step is not just teaching children what to think but how to think. This is what these Little Thinkers pages are all about, allowing you the opportunity to work with your children not to find out what they know but what they think. And the two are very different things.

Very Little Thinkers (8 years and under) • The Very odd one out Which one is the odd one out (in your opinion):

• Which would win? In a ‘fight’ which of the following pairs would come out on top?

• Thunks ™ The answer is simple – it’s either yes or no…

• What happens next…? Finish this short story with what you think would happen next: Once upon a time there was a fish called Michael who enjoyed living in the sea near Valparaiso. One day, something new arrived in the water that made Michael and his friends very excited…

a) A pony b) hamburger c) A taxi

a) Can you feel happy and sad at the same time? b) Can you have a friend you don’t like? c) Can you stop thinking?

• Connections Highly creative people see the way everything is linked. See if you can spot the links between the following (and remember, there are no right answers): a) Hello Kitty b) The moon c) A pencil

a) Spiderman vs. Batman b) Barbie vs. your favorite teacher c) Pizza or the internet

• Which means what? This time there are right answers as you match the word with its meaning: a) Courageous b) Tummy-ache c) Woodpecker

1. A bird that lives in trees 2. Very brave 3. A pain in your stomach

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LITTLE THINKERS / JUNE 2011

• Ooddles of Doodles rent types of animal:

Turn these five circles into five diffe

? • Superhero or supervillain would they be a superhero or If you mixed the following together cial powers be? spe r supervillain and what would thei a) Michael Jackson b) David Beckham c) The Queen of England

kers (8-12 years)

Medium-Sized Little Thin

in the Very Little Thinkers Have a go at all of the tasks e that are a bit more column and then try some her complex:

• Mind the Gap e words missing for you to Here is a paragraph with som wers but the sentence has to fill in. There are no right ans make sense:

_. st about Chile is the ________ One of the things I _______ mo to nk thi and _ p but ________ Whenever I see one I can’t hel ________ country in the ___ ____ the myself, ‘ this must be world!’ • Thunks™ lt Thunks just for you. The Here are some more difficu g to the answer isn’t as answer is yes or no but gettin straightforward:

would it still be a car? a) If I took the body off a car er United swapped all their b) If Colo Colo and Manchest same teams? players would they still be the re when you add a spoonful c) Does a cup of tea weigh mo of sugar?

• Twisted Wikis from Wikiepdia that we’ve Here are three biographies s rk out which three celebritie muddled up. You have to wo e hav we t’ also which ‘fac we are talking about here and simply made up:

1982 and is a regular on the She was born in England in n’s list since her high profile world’s best-dressed wome n She is the tenth richest woma relationship with Brad Pitt. ry, has a hairstyle named in the entertainment indust a shrewd business woman, after one of her TV roles, is one of the top-selling female owns a yellow tractor and is recording artists of all time. • What comes next? item in this list and why? What is the missing fourth a) A wooden table b) Canada g c) The sound of a dog barkin d) ?

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• One-Minute Story the list make up a story that Now, using the same items from includes them all. at’s the question? • If this is the answer wh n how about I give you Instead of us asking you a questio me what the questions would some answers and let you tell be? A: Red, but not all the time Q: ? A: 57 Q: ?

A: There isn’t one, but if there Q: ?

was it would be huge

• Text Speak I phone text abbreviations What do the following mobile stand for: a) LOL b) ALOL c) IMO

• Text Speak II ak acronyms –come up with I’ve now made up some text spe what they could stand for: a) HHG b) BMS c) PPP d) 55LL

• Creative commons have in common? What do the following objects land a) A picture of the Queen of Eng b) A small fish c) The spare wheel in a car

JUNE 2011 / LITTLE THINKERS

• 8-Way Thinking Remember from last month, 8-Way Thinking got you to look at the world through eight different angles – words, sights, sounds, people, feelings, actions, numbers and nature. Do an 8Way Think, where you come up with a question about the topic for each one of the eight angles, on the following topics:

a) The Royal Wedding b) Chocolate c) Space

Big Little Thinkers (12 -100 years) You can do all the exercises I set for the Very Little Thinkers and for the Medium-Sized Little Thinkers but here are some just to stretch your older brains: • Thunks™ Yes or no – what do you think? Might even be yes and no…!

a) Am I any less alive when I’m asleep? b) Can you say what the opposite of truth is? c) If all religions were banned were there be fewer wars in the world?

• Order, order! Put the following in order of importance – no rights or wrongs remember:

a) Love b) Money c) Food d) Friends e) Air f) Skin

Twisted Historical Wikis I’ve muddled up the Wikipedia histories of three countries. Try to untangle them and also to identify the ‘fact’ that I’ve just made up.

This country was first found by the Dutch in 1606 but ended up being part of the British Empire until 1901 when a major earthquake killed many thousands of people. Article nine of its constitution prohibits any act of war by this country although it has not officially been at war since 1815. Years of such neutrality have famously produced the penknife, Mars bars and the cuckoo clock.

• Which means what? This time there are right answers as you match these more complicated words with their meanings. Beware of the trick :

a) Dubious b) Contemporary c) Shrew

1) A small mouse like creature. 2) Uncertain 3) An ill-tempered woman 4) Of the moment

• Which almost means what? Match up the nearest synonym (that is to say, a word that effectively means the same as another word) for the following list. Again, watch out for the trick:

a) Rarely b) Flammable c) Photogenic

1) Infrequently 2) Nice looking 3) Without thinking 4) Inflammable

• Quick Thinking Sometimes you have to think both creatively and quickly. See how quickly you can do the following (and then try and beat your friends and family):

- Name four things that are orange. - Identity what they all have in common (apart from being orange). - Put them in order of how long they have been in existence. - Come up with how each of the four orange items would be used by a clown. - Choose one of the items and identify three ways the world would change if that item no longer existed.

You can do the same exercise by simply changing the color…

You can all give your brains a rest now and go back to Facebook! E-mail me on ian@ independentthinking.co.uk if you have any questions or want to share your answers with me. I will print my favorite answers in next month’s Little Thinkers pages. For more Thunks check out my Little Book of Thunks or go to www.thunks.co.uk where you can add your own.

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LITTLE THINKERS / JUNE 2011

Learning in Action – The C Walk

earning isn’t just something you do at school, hobbies such as sports, music, theatre, and dance are all areas where you have to learn new skills and knowledge but it doesn’t really feel like learning because you are enjoying yourself so much. Little Thinker’s creator, Ian Gilbert, spoke to Hersh Mansukhani about his passion for learning a particular dance – the “C Walk”. Hersh Mansukhani is Chile’s leading proponent of “C Walk” and is a student at Santiago College. -OK Hersh, lets start with the basics, what does the “C” in “C Walk” stand for? -It stands for “the Crips,” a gang from the suburbs of Los Angeles in the state of California that originated in 1970s. That’s where the “C” comes from – “C” stands for “Crip.” -So, what is the dance all about? -The Crips used the “C Walk” as a way of representing themselves and differentiating themselves from the Bloods. -Who were The Bloods? -They were another gang from L.A. They were the Crips’ archenemies. -And do the Bloods have a dance too? -Well yes, they have one that represents them which is called--no points for guessing, the Bloods. I guess the Bloods lack creativity! -So, how did the “C Walk” get from the backstreets of gangland LA to the rest of the world, including suburban Santiago? -As the years went by the Crips’ dance became more popular and soon it was

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famous not just on the West Coast but all across the US. -How did that happen? -Two things helped-- the same things that have helped many forms of music and dance-- MTV and the Internet. Various artists from the west coast would “C Walk” in their music videos on MTV. Even though the dance was really popular, MTV refused to play them because of the notoriety of these two gangs. There were many deaths in the fighting between the Bloods and the Crips and MTV didn’t want to be seen to promote gang culture, let alone either of the two gangs. -So how did the dance get noticed? -In 2000 the two deadly rivals called a truce. Suddenly they were no longer in the news and all the violent attacks just seemed to stop. There was no official announcement; it just seemed to come to a quiet end. Which meant MTV could have played the videos but people had sort of forgotten about them. -So where does the Internet come in after 2000? -In 2006 the “C Walk” was born again thanks to a video that was posted on YouTube. -In Los Angeles? -No, surprisingly the dance came back to life first in the UK. The video was called “London C Walk 5 Way” and was posted on the site by someone called “knennichi89.” It became the most watched video in the history of “C Walk”. After that, people from all round the world started getting interested in the dance again.

-Including you? -The interest in the dance meant that more and more people like me wanted to learn how to dance like that. The experts started to teach the newcomers through YouTube and the Internet. People published videos and tutorials on YouTube and new dancers posted their best moves on the site. The dance had moved from being a way of warning off rival gangs to uniting young people from all over the world. -That’s how you learned? -Absolutely – I learned from watching YouTube. -And, Hersh, in a nutshell how would you describe “C Walk’? - At first glance “C Walk” looks like just basic movements of your feet, but it’s much more than that. It doesn’t feel like a dance anymore, it feels like much more -it’s a way of living. All of a sudden I feel more open to learning any kind of dance. It’s something I love doing. Also, “C Walk” is what led me to learn breakdance, and other famous moves like the “Moonwalk” and “Glidewalk.” It has connected me with all sorts of people around the world who do the same thing. -And one final comment? -In the words of the great Xzibit, “Get yo’ walk on!” To see his videos check out www.youtube. com/hmvd. To find out more about “C Walk” check out www.pimpmywalk. com and to see the video that Hersh refers to as bringing “C Walk” back to life check out - http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=F2TSy0Z5qTE

JUNE 2011 / HISTORY

Gabriela Mistral,

Renaissance Woman

“We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children – neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’ His name is Today.”

By Ben Angel

“W

e are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children – neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’ His name is Today.” In 1945, Gabriela Mistral won the Nobel Prize for Literature, propelling her to the forefront of the literary world in Latin America, and breaking the glass ceiling for women in the Americas to achieve worldrenowned status in written expression. But as her quote indicates, perhaps her greatest concern was in education. The writer and educator Gabriela Mistral was born in 1889 as Lucila de Maria del Perpetuo Socorro Godoy Alcayaga, the daughter of Chilean teacher Juan Jeronimo Godoy Villanueva and Petronilla Alcayaga Rojas in the town of Vicuña, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) north of Santiago. Her parents, who lived in nearby Montegrande, apparently did not get along well, as her father walked out on his Basque wife before Lucila reached the age of 3. Chile was advancing as a society during this time, extending professional education to young women at schools in Santiago and Valparaiso, but for the future educator, her options appeared limited early in life. Although her older sister Emelina Molina took it upon herself to ensure Lucila’s education, by age 15, the future Nobel Prize winner was earning money as a seamstress in a small coastal town near La Serena. In June, 1908, Lucila adopted the pseudonym of Gabriela Mistral. This was in tribute to her two favorite poets, Italy’s Gabriele D’Annunzio and France’s Frédéric Mistral. “Or, as another story has it, from a composite of the Archangel Gabriel and the Mistral wind of Provence,” as reads her English-language Wikipedia entry. She began earning awards in 1914, when her “Sonetos de la Muerte,” or “Sonnets of Death” won the Juegos Florales national literary competition in Santiago. Her literary career shot upward from there, propelling her not only to the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945, but also into a career as an educator. This was an extraordinary achievement for a woman whose own education lasted no more than 6 or 7 years. Still, she was committed to teaching wherever she would be accepted as a teacher. After her older sister gave her a start as an assistant, she filled the roles of educator wherever there was an opening. At first, this brought her to schools near La Serena, then to Antofagasta in the far north, then back to Santiago. By 1918, again with no more than seven years of primary school education to back her, she became director of a lyceum in Punta Arenas in the far south of the country. A couple years later, she served the same role in Temuco. Finally, in 1921, she faced down a challenge against Radical Party candidate Josefina Dey del Castillo to direct the prestigious Liceo No. 6 in Santiago. However, her last victory proved costly, in that her lack of education became the subject of great scrutiny inside Chile. Because of the controversy following her in her home country, she gladly accepted the invitation to assist the Minister of Education in Mexico, José Vasconcelos, in building a national education system in 1922. Two years later, she was traveling to North America and Europe to carry out speaking engagements on the subject of education. In 1925, Gabriela formally retired as an educator in Chile, just before the Senate passed a law requiring teachers to have a formal education that would have left her unemployed and without a pension. She then left Chile to become a member of the Institute for Intellectual Cooperation, a body associated with the League of Nations. For much of the next six years, she continued in this way to contribute to the development of education around the world. After the War, and after the Nobel Prize, Gabriela continued to win awards for her writing, receiving an honorary doctorate from Mills College in California in 1947, and the National Literary Award given by the Chilean government in 1951. By this time, her health was failing (the result of diabetes and heart conditions), and she had relocated to New York state, eventually spending her last days in a home in Hempstead on Long Island. She died, of pancreatic cancer at the start of 1957, an event that was received in Chile with three days of national mourning. She was buried in the town where she was first raised, in Montegrande, near Vicuña. The memory of the writer and educator is celebrated in many ways within her home country. A hill was named for her in Montegrande, a private college likewise was named after her, and of course, the new 5,000 peso note contains her image. The “Premio Gabriela Mistral,” a prize given to individuals in recognition for enriching their own cultures was awarded by the Organization of American States to intellectual leaders across Latin America between 1984 and 2000. But among the most endearing ways that the spirit of her mission to teach is celebrated, is that the very proceeds of her books continue to be directed toward the education of children in her childhood home. Even in death, she continues to act on the belief that “many of the things we need can wait – the child cannot… his name is Today.”

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EDUCATION / JUNE 2011

The State of Chilean Education

Part I

By Ian Gilbert

arely a day goes by without a story in the media about education in Chile. It’s a hot topic and rightly so. President Piñera’s bold claim for Chile to be a developed country by 2018 comes with the equally brave understanding that, for this to happen, education needs to be addressed. But what are the issues with the Chilean educational system and what is being done, what can be done, and what should be done to address them? In part one of a two-part article looking at the state of education in Chile, I want to consider the issues facing the educational system. Next month, I will follow up with varying initiatives and strategies proposed by the government and also by individual organisations, foundations and groups. Let’s start off by asking the question, how bad is education for most children in Chile? The answer according to a variety of indicators - including the vast majority of Chilean citizens– is really quite bad. According to the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment or PISA project, Chile is a pitiful 44th out of 65 countries when it comes to reading, science and math, with one in three Chilean students unable to understand what they are reading. The fact that Chile ranks 1st in education in South America is cause for a wry smile. Even worse, South America is a continent without a single insti-

this country - hit Piñera’s target. What the results also show is the way in which the educational system here is a microcosm of the country’s wider The SIMCE pass grade is 134 out of society. Recent research by the hyper-active OECD on the “growing income inequality in OECD countries” revealed a possible 180 points - the average that Chile had one of the widest differences between income for Chile was 99. Nine out of every of the richest and the poorest ten percent. In most countries ten children are not achieving the the rich earned nine times more than the poor. In Chile it level of English needed to help them was a staggering 27 times more. In the SIMCE tests it is the and this country - hit Piñera’s target. poorest end of Chilean society who fared the worst. As the government puts it in their slideshow of the results (see side article), for every group of 40 students from the “alto” level of tution in the Times Higher Education list of the world’s society who passed, not a single one from the “bajo” bracket top 200 universities. Being top in education in a part of the would. What’s more, of the top 100 schools in the SIMCE world where, according to a recent United Nations report, results, 97 were private schools and three were “subvencio“universal completion of primary education is not yet a real- nado” (schools that are privately owned but state subsidised). Even when it comes to the Spanish language the same ity, and secondary education coverage remains low” is not a disparity in results remain. The PSU test - the awful mulreason for celebration. But when not comparing Chile with other countries, tiple choice, university entrance exam and one of the biggest how does Chile rank by its own measures of educational suc- obstacles to educational progress in Chile - is the same. Of cess? Well, again, quite badly, although the key here is, like the 100 top scoring schools, three were municipality schools and a similar number were “subvencionado.” In the words of a lot in this country, it depends on where you go to school. For instance, take the recent SIMCE tests looking at ba- a recent UK Economist magazine article, “in the latest nasic English proficiency in our students. English language is tional tests the math scores of 4th-year primary pupils from one of the prerequisites in Chile’s push toward being a world the richest fifth of the population were already about 35% player. It is necessary for practically every career you care to better than those of the poorest fifth.” The PISA tests report similar findings, identifying Chile think of from service industries and tourism to business and medicine. (Indeed, I heard a Dean of Medicine of a Santiago as one of the countries where “income inequalities are large university bemoaning the fact that his faculty’s poor English and the impact of socio-economic background on learning afiche 6 verde GraficaTypos.pdf 1 26-05-11 13:14 meant that they could not attend international conferences outcomes is also large.” As Chilean education minster Joanor access the latest research until it was translated.) The quin Lavin said in La Tercera last December, “in the lowest SIMCE pass grade is 134 out of a possible 180 points - the socio-economic group where there is the most need of edu6 verde GraficaTypos.pdf 1 children 26-05-11are 12:59 cation, in a class of 40, 20 children leave without the basic average for afiche Chile was 99. Nine out of every ten not achieving the level of English needed to help them - and levels of competency to enter the job market.”

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It is not just the difference between rich and poor that the PISA results highlight but also between town and country (although that may well be the same thing in a country such as Chile). There was a 45-point difference between the scores of children in the countryside compared to their urban-dwelling peers. There is another significant factor highlighted by the OECD that has a bearing not only on Chilean education but Chilean society as a whole. It is that Chile is one of the world’s most educationally segregated countries. In many countries, school is one of the few places where individuals from different social economic groups meet and collaborate. However, in Chile 60% of children go to economically segregated schools. Not only does Chilean education reflect the massive disparities in Chilean society, it actually serves to reinforce them, exacerbate them even. The climate within which Chilean schools operate is one with many problems. Lecture-based teacher-led pedagogy; students sitting in rows, copying off the board for hours on end; low level thinking tasks; memory-based written assessments; low expectations; unmotivated, poorly resourced and poorly trained teachers, a third of whom are deemed to be mediocre or unsatisfactory, many on part-time contracts with little opportunity for career progression or professional development; working with above-average class sizes in sterile buildings barely fit for purpose… the list goes on. Fortunately, however, so does the list of initiatives and organisations trying to do something about it and there are some early positive signs, not least of which comes from our friends at the OECD. The recent PISA tests revealed Chile enjoyed some of the highest rates of improvement in low achieving students with a drop of 17% in this category. And reading scores improved across all levels of student ability. So, the bad news is things are pretty bad. The good news is that there are signs of improvement. The better news is the tremendous will in this country to improve further and faster, from the government to the man and woman on the street (who are paying, proportionally, more than most people in the world for education). Next month I will look more closely at the efforts going on to improve education in Chile with 2018 approaching fast. Ian Gilbert is an educational innovator, award-winning author and founder of Independent Thinking now living and working in Chile. You can contact him at ian@ independentthinking.co.uk

JUNE 2011

Saturday july 16, Movistar Arena, 18:00 hrs.

INSERCIÓN PUBLICITARIA

You won’t believe your eyes: It’s the Harlem Globetrotters!

APPROVED

The Globetrotters are bringing an all-new show, featuring the first 4-point shot in the history of basketball, an unheard of 35 feet away from the hoop. Fans can expect the same magnificent blend of basketball land showmanship that the Globetrotters displayed when Fenix Entertainment Group brought the team to Movistar Arena for a sold out show in 2007. You’ll know the Globetrotters are ready to put on their fantastic show when you hear the sweet whistling of that instantly recognizable tune, “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The famous “Magic Circle” gets underway at center court, as the players take turns in a mesmerizing showcase of blazing ball handling prowess, each teammate highlighting his own unique skills. For the next 90 minutes, the Globetrotters will exhibit a captivating assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks, and precise timing…with a side-splitting array of comedy guaranteed to enter-

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The iconic Harlem Globetrotters will bring their spectacular 2011 “4 Times the Fun” World Tour to Santiago on – Saturday July 16 at 18:00 hrs in Movistar Arena. The Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 85th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-ofa-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. It will be the greatest show of basketballentertainment that Chile has ever seen. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents— over more than eight thrilling decades.

tain both the young and the young at heart. This interactive show also involves the audience like no other, bringing various fans onto the court to participate in the fun up close and ILoveChile.pdf 1 26-05-11 personal.

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ENVIROMENT / JUNE 2011

How Green are your BPA-free Products? By Julie Gibson

oday, the planet is awash with products spawned by the plastics industry. Residues of plastics have become ubiquitous in the environment—and in our bodies. A federal government study now reports that bisphenol A (BPA)—the building block of one of the most widely used plastics—laces the bodies of the vast majority of people young and old. Manufacturers link BPA molecules into long chains, called polymers, to make polycarbonate plastics. All of those clear, brittle plastics used in baby bottles, foodware, and small kitchen appliances (like food-processor bowls) are made from polycarbonates. BPA-based resins also line the interiors of most food, beer, and soft-drink cans. With use and heating, polycarbonates can break down, leaching BPA into the materials they contact such as foods. Studies have shown that even at low doses, BPA binds to estrogen receptors in the human body and may be linked to infertility, birth defects, autism, early onset puberty, obesity, diabetes, and hormone-related cancers. So, those who wish to protect themselves can now avoid the BPA by buying a BPA-free bottle and be protected. Right? Unfortunately, scientists have found that alternative chemicals might not be much safer. Almost all commercial plastic products sampled in the study, including products advertised as BPA-free, leached chemicals that had estrogenic activity. Some of the BPA-free products showed more estrogenic activity than products with BPA!

“Consumers need to understand that products advertised as BPA-free or phthalate-free is a marketing solution rather than a health solution,” said George Bittner, a chemist and neurobiologist. Even biodegradable, plant-based bioplastic products are mostly made with processes using the same chemicals. Globally, chemical manufacturers produce an estimated 2.8 million tons of BPA each year. The material goes into a broad range of products, many used in and around the home. BPA also serves as the basis of dental sealants, which are resins applied to the teeth of children

“Consumers need to understand that products advertised as BPAfree or phthalate-free is a marketing solution rather than a health solution,” said George Bittner

to protect their pearly whites from cavities. The industry, therefore, has a strong economic interest in seeing that the market for BPA-based products doesn’t become eroded by public concerns over the chemical. For Richard A. Denison, a biochemist and molecular biophysicist who is a senior scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, this is just one example of a broader problem — the weakness of policies governing chemicals. The U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 accepted the vast majority of chemicals still on the market without requiring any safety assessment, he explained. “Of the many tens of thousands of chemicals on the market today, only a few hundred have been required to be tested for their effect on human health and the environment,” Mr. Denison said. It is difficult, moreover, to find out which chemicals are in which products. Companies file thousands of claims annually to protect chemical recipes as trade secrets. As the United States has delayed, other countries have passed laws that would put the burden of proving safety upon companies. The European Union is beginning to implement its 2006 law Reach (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), which requires companies to register the chemicals it uses. Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia and other countries have also made significant changes in chemical policies, said Mr. Denison, who specializes in chemical regulation. However, some policies apply only to chemicals but not to imported products containing those chemicals. As globalism binds us all together, it’s a real guessing game as to what your products may have in them.

Detox for a Healthy Chilean Winter By Marcelle Drube

e all appreciate living and working in a clean and healthy environment, and regularly purchase a wide variety of products that claim to keep our homes sparkling and bacteria-free. In your body, this is the job of your liver. The liver is a detoxifying organ; think of it as your very own personal housekeeper. Everything we eat and drink passes through the liver for detoxification. It acts as a big filter for your digestive system and cleanses the blood of toxic material. Like a housekeeper, the liver has many jobs and is a great multi-tasker. In addition to the detoxification role, the liver helps maintain blood sugar balance, digests fat, removes excess cholesterol, and is a storage warehouse for many essential vitamins and minerals. In order to feel vibrant, energised and healthy, we need to support the liver and ensure it has a consistent supply of the nutrients it needs in to work efficiently. On the flipside, try to avoid overloading it with too many toxins. Some of the symptoms which could indicate that your liver needs a holiday include: feeling tired and sluggish, experiencing headaches or migraines, dark circles under your eyes, frequent bitter taste in your mouth or furry tongue, feeling bloated, a strong reaction to alcohol and coffee, or acne and unexplained skin rashes. The detoxification process involves two phases with each phase requiring special nutrients (products) to take place efficiently. Phase 1 is all about converting toxins into a less harmful substance. This phase needs a great supply of antioxidant nutrients: glutathione and cysteine found in garlic and onions; coenzyme Q10 from oily fish, spinach, seeds and nuts; vitamin C in broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits and berries; vitamin E and selenium in seeds, nuts and fish; finally, beta-carotene found in carrots, peaches, and watermelon. Also needed are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli,

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cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Bioflavonoids are found in blueberries, red grapes and red onions. The herb milk thistle protects liver cells from all kinds of toxins and is often an ingredient in “detox” supplements. In Phase 2 the liver detoxifies substances by attaching molecules onto them, making them more water soluble and easier to remove from the body. Different toxins are processed through different pathways and each pathway needs specific nutrients in order to work properly. Foods to include for this phase are the sulphur rich foods like eggs, onions, garlic, leeks, and Jerusalem artichokes. Also eat more broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Root vegetables are good too as they contain glutamine and selenium. The B-vitamins especially folic acid, B6 and B12 are important. Bitter leaves such as dandelion, mustard greens, radicchio, kale and romaine lettuce help cleanse the liver as well. Certain other foods hinder the liver, so keeping these to a minimum is a good idea. Caffeine and alcohol require detoxification alongside everything else, adding to the workload of the liver. Additives such as food colourings and preservatives also put pressure on the liver, so avoid highly processed foods. And foods that are high in saturated fats like red meats, cheese, cakes and pastries are harder for the liver to process. It is often not practical to avoid all these foods all the time, but it is a good idea to periodically give your liver a week-end break. Over a 48 hour period, avoid coffee, alcohol, processed foods, red meat, and sugary products. For example, try the following:

In order to feel vibrant, energised and healthy, we need to support the liver and ensure it has a consistent supply of the nutrients it needs in to work efficiently.

Wake up: Start your day with hot water and the juice of ¼ lemon; this encourages the flow of bile which helps remove toxins. Breakfast: A boiled egg and slice of toast for breakfast or a bowl of nut and seed rich muesli Snack: An apple or pear with ½ dozen almonds / sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Lunch: Baked salmon on a bed of spinach, ginger and spring onions, served with steamed broccoli and carrots or quinoa and roasted mixed vegetable salad. Snack: Mixed berries or guacamole with celery sticks. Dinner: A steaming bowl of leak and bean soup or carrot and lentil soup. Drink water throughout the day. A visit to the sauna or steam room will help sweat out toxins. Take a daily walk and give your body time out for rest and relaxation. This will leave you feeling energised and lighter and ready for the week ahead.

JUNE 2011 / Marketing

The Highs and Lows

By Steve Halsey

By Al Ramirez

How have the events, which have occurred throughout this year, affected your company? On the earthquake: “... It was in our agenda to provide services for an international construction congress, which was going to take place in Santiago this past September, being the MOP (Public Works Ministry) our main sponsor. For obvious reasons, the money they had destined for the congress had to be used immediately after the earthquake in order to aid the affected regions in the south of Chile.” - Cristian Martinez, General Manager of Pacifico Andino Expeditions, Urban & Adventure Tours Chile

The

On the US dollar exchange rate:

try not to exclude any information that can benefit our country and its regions.” - Rodrigo Gonzalez, General Manager of “ChileXclusive Travel & Incoming”

n e w s

of Chile’s Tourism Industry COURTESY PHOTO

ummer’s almost here and the season has already begun to take shape for those in the tourism industry. High season begins in mid-December and ends around mid-March. Studies show that over the last five years, tourism in Chile has been growing an average of 7% to 9% per year with visitors spending close to three-hundred million dollars per month. However, there have been certain events that have shaken and stirred the industry such as the February 27th earthquake and the decrease in cruise ships that will arrive this year, which went from approximately forty-five per year to the uncertain twenty-eight to thirty that are scheduled to dock this season. One favorable point is the media coverage

What area do you think needs more improvement in toursim (tour companies, restaurants, hotels, shops, musums, etc.)? “All of them. But, specifically, I think commissions should be regulated because sometimes it gets out of hand. I am not against commissions for those who take people to restaurants, hotels, shops, etc., this is how it’s done pretty much all around the world, but I think 10% is more than enough. This can only be regulated through an extensive market study and some serious effort from the government.” - Jose Luis Rojas, General Manager of Serviline Pacific Viña del Mar, Radio Taxi Service.

“Any kind of important event in Chile ake a look around the streets or products in thewill affect my business directly. Lately it supermarkets in Chile and it doesn’t take long tohas been the instability in the American currency (I charge in US dollars), which spot “The English Creep”. English Creep is where English words slowly startmeans that we have to charge more. We are now less competitive in the South permeating into the local language and being used in place American market when it comes to of words in the local language. While this happens at atourism because Chile is one of the most number of levels, it is most noticeable and easily spotted inexpensive countries for tourists. That advertising, signage and consumer products. obviously means that they tend to stay Businesses often use English words to describe whatless time here.” - Hector Medina, owner of As the years go by, the people who work they do (Hair care, Eyewear, etc.) or to advertise part of“Hector’s Private & Flexible Tour Service” in tourism expect to receive a wider their offering within their stores (Big Savings, Fast Service, Chile obtained for the rescue of the thirtyscale of visitors, but itwords seems clear What must a company do in order to guage become in the other.that Actually, language creep Parking, Service Desk, etc.). Some businesses even incorthree miners, which has put our country the earthquake, the unstable currency, grow in such a seasonal line of work? occurs with most languages as words are borrowed from Why is it that in a country where porate English words into their business name (Big John, on the map as a nation that has overcome the decrease in cruises and the rescue other languages. Sometimes the new words are used as-is Homecenter, On the Run). it is for understandable of the population several tragedies andWhile is ready whatever for“First of2-4% all, giving quality service inspeaks every of the thirty-three miners have changed and sometimes theyhave are modified slightly (turistico, macho, foreign-based businesses, or those with an eye on global there is such ahonestly prevalence vicissitudes may occur in the future. the of impression foreingers of Chile. aspect, English which includes working politico, patio, plaza, salsa). In the technical and scientific expansion, the reason why domestic Chilean-based busi-and respectfully towards our passengers. Having a ministry of tourism seems to be English words? nesses this isto notget always In do order a clear. better perspective of In the end, the concept of seasonal work an essentialworld, issue,words and often little become by littleuniversally we will accepted and buzzwords and acronyms become part of what happening in this “rollercoaster” that will allow for Chile tothe global lexicon. On theissupermarket shelves the English Creep is evenisn’t something that affects all of Chile; likely see changes industry, I interviewed few people who havethere international level, which can are many places that are visited brand names also become universal words. more evident. Everything fromacosmetics to alcohol believe me - go checkhere the remote control on youradvance TV. The on an Some depend on thisinseasonal income for the only be of help to has those who not relyonly on tourism the answer to mention “ipod” become a globally branded word but labels almost entirely Spanish but with English wordsall year sameround, happenssofor cars, if the iscontrols are not represented of their business. forlabelled their livelihood. within more youroften programs is generally accepted in most languages to describe a small usedsuccess to describe the product - hand cream, mouthwash,these withplaces little symbols than notand they are portable music player. It is not all a one-way street, though, fresh, large size, boys wear. in English. Some advertising has a large emphasis on English. A Like a number of other consumer manufacturers, TV and just as English words make their way into the Spanish recent example of this are the billboards that recently ap- and car manufacturers make their products for a global language a number of Spanish words have also made their peared around Santiago stating “You are Unique.” Or Su- market. If they had to tailor each product to a specific way in to the English language (siesta and fiesta). The Chilean Government is pushing to have Chile zuki motors who prominently feature the corporate slogan country or market they would lose the ability to move “Way of Life.” products elsewhere at short notice and also face increased develop as a bilingual country. They realize that the use of Visit a toy store and the use of English on the packag- costs. However, assuming the population will learn or sim- English is an important factor to compete in the world ing is even more pronounced. In some toy stores in Santia- ply accept the use of foreign words could be considered market. Rather than trying to stop the spread, as some overseas communities are pushing to do, Chile has acceptHeating and Steam Systems go about 70% of the toys have labelling entirely in English. arrogance on the part ofIndustrial some manufacturers. While there might be instructions inside the packaging There are some downsides to the Heating use of other languag- ed that the use of English is part of its future. Residential more and more of the population starts recognizing in a number of languages, there is not even an attempt to es in the global marketing products. Buy a can of paint Highofefficiency Pellet and Solid WoodAsStoves explain or translate any of the packaging information into or some pesticides or chemicals and you might find the that the use of English has benefits, a number of businesses Solar Systems warning and safety information in English. Again no at- have started to recognize that advertising in English, and the local language. Vicuña Mackenna Avenue #801, Los Angeles, Chile The use of foreign words is often used by marketers to tempt is made by the manufacturers to produce a product the use of English, has a number of benefits. As manufacPhone: (56-43) 318246 • Cell Phone Sales: (59-9) 99996547 to the destination country, no turers become more global and start developing products brand a product with a more chic flavor. The use of French with information specific in Temuco City: Av. Pedro de Valdivia 0135, Phone (56-45) 646009 for a global market, expect to see a lot more use of English importers, distributors or8283, retailers words has often been used to give a product more exotic attempt is made by theShowroom Palazzetti: Av. Las Condes Santiago, Phone (56-2) 2204189 or classy flavor and words from other languages are often to relabel the product and there are often no government and a lot more of “The English Creep”. used to convey a different feel. A fiesta sounds so much regulations to enforce safety labelling that can be read by the majority of the population. more fun than a party. The assimilation of words from other languages is a Steve Halsey is Director, Sales and Marketing at I Love Chile. Most people are able to accept and understand a variety of English words (exit, push, on/off, start) even though normal by-product of people mixing. Words of one lan- He is also a Business Consultant with www.professionals.cl. they may not speak or understand English. So why is it that in a country where 2-4% of the population speaks English there is such a prevalence of English words? Part of it could be put down to global trade and the way products are shipped around the world. While it is desirable to brand and label a product with the language of the target country, products are often shipped off to other countries and markets. The laws of supply and demand don’t always apply. Sometimes it comes down to economics and keeping costs down. Buy a new TV or DVD and you will find the operating manual nearly always comes translated into a vacontact@englishaainchile.cl riety of languages. TV display screens will allow you to set up the menu in a variety of languages but the buttons on www.englishaainChile.cl the remote control will almost always be in English. Don’t

English Creep

English AA in Chile

www.ilovechile.cl

TRAVEL / JUNE 2011

Into the South By Andrea Ernst

›› Puerto Varas

raveling to the south of Chile gives you an insight into beautiful landscapes and a feeling of ultimate freedom. It raises the question of where this unusually formed country has its end? Beginning in Pucón, you can relax in thermal springs, watch sea lions in the centre of Valdivia, behold majestic volcanoes in Puerto Varas and marvel at the hundred of guanacos in Torres del Paine. It does not matter whether you are in search of silence, want to see animals you only know from biology books, or prefer horseback riding or hiking – the south of Chile has it all.

Another city of true foreign influence is Puerto Varas, not a real city indeed, but more like a nice place to relax and catch a beautiful view of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco towering over Lake Llanquihue – a perfect springboard for adventurous tourists to go hiking to the top of one of them. In town, follow the route of colonial houses that have been declared cultural heritage sites and reveal, once again, a strong German influence. So German, in fact, that they have actual German-speaking people. If you would like some nighttime entertainment, the place to go out and meet people is a bar called Barómetro – a stylish place to lounge around, listening to live music and drinking a cocktail.

›› Pucón

›› Puerto Natales

Just a 12 hour bus ride and, if you are lucky, around CLP $8000 from Santiago de Chile is Pucón. This is the capital of tourist adventure where hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, rafting and fishing draw the sport enthusiasts from around the world. Visiting in winter allows you the opportunity to practice your skiing and snowboarding skills on the volcano Villarrica. Whether rain or snow, Pucón offers cozy cabañas where you can stay and relax some days escaping the cold weather. Book a comfortable cabaña and arrange a day trip visiting impressive waterfalls and thermal springs and you will fall in love with all that Pucón has to offer. Enjoy, relax and admire the beautiful surroundings!

›› Valdivia

Want to explore the German influence of Chile’s south? Valdivia, a beautiful city with a river running through its heart, shows the origin of German settlers in that region.

Far away from the Los Rios region and deep in the South of Chile is Puerto Natales. Unfortunately the town itself has nothing really spectacular to see, its main attraction is its proximity to Torres del Paine, the most famous national park in Chile. The word Paine derives from the language of the Mapuche meaning sky-blue and indeed, the color of the lakes in the national park resembles the blue of Photoshop-arranged postcards. The famous landmarks of the park are the “Torres del Paine,” three granite mountains that reach a height of 2800 meters covered by snow found right in the center of the park. Most parts of the park are glaciated, with the most famous being the Glacier Grey, which then creates Lake Grey. Glacier Grey and Lake Grey are two must-sees when visiting the park. Walk down to the lookout of the glacier and enjoy the beautiful view, take some time and relax and, if you are lucky, cast a glance at Chile’s national bird, the condor.

The local beer company Kunstmann is a must see when you are in Valdivia. Try beer with honey or a killer brown ale while you taste typical German food like spaetzle and bratwurst. Back in Valdivia’ go to the fish market and visit the sea lions begging for food from the fishermen. Watch them swimming in the river and posing for souvenir photos. Take advantage of eating fresh fish and enjoy the ambiance of all that is Valdivia.

In the middle of barrio Italia, in Providencia, come visit the house, today turned into museum, where this former president lived with his family. With more than 350 original objects and out-standing Chilean painting, the tour is a trip to the Chile of the sixties and through our contemporary history. Museum open from Tuesday to Sunday and Holidays 10:00 - 18:00 hrs. contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl Hindenburg 683, Providencia. Santiago de Chile. (56-2) 881 86 74 / (56-2) 723 41 05

Admission is by guided tours only. Prior reservation is needed.

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JUNE 2011 / TRAVEL

the dominoes tumble

By Jayne Scarman Additional reporting by Harper Bridgers and Ben Angel

n the afternoon of Monday May 9th, Chile waited with baited breath for 11 people to pass a verdict. As 10 raised their hands in favour, countered by just one abstention, the members of the government’s Environmental Review Committee were surely aware of the gravity of their decision to approve what would become one of Chile’s biggest ever development projects - HydroAysén. But the subsequent surge of public outcry perhaps came as more of a surprise, as the tumbling dominoes of issues triggered by the verdict continue to lumber on.

›› The project

The HydroAysén energy project proposes to build five mega dams in the Aysén region of Chile, each forming part of a hydroelectric power plant. Three will be located on the Pascua River and two on the Baker. The complex is estimated to produce 18,340 gigawatts of power per year, which will be fed into the national grid that supplies around 93% of Chile’s population. A power line will transmit the electricity 2000 kilometres over ground from Aysén across the length of the country towards the central metropolitan region, with the exception of one submarine section between Chaitén and Puerto Montt.

›› The problem

›› The protest

Prior to that now infamous Monday meeting, organised public movement against the project had been limited. Environmental groups such as Patagonia Sin Represas and Greenpeace had been steadily

campaigning against the project, but it wasn’t until its approval that people turned out in force against HydroAysén. Protests flared immediately after the decision and national action was coordinated for Friday May 13th, when large-scale demonstrations took place in every regional capital. It has not been quiet since, with subsequent Friday protests drawing people in their tens of thousands in Santiago and Valparaíso, and many more smaller demonstrations springing up across the country.

›› The fallout

Like tumbling dominoes, the fallout from the decision has been immense. Clearly one of the chief bones of contention against HydroAysén is its environmental and social impact. As reported in I Love Chile last month, aside from the cosmetic impact on one of Chile’s most pristine wildernesses, the process of damming would flood 5900 hectares of land that provides a habitat for rare species of flora and fauna as well as a livelihood from agriculture. Fragile river ecosystems would be damaged and seismic risk makes the network of power lines vulnerable. While many Photo: Courtesy HydroAysén

Supporters of HydroAysén point to a growing energy crisis in Chile. In order to maintain the country’s 6% projected growth rate, it quite simply needs more electricity. According to the companies behind HydroAysén, the project is expected to supply 21% of the population’s energy by 2020. While alternative forms such as solar and wind power are also needed to keep up with demand, hydroelectricity has been viewed as the most viable option due to the anticipated productivity and reliability of supply. Following the project’s approval, President Sebastián Piñera spoke out in its favor, stressing the need for a more secure energy supply, “If decisions are not taken now, we are doomed to a blackout at the end of the decade.”

While both the Environmental Minister and the HydroAysén project team have moved to reassure the populace of the robustness of Chile’s environmental legislation and the corresponding minimization of environment impacts, there is some serious work to be done on changing people’s hearts and minds

Photo: Gardner Hamilton

HydroAysén:

of those against the project do not deny the need for energy, they resonate with a simple refrain – “there are better ways.” For many though, the frustration runs deeper. Economic motivation for the project is a common accusation and there is a palpable sentiment against supposed foreign investors pillaging swathes of one of Chile’s most beautiful regions for their own gains. The HydroAysén project team is quick to denounce this perception as a myth, stating on its website: “HydroAysén is a corporation made up of Chilean shareholders: Endesa Chile and Colbún. About 98% of Colbún’s shareholders are Chilean and about 50% of Endesa Chile’s shareholders are Chilean.” And yet the suspicion remains; remarked one I Love Chile reader, “We must be aware of any megaproject, especially those who want to destroy everything “in the name of progress” (with super foreign capitalist partners).” Then there is the row over the right to protest in itself. Concern has been voiced from various sectors, most notably Amnesty International, over the authorities’ handling of the demonstrations. Police have been reported to have reacted heavily in places, particularly when relying on tear gas to disperse crowds. One sixteen-year-old protester felt compelled to write in to I Love Chile about her experience with the gas, “And here you have a testimony. I went to the march and when the police started launching those toxic gas bombs people went crazy and started to run desperately. It was very hard to breath. I fell on the ground because of people’s frantic pushing and then they started running over me. In that moment I felt I was going to die. When I finally got off the ground I wanted to puke, which I did. I couldn’t see at first, but when my eyes stopped hurting so much, I just wanted to close them because all I could see was people lost, crying, escaping.” Such health fears led to an announcement from Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter that the use of tear gas would be suspended pending an investigation into its safety. For now though, the power struggle over rights to a peaceful protest rumbles on. So is Chile ready for its most significant energy project to date? While both the Environmental Minister and the HydroAysén project team have moved to reassure the populace of the robustness of Chile’s environmental legislation and the corresponding minimization of environment impacts, there is some serious work to be done on changing people’s hearts and minds if the continued activism is anything to go by. It looks like HydroAysén will be a thorn in the side of Chile for some time to come.

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EYE ON VIÑA / JUNE 2011 Photos: Eye on Viña

University City: Valparaíso Making Region V Your Top Study Abroad Choice in Chile By Gonzalo Mena

tudying abroad has always been an exciting and appealing adventure, no matter the location of choice. The chance to get away from routine, familiar landscapes and family has drawn thousands of students from all around the world to the far corners of the Earth. The big problem for students today does not necessarily come in finding the opportunity to go abroad, but in having the time and patience to choose a destination from amongst the thousands of schools in different cities around the world. Having so many parameters to pick from such as price, school quality and the fun factor of the city, the choice is not an easy one. Just outside of Chile’s bustling capital, an education program has dedicated itself to bringing students to a less traditional study location away from Santiago. Estudia en Valparaíso, founded in 2006, is working to make Region V a top choice for students. This Region of Valparaíso, with a cluster of universities and technical education centers, offers a magical and special place to study abroad. Not only is Valparaíso the main port city in Chile, but also it is also a historic landmark and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2003. Right next door is the city of Viña del Mar, roughly translated as the Vineyards of the Sea. The laid back beachside town also claims the name of “The Garden City.” The combination of rough-and-tumble Valparaíso and tranquil Viña del Mar equates to beaches, great landscapes and, of course, all of the nightlife and cultural events that a

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leading touristic city could offer. Given the extensive offerings of the area, a big effort started in 2006 to transform the Viña /Valparaíso area into the main educational cluster in the country. The Agencia Regional de Desarollo Productivo de Valparaíso (Regional Agency for Productive Development of Valparaíso) set off with the goal of attracting students from other regions of Chile to the peaceful shores of the Port and Garden Cities. They also set their goals on attracting as many foreign students as possible, recognizing the unique situation these two cities had to offer in terms of both great quality in education and amazing tourism opportunities for its visitors.

With these goals in mind, the agency launched an international program to study ways to improve the region’s higher education programs. From this assessment came the “Estudia en Valparaíso” or Study in Valparaiso program, aimed at consolidating the fifth region of Chile into a major player in higher education both nationally and around the world. In an unprecedented effort, both private and state universities got together to strengthen the program and provide the best alternatives for students from across the globe. Not only have they worked to offer the best study abroad programs, but also are very concerned about the day-to-day lives and activities of the international students.

Estudia en Valparaiso currently focuses on three main areas: a)

Development of the Observatorio de Educación Superior de Valparaíso or the Higher Education Observatory of Valparaíso: This entity focuses on finding and certifying the best programs for foreigners and acquiring information about all colleges, universities, technical institutes, providing all the information needed for those looking for study alternatives. b) Their website: Estudiaenvalparaiso.com is a tool for both international students to learn more about Chile, specifically Valparaíso, and Chilean students from other regions to research the benefits of coming to the Port City area. The site also provides information about housing, cultural events and helpful tips about living in the region. c) Advice on room and board: Special care has been put into finding and certifying the best hostels, hotels and housing solutions for students, in order to avoid any problems with their quality, services and locations. These services are just the beginning of the project. The team of Estudia en Valparaíso is working hard to implement new ideas, new concepts and make the study abroad experience for foreigners even better. The Estudia en Valparaíso website can be seen at www.estudiaenvalparaiso.com. Check it out for more details on this and other services provided by the Agencia Regional de Desarollo Productivo de Valparaíso. Photos: Eye on Viña

JUNE 2011 / SPORTS

By Pascal Mathieu

pril 16th marked the kick-off of the 2011 season of the “LCFA VTR”, the Liga Chilena de Fútbol Americano, at the Estadio Atletico Municipal de Con Con where the defending and still undefeated from last year, Cañoneros de Viña del Mar, picked up where they left off last year with a crushing defeat over Coquimbo’s Barracudas by a score of 32-6. After a successful first season and Super Bowl I played at the Bicentenario de la Florida in front of 2500 fans who showed up to support their teams, the LCFA VTR sets off for their 2nd season with even bigger ambitions. With more than 1000 players practicing American Football around the country, the LCFA extended their league to 9 teams (7 will compete this year) during the off-season and closed deals with important media in Chile. Gonzalo Cataldo, commissioner of the LCFA, says that the league is heading in the right direction: “We enormously thank VTR which has trusted this year with the LCFA and the ILoveChile.cl website that has supported us from the beginning, as well as Bio Bio radio and other sponsors that have taken part in the process” The Olympic committee led by Neven Illic also agreed on providing each team with a Team Management course that will help them to learn more about administrating and developing their business potential. Monica Belle, the head of marketing, has also confirmed that favorable agreements were reached which ensure further development of American Football in Chile. 7 teams are taking part of the Chilean League of American Football (LCFA, Spanish acronym) for the 2011 season: • • • • • • • • •

LCFA sets off for another great season of American Football in Chile Photo: Courtesy LCFA

Cañoneros from Viña del Mar Felinos from La Florida (Santiago) Diablos Rojos from La Calera Barracudas from Coquimbo Treiles from Bíobío Rhinos from Los Ángeles Gladiadores del Desierto from Antofagasta Legion of Concepción (in development) Lobos of La Calera (in development)

Check out the LCFA website for more information on the season fixtures and teams details at www.lcfa.cl.

Teach english in Santiago

Bridge here in Santiago is currently hiring English teachers for the 2011 season. We offer professional, personalized classes to executives in Santiago throughout the year. We are internationally certified and are committed to providing the highest quality of language services to our clients.

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INTERVIEW / JUNE 2011 Photos: Bárbara Hermosilla

hile is the jewel of Latin America. With an average growth rate of 5.5% per year, Chile is among the most dynamic developing economies in the world. However, when a company considers moving abroad many more things than a country’s growth rate need to be considered. One such question is how will your company communicate effectively with its target market? When a company decides to introduce a product, open a territory, or plan a campaign, it often makes sense to bring in a professional who knows the ins and outs of a culture and market. Most organizations communicate with a variety of “publics” in their daily operations, ranging from customers, employees, prospective employees, the surrounding community, and owners. How does your organization appear to the outside world? Who is checking to insure the public gets the image you desire? SVK Communications offers a full range of services from Corporate and Product Communications, aimed at establishing, maintaining, supporting and improving the image of companies or institutions, as well as products and services. SVK Communications is composed of a team of professionals with experience in public relations, with emphasis on strategic communication. All those working in SVK Communications are professional journalists with extensive experience in all types of media. This means they know very well how to generate information, how it flows, the importance and impact of public opinion and how to develop and nurture positive public relations. SVK Communications talks about the importance of knowing how to communicate in front of audiences, i.e. potential clients, and gives clues as to how to choose a good marketing company. According to the Executive Director of Communications at SVK, Sergio Villarino, a successful communications consulting team will value experience, loyalty and commitment to their customers and Sergio makes it the highest priority of the firm. A decade ago, strategic communications and public relations consulting were not major issues in Chile. Moreover, many companies had no idea what communications and public relations were. Many confused it with advertising or marketing. SVK Communications began operations more than a decade ago when in Chile there were very few companies dedicated to the field. But less than five years later the number of companies involved in this field had grown significantly. I Love Chile sat down with Servio Villarino to find out more about SVK Communications. -What have been the most difficult challenges in this business? -First off, that customers must trust in our knowledge, and secondly that they must understand when we indicate something as an extremely important move related to business development or for the benefit of its corporate reputation and image, the business needs to act on it immediately. There is nothing more disappointing than when you tell a client what to and not to do, and then, directly because of a lack of decision, the future and reputation of the company is damaged. It’s like the saying that the forest always looks better outside than inside. The executives are stressed by their daily tasks, and forget things necessary for the proper conduct of their business. Things like having a good working environment; it’s the basis for projecting a positive public image out to the market. Many companies, due to fear or from a lack of courage, clarity or vision, do not pass on to their target audiences what they are, what they aspire to be. -What is the key to a good business advisor on strategic communications? -When I give advice to for executives who must hire a company of this type, I always say “skills and competencies.” Experience is a good indicator. Basic advice is look for a company who not only has the skills, abilities and experience, but the commitment and loyalty to their customers. This has always proven to work and to be effective. Another important issue is to check the level of experience. Many companies start with young people fresh out of college. I’m not saying that they are always

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Communicating through consultants

too young and inexperienced, but someone who has spent years in the market certainly knows much more than an apprentice. Finally, fidelity, skills and personal contacts will be the best advisors. Another issue which is often overlooked is the level of “emotional intelligence” provided by the communication firm that advises. I know some companies hire strategic communication firms based on their alleged links and contacts within the political world or the current government. This will eventually

end up in the firms favor and not the company it advises. -One would tend to think that the bigger the company, the greater the level of service. What is your view on this? - In general, many companies (especially multinationals) seek and prefer large consultancy firms, as if to suggest the larger the ship you have the more options are available in navigating the tough and competitive consumer market. What usually happens is that the interim executive, who makes the decision to hire the largest specialized agency of a country, is also seeking her/his own survival. In a sense they are saying, “yes I am with they larger, more expensive company so what more can ask of me?” They seek their own salvation in this case. The best answer is not always largest. Many companies and clients seek and prefer personal attention, with a style and creativity that only small communications consulting companies can offer. The key is to have a dedicated team of executives responsible for a small number of customers organized by sector. A small or medium-sized communications agency gives closer, quality relations to the customers, which significantly enhances the service provided. In general, studies have shown that many companies complain about not getting the care you expect from a large agency. What is important, therefore, is not the size but the ability to have the best professional and creative relationship. When hiring a communications agency, it is necessary to ensure that it has superior service and superior experience. The experience of professionals makes them an effective bridge between the needs of the client and the media, understanding and anticipating the needs of both.

JUNE 2011 / GOURMET

The Creative Palate with Daniel Greve

Daniel Greve is a journalist; a gastronomy and wines columnist. He has worked for El Mercurio, El Mostrador, Vinos & Más and Planetavino.com. Moreover, he is member of the directors board of Círculo de Cronistas Gastronómicos de Chile and to Federation Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivans des Vins (FIJEV.) Greve is currently in charge of the Gourmet section of Que Pasa magazine and director of Mostro® editorial. A creative emporium that develops de Mostro program of Play FM radio, conducts www.mostro.cl and many other editorial projects specialized in food, wines and travels.

A Paradise of Pastas The idea: surprise your significant other. What to do: cook. It is first and foremost an act of love. The reality: you don’t have enough time and even less skill. The solution: Fortunata, an adorable pasta place, home-styled and exquisite pastas, perfect presentation, and in a practical frozen package. Gnocchi, ravioli, canelones, fettuccine among other home-styled pastas. They aren’t works of art since they are machine made, not hand-made, but if we’re talking about special, natural pastas you are guaranteed the “fatto en casa” quality. The lasagne is not a strong suit, but the stuffed pasta gets a standing ovation. What’s more, the ravioli ($ 2.900/ two portions) meat and vegetable parmesan are delicious. Spinach with

ricotta and parmesan ravioli? Another delicacy. The Sorrento selection with its soft and delicate fillings, are out of this world. Try the pumpkin ($ 2.900/ two portions); it’s an abundantly filled, fine dough, all excellently assembled. The salmon filling ($ 3.500) is wonderful, even elegant. The eggplant filling ($ 2.900) has a light smokiness. Each in its own distinct vein allows for the highest level of presentation. The grand finale? Tiramisú ($ 8.000 for a large portion; $ 4.000 for the smaller portion) has just enough moistness, precise creaminess and an unforgettable blend of chocolate and coffee that ends the meal on a perfect note. *Av. Vitacura 3325. F: 3660123. www.fortunata.cl*

Chefs

of the year

Each year, the “Círculo de Cronistas Gastronómicos” and “Vinos de Chile” chooses the year’s best in restaurant and winemaking. This year, Nolita was recognized for service and quality; José Luis Merino, from Ciudad Vieja and Ciudadano, as the year’s best business; Rafael Tirado, as the best wine-maker; and, among many others, a young Belgian’s name appeared, Mathieu Michel (in photo), chef of the Ópera-Catedral. Michel’s work was recognized for the explosion of authentic cooking, focused on seasonal products, in keeping with tradition, uncommonly innovative. And for what appeared to be just like another year of recognitions, London took on a Hollywood stature: The World´s 50 Best Restaurants, this year giving an unusual leading role to South Americans. There were other milestones, such as the return of René Redzepi to the world’s number one spot thanks to his restaurant Noma (Denmark), and the fact that Ferran Adrià (El Bulli) –who was a leader for four consecutive years; didn’t appear in the top one hundred and for the first time a latino was in the top ten: Alex Atala, from D.O.M. (São Paulo), climbed to number seven, as well as Biko, from México, took 31st place; Peruvian Gastón Acurio, from Astrid & Gastón (Lima) debuted in 42nd place and Pujol (Mexico City) took 49th. Latin Power. Two words to keep in mind in worldwide gastronomy.

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Celebrating New Year’s

at the sea

By Carolina Sipos

HOT TICKETS / JUNE 2011

ver 20 tons of explosives are currently being shipped from Barcelona, Spain, to the San Antonio port in Chile. They were ordered by Mario Igual, the man in charge of one of the most extensive fireworks in the world. “New Years at the sea 2011” will illuminate 21 kilometres of Chile’s coast for a 25 minute long spectacle of light.

The fireworks are a tradition since 1952 and are accompanied by a party that shuts down streets and draws over 1 million visitors to the ports and beaches each December 31st. While the show is similar every year, some novelties straight from the Funk rescue Party in Chile labstoofthe Igual Pyrotechnics will surprise spectators in the first minutes of 2011. Initiated from 17 ships By Felipe Muñoz By Barbara Hermosilla lying at anchor in the bays of Valparaiso, Viña del Marthe and Concón, 30.000 up the On April 29th, while we were still explosions recoiling from will the lightEstatic young girls, light pink and fuschia backpacks, wigs, hairThe bestthat views are week rumoured the heavysky. British dosage particular had givento thebe from bands and lipgloss lined up at the crack of dawn outside the Estadio world, Jamiroquai showed up. I thought their British- BarónNacional promenades of Gervasoni, Yugoslavo, or 21 awaiting the concert of the spectacular Miley Cyrus, a girl nessde would make our already overdosing minds explode, made popular by the Hanna Montana series. She has now grown Mayo.

Jamiroquai

Miley Cyrus

a very uncool move on their part, but then, I don’t think past the innocent Disney persona and developed into an “I’m not that word applies to Jamiroquai - ever. so innocent,” pre-Madonna personality. While snubbing the show The city of Valparaiso alone spent USD $200.000 on We have all suspected as much for years now, but those that made her famous, she has used her fame to launch her into an last year’s red, white and blue fireworks theme. On of us who went to the concert actually know for sure. It even more famous rock star. lastJay day the city’swill bars and nightclubs turnsthis out that Kay,ofin2010, a gesture of good between Thus her presence in Chile, brought by her “Gypsy Heart” tour that willthat open early,bewhile the main square nations will forever remembered, delivered us will be ranfilled through various Latin American countries and landed her in fromwith Pippalive and music all the royal wedding smarminess by be covered this long until sunrise. Expect to inand narrow nook. blowing our minds funk instead, andthe being so, sohits 00:01, Withbut all her fans going crazy, her punctual appearance at the Estaconfetti andwith embraces when clock cool.the celebrations really start three days in advance dio started of off this amazing concert. She belted out one of her huge During a two-hour long concert, preceded by a very prophits, Party in USA, and had the classic I love rock and roll going on the big moment, with a street carnival and parade er Matahari and an over-stimulated Papanegro, Jamiroand on with her outspoken essence and naturally powerful voice. of actors, dancers, painters, musicians quai made showedup us why they’re the music royalty they are, The and spectacular show was spilt into 6 sets, each with a new wardof course thousands of Chileans from all over playing classic after classic in a gig that could have qualirobe,the none far removed from the rough edginess that this girl now country. fied as a workout session. From Cosmic Girl to Space wants to show her public; very much different from her comic perCowboy, they played more classics that I remember them formances of the Disney program. She shows she’d seriously rathhaving, and finished all go off with Ride, ato geterthere forget all that by not singing any songs from the popular series. If you want itto by White car, Knuckle make sure littlebefore something from their very last album “Rock Dust For sure, the 18 year-old put on an excellent show, and despite her noon. After that, traffic jams are likely to spoil Light Star”. That’s an album that hadn’t really made its youth the whole presentation was mature, setting aside any meekthedown fun.her, A better idea is to takesome the bus, rounds but its still bound to make noise but reserve ness and giving way to a sexy woman with an amazing rocker heart your well in advance. The same goes hotels and give usseat a couple of classics you won’t remember the forwho has a distinct musical taste for heavy metal. and apartments, which mightto.already names of but won’t be able to help dancing Somewhatbe booked In order to change her reputation, she works at being energetic like royalty, the point of of Jamiroquai is to forget aboutEither way, and real, out despite the elevated prices. the which she is. It’s also why she doesn’t have to try so hard. themValparaiso until the day they have youat partying on experience Soon a new Miley will be born, transforming her into a mega star fireworks the and seadancing are an theirnot behalf, you want to or not. As itYear! turns out, and closing concerts even more fantastically then she did this past to whether be missed. Happy New with Jamiroquai at least, you always want to.. one.

Paul McCartney A legend among us By Barbara Hermosilla

Finally, after eighteen years Paul McCartney played in front of more than 45 thousand people at the Estadio National in Santiago, Chile. Early in the morning the euphoric audience gathered outside the national stadium to see the artist. At 9 p.m. the single “Hello, Goodbye” made the crowd roar. It was an epic moment for thousands of focused listeners when the flawless McCartney sang “Blackbird” which he dedicated to John Lennon. The evening brought a lot of emotions that seemed to seize the entire band. Paul joked and interacted with the crowd. In return, the audience tried to show their love and admiration for the living legend of The Beatles. Fireworks appeared in the middle of the show and gave the luxury touch to an unforgettable concert. “Eleanor Rigby,: “Something,” “Ob-La-Di, Ob-LaDa,” and “Hey Jude” were added to the collective memory of the event. It was an effective dose of The Beatles and just what the crowd wanted. For almost two and a half hours, Paul McCartney remained on stage. If we refer to duration and quality, we must highlight “Yesterday” and ‘’Live and Let Die” as the most intense moments of the evening. “Dr. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” / “The End,” were the touch of grace to seal an outstanding presentation of the bass guitar player in our country. His performance has been said by some to be the last time we are going to be able to see Paul in Chile.

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JUNE 2011 / FASHION

The Power Tie

By Traje a la Medida

e all have our addictions, be it drink, cigarettes, gambling or some less mentionable vices! When it comes to fashion our human instincts similarly lead us to latch on to certain products or brands to seek comfort. I am not sure when it all started but my love, or dare I say, obsession with neck ties started maybe about 10 years ago. For us men, expression through clothing is not something that either comes naturally to many nor is it necessarily easy to achieve, hence, the good old tie-inexpensive, plentiful in colour, and designs and material are often the best option when individuality is being sought on a subtle level. I must have at least 30 + in my wardrobe, the job dictates it, but you know what? I love them! Now, I thought I had every angle covered; slim, wide, normal, plain, stripes even polka dots, but no! A few years back I discovered The Power Tie. Sure, I knew about the pinstripe suit and its connotations of boardroom power (Think Michael Douglas in Wall Street) but then, after reading about the late Ronald

A principally red or blue tie with conservative patterning tied in a double Windsor knot. Reagan, the then incumbent of the White House George Bush and more recently Barack Obama and the ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, I began to realize that I was lacking that added edge. So what is this now infamous “power tie” and how has it risen to the forefront of men’s formal fashion? Well, the most measurable definition from a dictionary of fashion terms would indicate the following: A principally red or blue tie with conservative patterning tied in a double Windsor knot. Certainly the style is easier to recognize than to describe, often being accompanied by an overly aggressive handshake, gaudy Rolex, and ample cologne. Yes, all clues lead to the politicians. The red tie is the principal player in the “power tie” stakes, and with good reason. This bright colour catches our attention and really makes us focus on the man wearing it. But just what is it about the colour red and its use

as a tie that makes us so fascinated? To begin: let’s examine the different cultural views behind the colour red. The first thing we have to realize is western and eastern views of the colour are very different. In the western, Christian world, red is associated with sin, blood, jealousy, and sex. The Devil is often depicted as being a red creature, and an angry person can be described as “seeing red”. In the classic novel “The Scarlet Letter” the protagonist has to wear red letter “A” to mark her adultery. Also, the term “red light district” describes an area where brothels are. In Chinese tradition however, red is a very positive colour associated with money, fertility, and good luck. Chinese wedding dresses are red, and money is gifted in red envelopes during the Chinese New Year. I know, all sounds very HSBC advertising campaign doesn’t it? With globalization and the merging of all these different worlds, red has come to be a very complex and moving colour in modern society. When we see someone in a red necktie we tend to think of power, wealth and a certain ruthlessness. This is a man who means business and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Is that man, you?

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Instituto Chileno Británico - First CELTA Centre in Chile! CELTA is an internationally recognised teaching qualification, and highly regarded throughout the world that gives you the skills to teach and make it easier to get a teaching job anywhere.