I Love Chile News - Issue 17 by I Love Chile News

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / TABLE OF CONTENTS

STAFF

Letter from the Editor

Travel Editor Jonathan Franklin

“Be the change you want to see in the world”

Chief Strategy Officer Pamela Lagos

Mahatma Gandhi

Publisher & CEO Daniel Brewington Editor In Chief Julie Gibson Managing Editor Kelsey Bennett Copy Editor Sharon Ewing

Sales & Marketing Steve Halsey Johanna Watson Chery Lynn van Dalen Online Editor Kayla Young Contributors Shonika Proctor Harper Bridgers Pablo Retamal Ian Gilbert Marcelle Dubruel Ben Angel Alexis Psarras Colin Bennett Andrea Cibotti Jonathan Franklin Ryan Seelau Pablo Retamal Julie Gibson Jolanta Polk Silvia Vinas Titus Levy Richard Magennis Alexis Psarras Pamela Villablanca Photographers Gardner Hamilton Daniel Brewington Julia Dose Katja Moeller Design Alfonso Gálvez Interns Avery Cropp Katie Bolin Julia Dose Sven Steven Anishka Gheewala Andrew Rogers Marie Vitkova Mary Hoover Marianne Tweedie Maj-Britt Kristensen

Hello my loyal and faithful readers! This has been one of my favorite and most cherished editions of I Love Chile News as we are featuring philanthropy in Chile. I have read so many remarkable and uplifting stories of seemingly ordinary people who saw the potential in themselves to achieve extraordinary results within Chile and the world. One of these ordinary persons is a good friend of mine who has come to Chile from the U.S. and has dedicated her time in Santiago to transforming lives at the Hogar de Niñas La Granja and Casa Esperanza, featured on pages ten & eleven. She has given so much of her time, love and support to these valiant girls and young women. She has spent many days planning fundraising activities, sent countless emails to friends and family to ask for support, painted room after room, but most importantly she has given her time to the girls when they need it most. She is a true inspiration to me and so many others! Thank You! There is enormous power that comes with the simple yet extraordinary act of giving. The power of giving comes from a selfless act—where you simply give from your heart because you want to share what you have and show your appreciation for what you have received. “Give and it shall be given,” says Jesus. “For with the same measure that you give it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38) But in order to reap the benefits of giving and receiving, you must enjoy the act of giving. If you give for the sake of receiving, that won’t work. You must take pleasure in the act of giving itself. Every single one of us, as well as every company, has

“Give and it shall be given,” says Jesus. “For with the same measure that you give it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38) a unique opportunity to create a positive social change—to make our corner of the world a better place. Weather its through painting walls at an orphanage or donating time at an animal shelter, these are gifts that come back and enrich your life in countless ways. As the holidays are quickly approaching, my wish is that this issue inspires you to open you heart and find the joy of giving. May all the peace, joy and happiness be yours! Sincerely, Julie Gibson Editor in Chief

Edition 16: October 2011 Price $1.000

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In issue 16 of I Love Chile News in article ‘Julio Farkas Klein: Chile’s Favorite Philanthropist’ on page 22, we are sorry to say we lost part of a name somewhere along the way. Do you know how hard it is for us gringos to understand the system of Chilean names? Seriously, all this combination of last names from your parents together with those of the spouses and besides, people here are speaking so fast sometimes that nearly every name sounds the same! Well, nevertheless we know it is not a good one, but at least it is an excuse. So sorry Mr. Leonardo Julio Farkas Klein for forgetting the Leonardo!

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Table of Contents Page 3 Page 4 & 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 & 9 Page 10 & 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 & 17 Page 18 & 19 Page 20 & 21 Page 22 & 23 Page 24 & 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31

Letter of Editor / Advertiser Profile News Round Up Chile´s New Political Compass – A Geography Student Charity: The fundamental principal of indigenous life From Arica to Limpopo via the Low Carbon Economy A light in the Dark Barking mad or happy as a flea in a doghouse? Volunteering in an animal rescue center. Make a wish Chile VE Global “It doesn’t stop here” - Desafío Levantemos Chile three months after the Juan Fernández tragedy Paulo Freire: A controversial view of education Open and Social Innovation: Techolab determined to bring ‘just this’ for all Mario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld Teletón Chile How transparent are the charities to which we donate? La Moneda Discover the deepest mysteries of wine through human senses The Key to your Heart Showing Support, One Bite at a Time Little Thinkers ILC Recommends

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NEWS / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

News round-up By Andrea Cibotti

Chilean Constitutional Court rejects gay marriages established abroad Chile’s Constitutional Court (TC), rejected the legal acceptance of three gay marriages in Chile that were conducted in Argentina, where gay marriage was legalized in July 2010. The members of the TC stated that they referred to article 102 under the civil marriage law that establishes civil marriage being solely between a man and a woman: “That marriage is a solemn contract between one man and one woman to join in actual and indissolvable union for the rest of their lives. To live together, procreate and aid each other.” The TC voted 9-to-1 against the legalization of the gay unions of three couples petitioning for recognition

under the Chilean government. The only minister who voted in favor of the couples request was Hernán Vodanovic. Vodanovic stated that depriving a group of citizen’s access to the institution of marriage denies them the dignity that the Chilean constitution itself recognizes. He added that prohibiting gay marriage blocks access to an institution considered indispensable by the Chilean constitution for the full development of a good life. Other ministers present at the TC commented on the rejection of recognizing gay marriages established in Argentina, announcing that they believe the matter needs to be regulated first through Chilean law.

Chilean education budget for 2012 on hold

After meeting on October 25 with the parliamentary education subcommittee and facing a clear rejection on the 2012 education budget, the government is considering negotiating a possible increase on education funds with the opposition. The mixed committee met under a tense atmosphere after the first session of the committee was unexpectedly interrupted by student demonstrators that stormed into the senate headquarters on October 21, insulting committee members and Minister of Education Felipe Bulnes. The renewed session was headed by Minister Bulnes and Socialist Party deputy Carlos Montes. The meeting included deputies and senators from opposition and government in addition to the participation of student leaders Camila Vallejo of FECh and Giorgio Jackson of FEUC. With three votes against and two in favor, the six-hour session came to reject the education funds established on the national budget bill proposed by the government. The committee rejected the bill arguing that the funds were just not enough to cover students’ demands for education, consequently criticizing Minister Bulnes and President Piñera’s government on its lack of political will to resolve the education crisis that has extended for more than five months.

Deans of traditional universities backed the block of the budget, arguing that it is not what they had previously discussed with the government. Weeks of debate on the issue and the open and general opposition towards the budget by several political sectors, left and right wing alike, anticipated this outcome. After this loss, the government is

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looking to open the possibility of increasing from the original 40 percent coverage to 60 percent coverage of the most vulnerable students, including an increase of state funds to public universities. Budget negotiation will continue, and will have to be approved before November 30.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / NEWS

A reformed maternity leave law for women in Chile The long overdue discussion in Congress over revisiting the topic of maternity leave is over; the new bill was born at last. Chile’s new maternity leave policy has been hailed as that of a more developed country; Minister Carolina Schmidt of National Women’s Service (SERNAM) described the process of this bill as a long and difficult effort that is finally a reality. It will provide Chileans with the public policy of a developed country, benefiting millions of women and families in Chile. After months of negotiations in Congress, the postnatal was approved September 29 and enacted Thursday, October 6, extending the former three-month maternity leave to a six-month leave. Chilean women this time will have the opportunity to opt between two forms of maternity leave: 12 weeks of full-time maternity leave with 100 percent subsidized pay up to 66UF (US$3,000) or 18 weeks of part-time maternity leave with 50 percent subsidized pay. Allowing women the opportunity to choose how they want to spend their last 12 weeks of maternity leave is one of the most outstanding features of the new maternity leave bill. The last three months mean that women can decide whether they want to go back to work part time or stay full time with the baby. They can even transfer their leave to the father in the last six weeks of the postnatal in order to balance child care responsibilities. This optional characteristic was strongly defended

by Minister Schmidt and Minister of Labor Evelyn Matthei, noting that in that sense, the project strived not for an imposition but for a right. According to Minister Matthei, the optional last three months will permit a gradual return to work to those women that choose to work part time, making it a more attractive leave for businesses. It also makes it a more flexible and beneficial leave for those women working in high rank positions—earning more than what the subsidies offers—making it possible to go back to

work part time and with a 50 percent subsidized pay by the state. Therefore, in many cases, companies won’t have to actually replace an employee out on maternity leave, but divide the work among other employees, making it easier for a mother to make a gradual return. Altogether, this project fulfills many necessities and international standards regarding maternity protection, which have been stated by the International Labor Organization Maternity Protection Convention of 1919. By international standards, Chilean women are certainly much better now that the country has a new maternity leave that allows them to choose in the last three months how to enhance their maternity benefit and sharing child responsibility cares with the father—resembling European maternity leave systems. It is a first step to hopefully become in the near future not just a maternity leave policy, but a parental leave that encourages equal incentives for sharing child care responsibilities and gender equality in the workplace.

Photo: Courtesy FECH

NEWS / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Chile´s New Political Compass – A Geography Student

By Jonathan Franklin

liance wishing for a return to the “mano duro” (hard hand) of General Pinochet, Chilean Interior Minister Rodrigo amila Vallejo returned from France on October Hinzpeter proposed a law that would allow the govern19 like a victorious national hero. Dozens of ment to imprison striking students for up to three months. journalists eagerly awaited her arrival at Santia“In strict rigor, this is not new; the Chilean governgo’s international airport, hoping to get a single ment has always used this level of violence versus workquestion with the much-coveted leader of Chile’s now six- ers, unions and students. In the last right wing government month-long protest movement. [led by Pinochet] there were massacres, if you remember,” “The Chilean government has… to guarantee that edu- said Manuel Cabieses, editorial director of Punto Final, a cation is a right and not a consumer good,” said Vallejo, 24, progressive weekly newspaper in Santiago. “This is the first as she laid clear the plans to continue with massive protests time since then [the dictatorship] that they use such violed by students demanding major improvements in Chile’s lence to control social movements.” public education system. “We have to take charge… The Camila Vallejo was born far from the corridors of powgovernment is blind to the realities that we face.” er. She was raised, one of four children, in Macul and La Energized by soaring international solidarity and sup- Florida, poor, forgotten corners of Santiago far from the port for the Chilean student uprising, Vallejo basked in the political elite. glory of being young, revolutionary and riding the tides of “My schooling was in a small school whose name world revolution with a strong tailwind. means ‘land of flowers,’ a paradox since in that playground “Camila Vallejo is a symptom of a deep sea change that we inhaled a lot more dirt and dust than flowers. In our Chilean society is living. It is the emergence of a planetary wooden-floored classrooms I saw the accumulated dust of movement,” said Guido Girardi, president of the Chilean generations of unknown youth; students who would never Senate in an interview with The Guardian. “She is the same as the youth that started a revolution in Tunisia, the youth of revolution that overthrow a dictatorship in Egypt. Like “Camila Vallejo is a symptom those in Spain or in Israel and the United States. They are of a deep sea change that the same youth.” Chilean society is living. It is Not since masses of Chileans protested versus Augusto the emergence of a planetary Pinochet in the mid 1980s has Chile been so mobilized movement,” said Guido Girardi, for fundamental changes in the form of government. During the Pinochet protests, the marchers were demanding an president of the Chilean Senate in end to torture, disappearances and government sponsored an interview with The Guardian. hit squads. Today the students and teachers are demanding changes to the Pinochet-era constitution and a for-profit educational system implemented under the threat of tor- occupy the positions of power in our country,” said Vallejo in her inaugural speech last November as only the second ture and death threats. Vallejo has also learned the costs of challenging en- female leader of the prestigious University of Chile student trenched power. Vallejo and other student leaders are fre- union known as the FECH. In 2007, when she was 19, Vallejo joined the JJCC, quently attacked with water cannons and tear gas as they communist youth, and the party´s influence on the young march peacefully in the streets of Santiago. As police releader is an important part of her political formation. Both pression increases, so too the reaction from students who of Vallejo’s parents are former members of the Chilean are now building barricades around town in an attempt communist party—a group that was high on the hit lists to present morning commuters with a fiery reminder that drawn up by the Pinochet dictatorship. traffic as normal is just one of the many aspects of normal Until early 2011, Vallejo was anonymous. No one noChilean life that is quickly disappearing. ticed the political speeches of this audacious leader whose Faced with a precipitous drop in public opinion polls heroes are Marxist geographers with little known last from 63 to 22 percent, the government of Chile, led by selfnames and Evo Morales the first indigenous Bolivian to made billionaire businessman Sebastian Piñera, has repeatlead that tumultuous nation. On her office wall she has a edly sought to portray the striking students as vandals or portrait of Karl Marx. No doubts the magnetic north on criminals. With more extreme members of his political al-

her political compass. What began in May 2011 as an effort by students to prevent further privatization of the nation’s university system has now mushroomed into a multi-million-person movement and erupted into a whole scale rejection of the Chilean political elite. Recent polls in Chile show record lows for both the President and the opposition coalition known as “La Concertacion” that can barely find one in ten Chileans clinging to their tattered political agenda. “A large percentage of those who at one time supported Piñera have come to understand that this is not a direct attack on their position, but rather on a model that views education as a commodity and not as a right and on a democratic system which is not inclusive,” said Vallejo in an interview with The Clinic, an alternative newsweekly in Chile. “The government is not listening to the citizenry, showing that it is prepared to adamantly defend its educational model, which means assuming the price of ignoring what the people have been demanding.” Into this vacuum, a new generation of student leaders has seized the political agenda, the public imagination and the momentum to make their once lofty dreams a political possibility. “I never imagined I would be meeting with the President and leading such a movement, I did not even want to be president of the FECH,” said Vallejo. “This has all been a new experience, having to be live in front of the cameras and learning as I go.” As the debate over public education raises an entire spectrum of questions about the justice and equality of Chilean society, the students are poised to take their organizational abilities and energies into traditional politics. A group of students are now being groomed to run for local municipal positions in the elections scheduled for October 2012. With her natural poise, eloquence and stage presence, Vallejo incited wild speculation about her political future. “Without a doubt, her party, the Communist party, is going to take advantage of the popularity of Camila Vallejo,” said Manuel Cabieses, a longtime newspaper editor. “She is a person who is destined to have political importance and you can assume that she is on a political career… will be a candidate for parliament.” “Of course she has a political future,” said Girardi when asked about speculation that Vallejo would soon be a candidate for political office. With graffiti erupting over the city calling on Vallejo to announce a candidacy, the pressure on the young geography student turned international face of the Chilean revolution is being ratcheted sharply up. ILC

Follow indigenous issues every Wednesday with US attorneys Ryan & Laura Seelau on www.ilovechile.cl.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / INDIGENOUS FOCUS

By Ryan Seelau

harity—the act of giving freely to one’s neighbor—is the theme of this month’s paper, but what does that concept have to do with Indigenous peoples? At first glance, many people may not see an immediate relationship between the idea of charity and Indigenous peoples, but the reality is that for many Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the concept of charity is a fundamental principle of life, though it may go by other names. A large number of Indigenous societies throughout the world—including within Chile— seem to incorporate charity into their daily lives far more effectively than most non-Indigenous counterparts. By way of example, allow us to recount a longstanding practice of the Atacemeño or Lickan antay people called “la limpia de canales” (the cleaning of the canals) in order to illustrate this point. In northern Chile sits the Loa Valley. For thousands of years the Atacameño people have lived in the Loa Valley as well as the more well known San Pedro River Valley. Within the Lao Valley there currently exist ten Indigenous communities. These communities haven’t moved for centuries and dot the landscape. They are now small communities with many of their people moving to the nearby city of Calama for work, school and access to government services. Yet, within these communities exist people who practice the farming and survival techniques of their ancestors—among them, terrace farming. In order to grow enough food to survive in the harsh Atacama Desert, the Atacameño people have perfected a system of terrace farming that they have used to sustain themselves for generations. Each community’s system of terraces requires water to function properly, and within these communities the water is delivered through an elaborate canal system. Given that these canals are in the dry desert where dust and sediment blow freely, the canals require cleaning annually. Unlike our “do-it-yourself ” culture, the cleaning of the canals is not a task assigned to an individual. Nor does a single community concern itself only with its own canals. Instead, the cleaning of the canals is an event that spans all ten communities in the Loa Valley and teaches a little bit about what charity can look like. The cleaning of the canals begins in a single community. Beginning on a weekend in late winter, members and families from the other nine Atacameño communities in the Loa Valley travel to the community whose canals will be cleaned first that year. For three days, hundreds of people help each other prepare the community for the upcoming farming season. The event involves giving and sharing on many levels. The host community provides food, shelter, drink and entertainment in the form of dancing through the night, while the visiting communities freely give their time and energy in cleaning the canals. This process repeats itself for ten weeks until every community has clean canals and is able to farm. The Atcameño’s practice of cleaning the canals has been going on for centuries and demonstrates an element of many—although not all—Indigenous societies that tends to make them appear different than “western” cultures. Namely, Indigenous peoples tend to identify as part of a community first, and as an individual second. This is in stark contrast to the individualistic approach that dominates so much of the world around us. This different worldview obviously plays a huge role in how concepts like charity are understood within Indigenous peoples, but it has also played an enormous role in how human rights for Indigenous peoples have evolved. While some people view Indigenous rights as “special rights,” meaning that they are rights reserved only for Indigenous peoples and not for other segments of society, a much better way to understand such rights is to consider that Indigenous

Charity: The fundamental principal of indigenous life Courtesy: Corporación de Cultura y Turismo de Calama

rights are simply human rights that take into account Indigenous peoples’ unique worldview. The idea of a “right” is inherently a self-centered concept. Rights are about what individuals can and cannot do. It is my individual right to own land regardless of what those around me might think about my decision purchase a particular piece of land. But, as previously mentioned, many Indigenous peoples in the Americas identify their community as the most basic part of who they are. For example, to many Indigenous peoples the idea of an individual owning land is a strange and foreign concept, whereas

the concept of a community caring for a parcel of land is a better reflection of their worldview. Indigenous rights then are simply human rights put into a context where Indigenous values of community can be reflected. For instance, in the context of land, Indigenous rights simply argue that land may be owned either by individuals or by communities and that each society or group of people gets to decide for themselves how they want to own that land. Similarly, what we might call “charity,” to Indigenous peoples is nothing more than what is expected day-to-day so that all may farm and eat and drink and live.

Get business updates on Chile every Tuesday from Ken Shields on www.ilovechile.cl.

SOCIAL RESPONSABILITY / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

From Arica to Limpopo

via the Low Carbon Economy Contrary to common Hollywood belief, it’s not going to be a doomsday scenario. Climate change effects will slowly encroach onto all walks of life. Start burning our forests, expanding deserts, melting fresh water banks and infecting the economy by a plagued natural resource economy. Photos: Katja Moeller

By Pablo Javier Retamal

hat makes technology and products so interesting for us? Is it their complexity and intricate wiring? Or rather, is it simplicity and that “why didn’t I think of that” moment that flashes through our heads before allowing our lips to curl upwards as we hold a novel bit of hardware in our hands. There are countless technologies we could start to list that have had the latter effect on us. However, putting that moment into a climate change context would veer us into sustainable technology comparisons. What are sustainable technologies when talking about climate change? It’s anything and everything that helps a country, organization or person transition into the low carbon economy. In plain English: carbon footprints are able to measure what our overall carbon equivalent emissions are. According to most scientists, if we stay on a business-as-usual consumption pattern we’ll soon be going the way of the dodo. So we need technology that helps keep emissions low and prepare for the inevitable side effects of climate change. Contrary to common Hollywood belief, it’s not going to be a doomsday scenario. Climate change effects will slowly encroach onto all walks of life. Start burning our forests, expanding deserts, melting fresh water banks and infecting the economy by a plagued natural resource economy. Hey! It’s already happening! Take Pakistani floods, famine in Somalia, forest fires in Russia, storms in Australia and drought in Chile’s Copiapo area. Add up all the economic effects of these events and you’ll have a good idea of a massive need to transition into a low carbon economy. The British embassy financed a Universidad Catolica/ECLAC in 2008, “Chile’s Climate Change Economy.” The verdict? Chilean scientists suggest climate change could pose huge challenges for the country. Scientists say their models show projected temperature increases of at least one degree centigrade and a drop in rainfall of ten to 30 percent in the next 40 years. These changes could have a particular impact on agriculture in Chile’s central zone, home to a large part of the country’s population. However, in northern areas, mining and copper production contributes to a large portion of Chile’s economic sustainability. And guess what? Mining needs water. Considering copper is a valued commodity, mining companies will always have the means to dig deep in their pockets and import more water when needed. It is local residents and their food crops, however, that will soon find Chile’s water market unaffordable. And that’s just it: mining wins over agriculture, and local residents either need to be employed by a mining company or move to another part of the country. At a macro-economic level, can we talk about sustainable development if we are not producing the type of environment that is modular enough to sustain itself without externalities? If copper prices go down (unlikely in the near future unless China stops growing), can Chile really say mining is providing sustainable development for future generations? As in other Andean countries, the rate at which many of Chile’s glaciers are melting has increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to temperature rises. Climate scientists say Chile is probably less dependent on glacial melt for water supplies than some areas of neighboring Peru or Bolivia. However, they

worry that the combination of more demand, less rainfall, less melting snow, and less water trapped in glaciers could combine to cause a serious decline in water availability, particularly in the summer months. Sebastian Vicuna, executive director of the Global Change Research Centre at the Universidad Católica in Santiago, has calculated that the Maipo River—by far the largest source of irrigation and drinking water for the central region—could suffer a severe decline in its flow in the summer months. Based on hydrological simulations, he says that by 2065 the water in the river could have fallen by 70 percent, from 170 cubic meters per second to no more than 60.

Special atmospheric conditions occur along the arid coast of Chile and southern Peru, where clouds settling on the Andean slopes produce what is known locally as “camanchacas” (thick fog). The clouds that touch the land surface can be harvested to obtain water. “Freshwater Augmentation Technologies” or fog harvesting sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie: draining air to squeeze out drops of water in the middle of the desert. But that’s just what the Aymara of Chile did. Many years ago, the story was told of an Aymara Indian who planted a tree in the foggy desert and how it thrived. A more modern story began in 1967, when

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / SOCIAL RESPONSABILITY

Photos: Katja Moeller

a cypress tree was planted in the foggy desert of Norte Grande province in Northern Chile. As far as rainfall is concerned, this area, near Antofagasta, Chile, may be the driest area in the world—receiving less than 5 millimeters of rain per year. Initially, a fog trap made of nylon mesh provided moisture for the tree, but as the tree grew, it was able to capture the moisture on its own, enough to contribute to undergrowth and even to groundwater (Gischler, 1991). The Aymara’s fog harvesting technology has been researched and praised by many scientists. It’s equivalent to electricity from the sky (solar panels). Obviously, the production of water required for mining does not make fog harvesting a big development prospect for mining. However, if we were able to disperse cell phone technology so that everyone can walk around and call anyone at any time, is it so crazy to think we could optimize Aymara technology so that it helps provide sustainable amounts of fresh water for coastal and northern desert communities? Technology Transfer: Chile to Africa The Aymara would have probably been surprised to know that they would one day be helping Tshanowa Junior Primary School in Limpopo, South Africa. The school is frequently shrouded in dense mist and rain, but the nearest water sources are 2 kilometers away. There is a dam, 5 kilometers away. Most water sources are contaminated and the quality of the dam water is suspect. One hundred and thirty school children rely on what water they can carry with them to school each day.

As our generation inherits the planet’s most challenging environmental crisis of all time, we will need sustainable solutions to survive climate change. The school is located on the ridge of the easternmost points of Soutpansberg 1,000 meters above sea level. Here, fog collection is ideal. Moist maritime air from the Indian Ocean moves over the escarpment and against the mountains during the night and early morning. The cloudiness sometimes persists throughout the day; it’s an African “camanchaca.” In 1999, permission from local tribal leaders to erect a fog water collection system was granted. Vacant land adjacent to the school was demarcated for the purpose and construction commenced with local inhabitants employed to assist. Each fog collector consists of three six-meter-high wooden poles, mounted nine meters apart. Steel cables stretch horizontally between the poles, and from each pole to the ground. A double layer of 30 percent shade cloth is draped over the cables, and fixed to the poles on each side. Water dripping from the net into the gutter runs through a sand filter and is then emptied into a tipping bucket. From there, it flows into a ten-kiloliter storage tank further down the slope. Two additional tanks were erected at the school to collect the overflow from the first. An automatic weather station was also installed to record rainfall, wind speed and wind direction.

Within four days of completion, school children and members of the local community were drinking water collected by the fog screen. Although weather conditions have made accurate data collection difficult, daily yields of as much as 3,800 liters of rain and fog combined, have been recorded. The average collection rate from March 1999 to April 2001 was over 2.5 liters per square meter of fog screen. Tshanowa Junior Primary School’s giant fog screens provide pupils and members of the community an average of between 150 liters and 250 liters of water a day—250 liters of water they get for free and had no access to before. So when thinking of great Chileans, I am inclined to put my vote out there for the Aymara. Looking at how water prices are rising in Chile (ie. In Copiapo the cubic meter of water is now 1,000 pesos) we will be soon realize how important water efficiency really is. The Aymara developed fog harvesting out of need. However, instead of improving this kind of technology we have ignored it and undermined it for centuries. As our generation inherits the planet’s most challenging environmental crisis of all time, we will need sustainable solutions to survive climate change. As cliché as “sustainable solutions” may sound, we need to promote, ask and apply those solutions with more ease than is currently happening or being permitted by market mechanisms. Integrating into the low carbon economy must not necessarily require importing expensive western technologies: research and development focused on what we know works for us may be a wiser strategy. Chile and its people have a lot to teach and offer the world, however, the country still needs to teach itself about the gifts it harbors inside. ILC

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FEATURE / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Photos: Jessica Van Maanen

A Light in the Dark

By Julie Gibson

magine the surprise of ten young orphans as they see their new rooms. Brand new mattresses, sheets, comforters, a new pillow, curtains and even a little throw pillow. Everything was bought to match the new coat of paint to cover up scribbles of despair that graffiti the walls of the orphanage Hogar de Niñas La Granja. Last month a team of volunteers painstakingly painted every room of Casa 7. Each girl was given the choice of what color she wanted her room to be, and the main rooms were painted green— the color of hope—just what these special girls need. Hogar de Niñas la Granja Vision for Chile in conjunction with SENAME (National Service for Minors) support the Hogar de Niñas La Granja. Vision for Chile was founded in 1995 after a visit from Tom Orme. Orme and his wife were on vacation in Chile when one stop to the orphanage changed the direction of his life forever. Tom was only tagging along on the stop at the Hogar. As he toured the property, he was shocked at the disarray of the houses and crumbling wall that surrounded the orphanage. As he inquired after the wall, he was shocked and saddened to learn that not only were they lacking the funds to build a new wall, but just the night before his arrival a man had entered one of the homes and raped a four-year-old girl. When Orme returned to the United States, he could not forget the images and the extreme need of the orphanage and the girls living within the crumbling walls. This was when he knew his calling was to put together a team of workers, finances and a trip to Chile to build a new wall. He named his ministry Vision for Chile. Vision for Chile is a faith-based ministry for orphans and needy children that serves two areas, Hogar de Niñas La Granja and Casa Esperanza (House of Hope). “I want to provide the girls with hope and a life where they can become whatever it is they choose,” said Orme. “First and foremost I want them to be safe, secondly, I want them to know God and finally, I want them to have hope.” Hogar de Niñas La Granja is an orphanage serv-

ing more than 70 girls ages three to 17. The girls have been taken from their parents by the state because of physical and/or sexual abuse. A judge will look for any suitable family member who can care for the child, however, if no family members are able or willing to care for the girl, she then is placed in an orphanage. Many girls have spent their entire childhood in the Hogar with sporadic visits from family. “We are a light in the darkness,” said Leonardo Huequelef, director of Hogar de Niñas La Granja. “This is a hogar with open doors. Come and visit us and see our home. We are here to support our girls.” The orphanage has seven houses with ten girls per house. The purpose is to provide the girls with a sense of belonging. Each house has their own “tia,” or aunt, who becomes a mother figure for the girls. The other major difference between Hogar de Niñas La Granja and other orphanages in Chile is the Christian-based ministry. The girls are given a spiritual education to help them through many of the difficult challenges life has presented them. Esperanza has been at the orphanage since she

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was four. “God has had his hand on me since I was born,” said Esperanza. “He is the most important thing in my life and I could never get through this without Him.” At age three, Esperanza lived in a tiny wooden house with running water, but no electricity. The house was shared with seven other family members. Her father drank a lot and did not have a steady job. He beat her and her mother. Esperanza remembers playing on the streets, sometimes until dark with no supervision. Many times a neighbor would see her and give her food. Ultimately, the police found her on the street and took her in, fed her, cleaned her up and brought her to the orphanage. Esperanza stayed at the Hogar de Niñas La Granja for 14 years until she turned 18. The House of Hope Once the girls turn 18 SENAME (National Service for Minors) no longer provides funding and they have to leave the orphanage. With no family to take

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FEATURE

the girls in, many end up living on the streets and succumb to a life of prostitution and drug abuse. And the cycle of violence and abuse continues. Tom Orme saw this failure as each girl left. With little to no high school education and no family, how were these girls to make it in life? Out of his heartache, the House of Hope was born. Casa Esperanza, or the House of Hope, is a unique one-of-a-kind residence as it is designed to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support as the girls leave the orphanage. In this loving environment the young women are able to transition into adulthood with the support and counsel of a caring staff. At the house, they receive free room and board and access to a free university or technical education. Currently the House of Hope has a capacity for 26 girls. The requirements to live at the house are to have come from an orphanage or a complex family situation and to dedicate themselves to their studies. Once a week the young women volunteer at the Hogar de Niñas La Granja where they become advocates and mentors to the younger girls to show them there is hope beyond a life of poverty, abuse and neglect. At 18, Esperanza was forced to leave the orphanage with no place to go. Eventually, her aunt took her in. She tried to attend school, but she had to drop out to help put food on the table. Last year, Esperanza discovered the House of Hope via Facebook though a pastor she had befriended while on a mission trip to Santiago. She interviewed with Daniel Trujillo, director of the House of Hope, and was accepted into the program. Esperanza is now studying to finish high school with hopes of becoming a nursing assistant. “These girls are truly brave. Brave for taking the more difficult path,” said Trujillo, whose objective is to provide the girls with a home environment full of respect and support. “The young women who come to live and study in the House of Hope are in a process of remaking a new identity for themselves. They are developing self-esteem and a new outlook on life.” The short term goals for Vision for Chile is to build a two-story building behind the House of Hope comprised of 20 dorm rooms with the first floor established as a business center. The business center will house the supplies and equipment needed for the girls to operate a business. “They can learn a trade, market the items and sell the products,” said Orme. “I want to give all the girls who come through the House of Hope an edge on the market when they leave.” Vision for Chile’s long-term goals is to build five more Houses of Hope throughout Chile—two more in Santiago, one in Temuco, one in Concepción and one in Linares. Vision for Chile hopes to replicate this model within Chile and other countries to break the cycle of poverty in children after age 18 when the federal government no longer assists them. “Through Vision for Chile, our girls will learn English, how to run and operate a business, as well as receive a fully-paid education in what ever field they choose,” said Orme. “We need prayers, we need people to give their time and we need finances to continue providing a warm environment and education for the girls.” It costs roughly US$1,000 a month for each girl to live and study at the House of Hope. Currently, funding is coming from the United States through programs such as the Sponsor a Girl or though dona-

tions from their Web site. However, it’s not enough. Orme and Trujillo are currently seeking individuals, churches, organizations and companies in the US, as well as Chile, to partner with them in becoming committed, monthly sponsors of the House of Hope. Orme has taken the vision of one man and developed it into hope for countless young women and girls. With ongoing support of volunteers and dona-

tions for people around the world, Vision for Chile is breaking the cycle of poverty and neglect. As we invest in these brave young girls and women, they will invest in themselves and transform their lives and the future of Chile. If you would like to help or if you’d like to know more about Vision for Chile, Hogar de Niñas La Granja, or Casa Esperanza please visit www.visionforchile.org. ILC

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FEATURE / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Barking mad or happy as a flea in a doghouse?

Volunteering in an animal rescue center By Jolanta Polk

eople often ask me why anyone in their right mind would want to spend four hours every Saturday cleaning kennels, sorting out smelly blankets or picking up dog poop. Instead of answering, I display a collection of photos I store on my mobile phone to show them the wagging tails or molten-honey eyes of the past and present inmates of the Ñuñoa Municipal Dog Rescue Center (CRC). There is my answer. Because apart from the so called “dirty-work” I spend most of my time walking, playing with and, above all, giving these dogs lots of love. Each volunteer has his or her own reason for joining the center. In my and my children’s case it was the death of our beloved pet, 10-year-old Vicky. Suddenly, our house seemed empty—no hairy face peeping thorough the balcony bars or barking at us when we arrived home each evening. As the days passed we decided that it was still not time to adopt another furry family member, but that we did need dogs in our lives. We knew of the existence of the center as we had attended some of their events in Plaza Ñuñoa, so I visited their Web site and found a phone number for one of the volunteers, Carolina Arévalo. It turns out that apart from looking after the CRC site, she had also practically launched the center on October 4, 2009. We made an appointment for the following Saturday, dressed in our scruffiest clothes and showed up ready for what may come. Our initial impression was one of bewilderment: right by the gate we were greeted by what seemed like 100 dogs. The center’s facilities are quite precarious and the space for walking is barely more than a 150-meter,

“Thanks to our combined work, municipal workers and volunteers, nearly 1,000 dogs have been re-homed in the last two years.” cemented pathway where we saw people dressed in overalls walking or running with the dogs. But we were determined, and after the first induction (safety, above all, then exercise and affection) we were off to see the dogs—dozens of them straining on their leashes, jumping and telling us to choose them for a walk. There were small dogs and big ones, typical shaggy mongrels and purebred beauties, mutts found in the plazas of Ñuñoa and others taken away from abusive owners. Unfortunately a lot of volunteers don’t tend to vis-

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it very often, but there is a group of some ten stable helpers who try to visit the center at least once a week and without whose assistance adoption, as well as the everyday running of the center, would be much more difficult. “The volunteers’ work is crucial as they not only help us with the typical dog care activities, but also make adoptions happen much more quickly,” said Christian Agurto, the vet in charge of the center and who also adopted four CRC dogs. “Thanks to our combined work, municipal workers and volunteers, nearly 1,000 dogs have been re-homed in the last two years.” After more than a year of volunteering, some moments really do stand out. Like the time Violeta, who arrived on the opening day of the center accompanying her badly injured doggie partner found a home last September. Or when Pita, a young pit-bull was flown all the way to Antofagasta to live with a family who fell in love with her at first sight. Some might argue there are better things to do with one’s time such as collecting money for charities or visiting the sick in a hospital. I say all instances of helping those in need, human or not, are worthy causes. I do not regret one moment spent with the CRC dogs. They have taught me patience, dedication, love and yes, how to hold in my breath when I scoop the occasional shovelful of dog dirt. ILC Readers interested in becoming volunteers or adopting a CRC dog can visit http://crcvoluntarios.wordpress.com or phone 6167126 to arrange an appointment. Adopt a homeless dog: you will change his life and he can change yours.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FEATURE

Make-A-Wish Chile By Silvia Viñas

ix-year-old Luciano had a dream: to be Spiderman. But not to just dress up like Spiderman— to have the real Spiderman transfer his powers to him. Make-A-Wish Chile, with the support of the Santiago municipality, made Luciano’s wish a reality. Luciano—who suffers from Leukemia—saved a damsel in distress in Plaza de Armas and was thanked and recognized by mayor Pablo Zalaquett for saving the city. Luciano is one of the many children who suffer from life threatening medical conditions that have fulfilled their dreams and wishes thanks to Make-A –Wish Chile. Make-A-Wish Foundation started in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona and 14 years later its Chile office opened with 9-year-old Alejandro Medel’s dream to go inside the Presidential Palace La Moneda. Last year, the Chile chapter, led by executive director Patricia Reyes, granted 75 dreams—their goal for the year was 65. This year their goal is to grant 100 wishes. Making these dreams come true takes hard work. Once dream coordinator Vivian Orozco, with the help of volunteers, verifies that a child qualifies for the program, he or she is interviewed to identify the dream Make-A-Wish will grant. After paper work has been filled out, the organization looks for sponsors and plans the dream’s logistics.

Carefully selected volunteers help throughout this entire process. With an average age of 28, volunteers in the Make-A-Wish Chile office go through a threemonth testing period. Some volunteers help interview the children, others contact sponsors or work on the creative and technical side of the wish. The local chapter, housed on Bucarest 118 in Providencia, has been staffed with dedicated volunteers from Chile, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, among other places. Orozco is one of these international volunteers. Born in Colombia, she married a Chilean, moved to Chile and started looking for ways to help with a social cause. Vivian was attracted to the foundation’s mission to make children with life-threatening medical conditions happy. That was four years ago today. Although Orozco is part of the regular staff, everyone at Make-A-Wish Chile takes part in the dreams as volunteers: “It makes no sense for me to work in a place where I haven’t lived the experience,” she said. Chile’s office has adopted that philosophy so that everyone in the chapter understands what dreams undertake. When asked what motivates her to go to work every morning at Make-A-Wish, Orozco said that in part it is the children’s happiness and being present at the dream, “But there is a lot of self-motivation,” she added, “knowing that I am actually helping in the world. I see my client’s satisfaction immediately and we feel like we are making a difference.” Doctors have

Courtesy: Make a Wish

Doctors have told Orozco and others that due to the happiness children experience thanks to their dreams being granted, their defenses increase and they tolerate treatments better. told Orozco and others that due to the happiness children experience thanks to their dreams being granted, their defenses increase and they tolerate treatments better. You can see examples of the wishes the Chile office has granted and find out about ways to help and get involved on the foundation’s Web site: www. makeawish.cl ILC

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Celebrating New Year’s

VE Global

t’s easy to get lost in a city as big as Santiago, especially if you’re a child without the kind of solid, basic support system tons of explosives are currently that many of us takever for20 granted. At-risk being shipped from Barcelona, Spain, children who come from difficult family situto the San Antonio ations and don’t have access to good educa- port in Chile. They weretraverse ordered by Mario Igual, the man tional opportunities must a difficult in charge of one of the most extensive path if they are to break out of poverty and fireworks in the world. “New Years at develop into successful, well-rounded indithe sea 2011” will illuminate 21 kilometres of Chile’s viduals. The deck is stacked against them, coast for a 25 minute long spectacle of light. but that’s where Voluntarios de la Esperanza (VEThe Global) steps in to lend than a few since 1952 and are fireworks are more a tradition helping hands. accompanied by a party that shuts down streets VE was over founded 2004, springandGlobal draws 1 in million visitors to the ports and ing out of the work done by a group vol- While the show is beaches each December of31st. unteers at the Fundación Hogar de Espersimilar every year, some novelties straight from the anza,labs a children’s homePyrotechnics located in Santiago’s of Igual will surprise spectators La Florida neighborhood. Theoforganization in the first minutes 2011. Initiated from 17 ships brings together and trainsingroups of volunlying at anchor the bays of Valparaiso, Viña del teers,Mar with and a minimum four-month Concón, 30.000commitexplosions will light up the ment,sky. to go workbest withviews at-risk children in a The are rumoured to be from the promenades of settings, Gervasoni, Yugoslavo, Barón or 21 variety of institutional primarily Courtesy: VE Global de Mayo. children’s homes, schools and community centers. The mission city of is Valparaiso spent USD $200.000 on “Our to empoweralone volunteers lastayear’s red, blue fireworks theme. On to make difference in white the livesand of children last who dayare of experiencing 2010, the at-risk city’s bars and nightclubs here this in Chile will open early, while the main square will be filled social situations,” said Josh Pilz, VE’s execuwith live music until sunrise. Expect to be covered in tive director. confetti and embraces when the clock hits 00:01, but The organization takes a holistic apthe celebrations really start three proach to their overall goal of improving the days in advance of the big moment, with a street carnival and parade lives of these children. Volunteers provide made up of actors, dancers, painters, musicians and emotional support, intellectual stimulation cated about making healthy lifestyle choices of course thousands of Chileans from all over the and physical activity through a range of pro- and “Festival de Arte,” where the children country. grams designed to help the children develop can develop their creative abilities through new Ifskills in awant fun, relaxed The art workshops field-trips. you to goatmosphere. by car, make sure to getand there four before main programs are: “Vamos a Leer,” a “All of our programs noon. After that, traffic jams are likely to spoil try encourage exsummer-reading and literacy citement andreserve passion,” said Pilz. He exthe fun. A better idea ismotivation to take the bus, but program; “English in Motion,” which proplained that they provide “emotional educayour seat well in advance. The same goes for hotels videsand English language classes to supplement tion, role-modeling and positive examples apartments, which might already be booked the work the children do in school; “Liga de of dealing with crises out despite of the elevated prices. Either way, theand conflicts” to help Deportes,” a healthfireworks and wellness overcome the kind of “toxic stress” that chilValparaiso at program the sea are an experience where theto children learn a new sportNew or ac-Year! dren coming from difficult situations must not be missed. Happy tivity such as capoeira or karate, and are edu- reckon with in their day-to-day lives.

at the sea

Courtesy: VE Global

By Carolina Sipos

and giving them the added responsibility of overseeing some of the administrative work that allows the organization to function and prosper. “We believe in our human resources as our most important resource,” said Pilz. The organization also encourages its volunteers to stay involved long after they’ve finished their work, putting together fundraising events and spreading the word abroad. The idea is to build a community, a network of people who have a long-term commitment to the goals and ideals that the institution stands for. VE’s reach as an international organization has indeed spread far and wide after its humble beginnings as a small group of volunteers working out of a single children’s home. Since its inception, it has received over 450 volunteers to work in one of the eight institutions they are connected with in Santiago. With about 20-25 volunteers on the ground every day, VE can reach out and provide services to over 300 children daily. But although they’ve been growing, Pilz emphasized that the organization is still, first and foremost, about the quality of care they provide, and the strong connections they develop. As for the future, VE is looking to solidify its place as a strong force within Chile’s growing network of institutions created to promote social awareness. “We’re an international organization, but we’re also a Chilean organization,” said Pilz. “One of the things I would really love to work on in the short-term is to create more awareness about what we do in the Chilean community and to reach out to more Chileans to participate directly and actively within our organization.” ILC

wh at ´ s

By Titus Levy

FEATURE / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Beyond this set of continuing programs, VE also allows its volunteers to design and implement their own projects based on their personal interests and expertise: everything from hiking trips to synchronized swimming lessons. These types of programs encourage a unique form of interaction between the volunteers and the children, in which the staff can “find a need and fit that need through their own experiences,” explained Jaime Enzey, VE’s director of resource development. Giving volunteers an opportunity to be creative and personalize their work is consistent with VE’s belief that the members of their team should take something special away from their experience. The organization does not charge a program fee, a unique operating model among volunteer organizations of its kind. It places a special emphasis on the personal and professional growth of its volunteers, encouraging them to take the reins in their day-to-day work with the kids

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FEATURE

“It doesn’t stop here”

Desafío Levantemos Chile three months after the Juan Fernández tragedy Courtesy: Levantemos Chile

By Richard Magennis

esafío Levantemos Chile was formed to help reconstruct communities affected by the powerful earthquake which levelled many parts of the country, and the subsequent tsunami which inundated several coastal towns and villages on February 27, 2010. Felipe Cubillos was quick to realize the need to help those left without a home or access to education or healthcare. He openly criticized the government’s slow response and exhaustive bureaucracy, which consequently hampered the relief efforts and reconstruction programs during the months following the disaster. Earlier this year, however, the charity suffered a colossal setback. For many Chileans, September 2, 2011 will be remembered for the death of Felipe Camiroaga, the muchloved morning TV presenter who lost his life in the tragic plane crash just off the island of Juan Fernández. However, for Desafío Levantemos Chile it will always be remembered as the day on which this recently formed charity lost its founder and devoted leader Felipe Cubillos along with five other of its dedicated employees when the plane went down whilst on the way to visit one of its many projects on the small Pacific island. In the days following this horrific accident, vice president of the charity, José Pedro Varela, stated on the radio station ADN Chile that one has “to continue beyond the emotion” and that “it does not stop here,” in turn eradicating any doubts that the project and the help it provides to many needy families could be in jeopardy.

Courtesy: Levantemos Chile

José Pedro Varela, stated on the radio station ADN Chile that one has “to continue beyond the emotion” and that “it does not stop here,” in turn eradicating any doubts that the project and the help it provides to many needy families could be in jeopardy. Over three months after the accident, the charity is stronger than ever. With money pouring in from fundraisers and donations from all around the country and beyond, and with its growing army of devoted volunteers, Desafío Levantemos Chile continues to complete previous and ongoing projects whilst at the same time initiating many new ones to keep on improving the social situation in many Chilean communities. On September 28, the community of Arauco celebrated the inauguration of the adult workshops in the Paul Harris Centre, benefitting 200 senior citizens in the area, along with the Felipe Cubillos nursery and the library at the San Felipe Secondary School built to enhance the studies of over 400 pupils. Furthermore, on October 20, the first delivery of instruments was made to the Escuela Especial D-8 in Curicó as part of the Do Re Mi project, whose aim is to provide underfunded schools with music equipment. The project has been made possible due to the funds raised through the sales of the download “El Desafío de Felipe,” which was launched following the San Fernández plane accident. The song is out now with a minimum suggested price of $1,000 pesos and is available on their Web site www.desafiolevantemoschile.cl. This is just one of the charity’s many other projects that aims to benefit not only communities affected by last year’s earthquake, but also those situated in less affluent areas of the country.

As well as the numerous one-off projects in Chile, Desafío Levantemos Chile also runs many others that strive to fulfil one of the project’s main aims, ‘to unite both worlds that live together in this country.’ One of these is the A mí sí me importa campaign, which allows citizens to contact the project’s coordinators directly and request for support regarding problems or needs specific to their community. The Web site www.amisimeimporta.cl includes all the necessary details on how to claim for help and information on the large range of projects related to this scheme. Similarly, with help from the Chilean armed forces, the charity is continuing with its small businesses project on

the island of San Fernández. The project aims to stimulate trade and create new businesses in the region after it was brought to its knees following the tsunami last year. Apart from the various projects already improving the lives of thousands of Chileans, the charity is continuing to embark on new challenges and extend existing ones to other areas of the country. Recently, the charity launched as part of its entrepreneurial program the 100x100 project in the Biobío region, which aims to train 100 women from villages still in the process of reconstruction following the earthquake in just 100 days. The goal is to encourage the participants to launch their own projects and to teach them new skills thus improving their employability and future career prospects. Nevertheless, one must emphasise that none of these projects would have been possible without the support of many volunteers who help and have helped in the past to make Desafío Levantemos Chile the successful charity it is today. To get involved in one of the many schemes throughout Chile or to make a donation, go to the charity’s main Web site and get in contact for more information to find out how you can help in your region and make changes to your community. ILC

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EDUCATION / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Paulo Freire:

A controversial view of education By Ian Gilbert

he British statesman Winston Churchill was once voted the Greatest Briton of the 21 Century for his central, indefatigable role in helping Great Britain and the Allies overcome Hitler’s invading armies. He was also the man behind the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign in World War I that resulted in nearly 400,000 dead and wounded and, according to UK government records, he was strongly in favor of letting Gandhi starve to death. Coming from a wealthy, privileged and historical family, he knew a thing or two about power and is once quoted as saying “It is more agreeable to have the power to give than to receive.” In other words, giving and power are nicely linked for the giver. All the received can do is receive and be grateful. In Chile there are many educational charities doing great work with vulnerable children from vulnerable families in vulnerable schools in vulnerable areas. Many of these are set up and run by people who genuinely want to make a difference to a situation they feel is wrong. Children from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ are failed by the system in Chile, a system that is the world’s most economically segregated according to

There are government attempts to put things right but, as Einstein once said, “You can’t solve the problems using the same kind of thinking you used when you created them.” Universidad de Chile researchers. There are government attempts to put things right but, as Einstein once said, “You can’t solve the problems using the same kind of thinking you used when you created them.” So, it is down to charitable people often drawing on (pre-tax) money from big business to try and do their bit. The question is, taking on board Churchill’s point, does it actually change anything fundamental or does it just maintain the status quo and keep the receivers poor and grateful and the givers in power, their conscience (and tax liability) clear? One of the leading educationalists to come out of Latin American in the past 50 years has a view on this, which is controversial to say the least. Or at least challenging enough to ensure he was exiled from his home country, Brazil, during the military government there in the 1960s. As an aside it’s worth pointing out how he describes his feelings arriving in Chile in November 1964 as an ex-pat: “I arrived in Chile with my whole self: passion, longing, sadness, hope desire, dreams in smithereens, but not abandoned, offenses, knowledge stored in the countless fabrics of living experience, availability for life, fears and terrors, doubts, a will to live and love. Hope especially.” Freire’s take on education and charity grew out of his work in the countryside villages of Chile where he was trying to help the agricultural workers adapt new

practices and ideas under the auspices of Christian Democratic Agrarian Reform Movement and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. One of the things that had caught the unwelcome eyes of the authorities in Brazil was that under the previous regime his educational innovations had involved teaching illiterate sugar cane workers to read and write in a less than a couple of months. He was, in other words, dangerous. The ruling classes have worried throughout time that they will have to endure all sorts of inconveniences if the poor are taught to read and write and, heaven forbid, think for themselves. However, far from fermenting revolt and civil unrest, Freire was adamant that educating the poor has the opposite effect. In his seminal book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, he tells of a previously uneducated factory worker who pointed out that “when I began this course I was naïve and when I found out how naïve I was, I started to get critical. But this discovery hasn’t made me a fanatic.” Indeed, the demonstrations and unrest on the streets of Santiago and elsewhere across Chile in recent months that see little sign of abating are not as a result of having educated people, but of not educating them

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Simply receiving from privileged others just se to maintain the status quo, as Churchill kne Therefore, the only one who has the power rea change things is not the giver but the receiv adequately. For Freire, the only way to help those who need help is to be part of them, to be at one with their struggle. Simply receiving from privileged others just serves to maintain the status quo, as Churchill knew. Therefore, the only one who has the power really to change things is not the giver but the receiver. I’ll come back to what Freire calls disdainfully the “banking concept of education” at another time as it is a fascinating view of an invidious educational model, one that is still prevalent in Chilean schools today as well as elsewhere around the world. It is a model to be seen wherever classrooms are arranged with individuals desks in rows with the teacher only ever at front. However, what would Freire—who died in 1997 after an illustrious career that saw him win many honors and positions worldwide including the 1986 UNESCO

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / EDUCATION

Photo: Courtesy Desafío Levantemos Chile

erves ew. ally to ver.

prize for Education for Peace—make of Chile’s current reliance on charity to educate some of the country’s hardest to reach, but most needy children? To answer this question we could do worse than take a look at the work of Desafio Levantemos Chile. This charity was set up in the aftermath of Chile’s terrible 2010 8.8 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that devastated many communities in the south of Chile. Its founder was the Chilean businessman and yachtsman Phillip Cubillos who was tragically killed in a military plane crash off the coast of Juan Fernandez Islands in September this year. Cubillos’ initial response to the earthquake was to build hostels for the people who had lost their homes and who were sleeping in makeshift shelters. However, when he stopped to actually ask them what it was they wanted they said they could survive with basic shelter for now, but not without a school for the children. He learned quickly to work with—and not for—those who would most benefit from his help. An off-shoot from his charity’s work in education has been the work of one of his closest colleagues, Chilean businessman and entrepreneur Robert Bravo. Roberto sees that many of the problems in Chilean state schools could be addressed not by pouring money

into the system (although some extra cash in some of Chile’s run-down schools wouldn’t do any harm), but by changing the thinking of those leading the schools, in particular its head teachers. The key is to move the school leaders to what could be called an opportunity mindset, one where challenges are not seen as insurmountable obstacles that someone else needs to remove, but as challenges that can be overcome with more of a can do approach. To achieve this the charity is not running a series of conferences and inviting key academics from top universities to speak to grateful Chilean educationalists, something that masquerades as an attempt to change

The key is to move the school leaders to what could be called an opportunity mindset, one where challenges are not seen as insurmountable obstacles that someone else needs to remove, but as challenges that can be overcome with more of a can do approach.

things, but that changes nothing, ever. Rather they are using local people with exactly the right sort of mindset that Bravo knows helps schools help themselves: Chilean entrepreneurs. Desafio Levantemos Chile matches willing school principals from the state system with local volunteer mentors who run their own businesses, not for the entrepreneur to tell the educationalist what to do, but to help change their thinking. ‘Things are bad, when is the government going to sort this?’ then becomes ‘What can I, my team and community do now to make things better?’ With success in schools in the south of Chile and a new tranche of Santiago schools coming online this term, the charity knows that there is no fixed answer to this question. Each community is different and will address its problems in different ways. But what ensues is local people taking things into their own hands and making things better by helping themselves. I feel Freire would be happy with this. Afterword: Freire’s last words were an optimistic call for his doctors to keep him alive long enough to see the changes he had helped instigate come to fruition. Churchill’s last words were, “I am so bored with this.” Perhaps that power thing is overrated. ILC www.ilovechile.cl/radio

The Entrepreneur Hunter / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Open and Social Innovation:

Techolab determined to bring ‘just this’ for all By Shonika Proctor

Courtesy: Un Techo para Chile

‘W

hat if ’ are two of the most powerful words found in the innovation and entrepreneurship space. They are the words that lead us to dream a bigger dream, play with possibilities and create solutions from the edge of potential. Jesuit Priest Felipe Berríos SJ’s ‘What If ’ question was “What if we could eradicate extreme poverty for those living at the base of the economic pyramid in Chile?” Before I finish the story of what happened next, it goes without saying that if I were to ask that question to 100 different people from different backgrounds, with or without varying levels of education, careers, socio-economic statuses and so forth, I could very well receive 100 different answers. And then, if I grouped those 100 people together, coupled with a social network and funding source to implement those ideas this would be Techolab and thus the power and potential of open and social innovation. However, when Priest Felipe Berríos SJ asked this question, it was the year 1997 in Chile. His answer came to him after brainstorming with a group of young people in Chile who shared similar concerns. Realizing ideas hold no value or impact without action, he presented a challenge to the students—he invited them to build 350 houses in Curanilahue, located in the south of Chile Bío-Bío Region (Region VIII). As a result of the successful implementation of this project, Un Techo Para Chile (A Roof for Chile) was born. The next challenge was a greater one, with the intention to build 2,000 houses by the year 2000. The young, eager team of students working for the Un Techo Para Chile team succeeded again, accomplishing the goal in 1999 and immediately realizing the need to expand their organization nationally. They began launching offices around the country, and in 2001 opened their first offices outside of Chile, one in Peru and one in El Salvador. With this greater vision, Un Techo Para Chile had now grown to Un Techo Para Mi País, (A Roof for My Country). As the organization continued to expand throughout Latin America, the need for diversification of their programs, offerings and value added services along with a team that could manage the scalability became critical. Thus, nearly a decade after Un Techo Para Chile was founded, the humble beginnings of their Centro de Innovación was masterminded and launched by Julián Ugarte Fuentes, a Singularity University graduate (Silicon Valley) in April 2007. Seeking to answer the question ‘What if we could eradicate extreme poverty for

Courtesy: Un Techo para Chile

‘What if we could eradicate extreme poverty for those living at the base of the economic pyramid in Chile—while leveraging the power of social innovation, design and human networks?’ those living at the base of the economic pyramid in Chile—while leveraging the power of social innovation, design and human networks?’ Fuentes converged his worlds and extensive background in social entrepreneurship, design-thinking and industrial design. He began launching projects that wove the people living in slums into the co-creation and implementation of products that solved their everyday challenges. It is not common for families living in the slums to have pipes or plumbing and therefore no running water. Their water is delivered by a water truck and things that many may take for granted such as washing dishes, bathing, cooking or simply washing your hands are some of the greatest challenges experienced by those living in the slums. Not only do they have limited supply of water, they have to figure out how to clean and recycle it to use it for their various needs and make it last until their next delivery, which is never predictable. To build greater awareness around

this issue and brainstorm solutions that could solve some of these challenges, the team at the Centro de Innovación created the Safe Agua campaign. Safe Agua generated six innovative technology solutions that identified market demands in addressing the crisis involving the use, storage and transportation of water including the Halo showerhead, which provides simulation of a shower with low-pressure water (built in collaboration with Sodimac Home Center) and a compact sink for washing dishes. Another successful project launched out the Centro de Innovación was Inclusivo, which develops under the operatives of Fair Trade, design and the individuality of hand made products. The formation of sustainable micro-factories are built in the slums and promote job creation while

enhancing the skills of each group. Subsequently, each micro-factory makes products and services valued by the market. As one of Latin America’s most successful NGOs, a look at the Centro de Innovación’s impact numbers would be considered impressive for most. In just four years over 20,000 students have collaborated with them on innovation-related projects. Three of their projects have touched the lives of more than 1,000,000 people. And more than 4,000 neighbors from the slums have been involved in the co-creation process of products that help improve the quality of life for their respective communities. This year they have raised several rounds of funding from organizations such as the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and leading companies such as Telefonica. In total,

Follow indigenous issues every Wednesday with US attorneys Ryan & Laura Seelau on www.ilovechile.cl.

Courtesy: Un Techo para Chile

s and Lows

age

rtyntry me ver

of ter” who the

of Chile’s Tourism Industry By Al Ramirez

How have the events, which have occurred throughout this year, affected your company? On the earthquake:

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

COURTESY PHOTO

son for igh ber rch. five g an ors ion ave and ary uise ent to hat

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / The Entrepreneur Hunter

What area do you think needs “... It was in our agenda to provide services more improvement in toursim (tour for an international construction congress, companies, restaurants, hotels, shops, which was going to take place in Santiago musums, etc.)? this past September, being the MOP (Public Works Ministry) our main sponsor. “All of them. But, specifically, I think For obvious reasons, the money they had commissions should be regulated because destined for the congress had to be used sometimes it gets out of hand. I am not immediately after the earthquake in order against commissions for those who take this centerregions has positively impacted over to you will usually findshops, a teametc., of about five people restaurants, hotels, to aid the affected in the south is how to it’s six done prettyhard muchatallwork. around of Chile.”80- million Cristian people Martinez, in 19General differentthis counpeople These days, Manager of Pacifico Andino Expeditions, the world, but I think 10% is more than tries. Yet, if you visit the workspace of the they are extremely busy with their latest enough. This can only be regulated through Urban & Adventure Tours Chile Centro de Innovación, you will be quickly project: in July 2011 an extensive marketTecholab. study andLaunched some serious On the USreminded dollar exchange rate: work is fareffort - Jose effort Luis to reinthat their fromfromasthe partgovernment.” of their continuing Rojas, General Manager of Serviline Pacific done. With estimated two thirds of Latin vent how they strengthen awareness and “Any kind of important event in Chile Viña del Mar, Radio Taxi Service. and the Caribbean will affectAmerica my business directly. Lately(an it estimated impact for those living at the Base of the has been360 themillion instability in the American people living in poverty), they Pyramid. I remember trying to grasp the currency have (I charge US dollars), barelyinscratched the which surface. concept when Fuentes first sent me the means that we have to charge more. We Andrés Iriondo, the head of project invitation to let me know the first chalare now less competitive in the South in itthecomes Centroto de Inno- lenge had been launched. Americanmanagement market when tourism because Chilethat is one the most vación, said theofoffice of Un Techo As I began to learn more about Teexpensive countries for tourists. That Para Chile is as powerful as it is humcholab from Iriondo and his colleague obviously means that they tend to stay is constantly looking Salvador Achondo, coordinator of project less time bling. here.” -He Hector Medina, owner of for better the years go by, the people who work “Hector’sand Private & Flexible more effectiveTour waysService” to create aAsbetter implementation, I believed it was already in tourism expect to receive a wider quality of life and more opportunities for something very big and very disruptive What must a company do in order to scale of visitors, but it seems clear that thosea living at the of the Pyramid that I could taking currency, off like wildfire on the earthquake, the see unstable grow in such seasonal lineBase of work? the decrease in cruises thecould rescue (BoP). a global level. Iand simply not fathom the thirty-three miners have changed “First of all, giving quality every of proj“Every slum service selects aindesignated how a small team in Chile was managaspect, which includes working honestly the impression foreingers have of Chile. ect leader who our is chosen by their Having peers,” a ministry ing something of this magnitude. of tourism seems to be Iriondo and respectfully towards passengers. said work work with usan in essential the confidently on more than one ocissue, and told little me by little we will In the end, theIriondo. concept“They of seasonal likely see changes will allowwe forknow Chile to isn’t something thatPara affects all offices. of Chile; Un Techo Chile When they casion, that “don’t worry, what we are there are many places here that are visited advance on an international level, which can approach you they smell like the slums. It doing.” all year round, so the answer is to mention only be of help to those who rely on tourism serveswithin as a constant reminder of our Techolab is a virtual incubator with a formistheir livelihood. these places your programs and

lenge with the prize being a selected amounted of funding which is distributed at predetermined milestones to various projects selected as voted on by a committee of judges. The process begins with a question or challenge related to innovation. This complex question has no apparent or definitive solution and invites members to contribute their ideas. This kick starts the power of collective intelligence with all members of the community being able to vote on their favorite ideas and also provide feedback on all ideas registered on the platform. In the first round, 50 finalists are selected from all the submissions. They receive mentoring and support to build out a business

plan and work on developing their business model. The most viable ideas advance to a round of 20, and they receive their first round of funding to continue tweaking their business model and entering the rapid prototyping phase. The cycle repeats with each round, as the amount of funding increases and the number of selected projects decreases. Essentially, the further a team advances in the competition, the more viability is seen in the sustainability, scalability and impact of the project. The first Techolab Key Challenge sponsored in conjunction with National Youth Institute (Injuv) sought to find solutions in improving the overall health of those living in the slums; increased opportunities for jobs and improved quality of education. In the first three months, nearly 8,000 people registered for the community and over 750 projects were submitted. Currently, the platform is only open to people based in Chile. I was extremely happy to learn of the outpouring of support from the Chilean community, including the generosity of Club El Origen (www.clubelorigen.com), who offered their co-working space for mentoring the finalists. And after having a project submitted by young people from social risk communities was able to receive a round of funding along with mentorship from high profile Chilean entrepreneurs, it seems that Techolab is well on its way to being Latin America’s largest open and social innovation lab. Without a doubt, we will eventually see them open the platform to other markets on the continent and all over the world but until then, let’s keep exploring and unveiling, ‘what if.’ www.techolab.com ILC

sion and continued motivation to make a cutting edge technology platform built in bigger impact.” conjunction with PullCo Lab (www.pullHoused in a huge warehouse on Ave- colab.com). The purpose of the incubator nida Departmental, at the intersection of is to provide an open and social platform Santa Maria, the office is located in an so that all people can come together and industrial area that uniquely connects (or help come up with sustainable ideas to as others may see it—divides) Santiago’s raise the standard of living for those livupper and lower classes. The warehouse, ing in extreme poverty. Members and Industrial Heating and Steam Systems located on several acres,Heating is also home to mentors in the Techolab virtual incubator Residential Infocab, which provides vocational traininclude people living in the slums, acaHigh efficiency Pellet and Solid Wood Stoves ing at a subsidized rate to those in need. demia, startup founders, entrepreneurs, Solar Systems Mackenna Avenue #801, Los Angeles, The spaceVicuña is open and industrial andChile creative thought leaders, public sector Phone:university (56-43) 318246students • Cell Phone Sales: (59-9) 99996547 filled with many from representatives, teenagers and people who in Temuco City: Av. Pedro de Valdivia 0135, Phone (56-45) 646009 all types of majors. Currently more than just(56-2) want to contribute to the cause. Showroom Palazzetti: Av. Las Condes 8283, Santiago, Phone 2204189 5,000 university students work throughHow Techolab works is every quarter out all the Un Techo Para Mi País offices. (of the calendar year) a public or private In the Centro for Innovación department, sector organization sponsors a Key Chal-

English AA in Chile

contact@englishaainchile.cl

www.englishaainChile.cl

Visit us at 221 Centre Street New York NY 10013 or at www.puro-chile.com

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Interview / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Courtesy: Fundación Teletón

Mario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld:

Aka Don Francisco By Ben Angel

ario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld, better known as Don Francisco, presents each year to a nationwide audience the country’s largest national televised fundraiser, Teletón Chile. Under his leadership, the Teletón rivals, and in some ways surpasses, the older U.S. Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon (with which he also takes part as spokesperson on behalf of Hispanics with neuromuscular disease). Proportional to the size of the country in comparison with other national telethons, Teletón Chile it is the most-widely watched in the world. Kreutzberger, despite being arguably one of the greatest symbols of Chilean national generosity, does not have very deep roots in Chile. Although he was born in Talca at the end of 1940, his Jewish parents escaped Germany, then under the National Socialist Regime of Adolph Hitler, very shortly before his birth. Not long after he emerged into the world, his father decided that his chances of earning income for his family as a tailor were greater in the national capital, and he moved the small family to Santiago, the city of Kreutzberger’s earliest memories. “My mother [born Annie Blumenfeld] was a talented singer,” recalled the future Don Francisco, “and she brought music to me as well as a taste for arts and culture. From my father [Erich Kreutzberger] I learned severity, discipline, the way to conduct business smoothly and efficiently and from both I learned the passion to do what I do well. I understand from them that only with perseverance and effort can the large achievements in my professional and personal life be accomplished.” His first great test of perseverance was overcoming shyness, which handicapped his first attempt at primary school in the Liceo Comunal de Ñuñoa. He left his studies briefly to work with his father,

“My first role was a German that supposedly just arrived in Chile and spoke Spanish very badly. That personality became Don Francisco. When I went on television, Don Francisco seemed easier to remember than my real name and surname.”

Follow ‘Pepe’s Chile’ for insightful advise on Chilean life every Monday at www.ilovechile.cl.

Courtesy: Fundación Teletón

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / Interview

Courtesy: Fundación Teletón

“Along with helping disabled children in our countries, the program carries a message of unity to our tow ns,” he said. “It is an event tha t crosses political, economic and social barriers and permits us all to go toward the common goal of giving gifts to others. When people give, they come to un der stand in the act they get back so much more.”

an experience that gave him a stronger and more developed personality. Although he would again spend a year out in the provinces learning to sell his father’s creations as a secondary student, he eventually took on leadership roles among his fellow students. Among his early associations was with the Santiago chapter of the Club Israelita Macabbi. Although a certain short, bald cartoon character appearing in the “Últimas Noticias” newspaper of that time would eventually change the meaning of the word “macabeo” in Chile to something of a cuckold (his cartoon wife would frequently beat him with a rolling pin), the name originally came from the Jewish rebels that briefly liberated Judea a couple centuries before Christ, and traditionally was associated with bravery and victory. The Maccabi youth club certainly helped him along the path to greater assertiveness, but beyond this, the next most important thing that the club gave him was the birth of a personality for which he would later become famous, that of Don Francisco. “We did presentations and other different activities,” recalled Kreutzberger. “My first role was a German that supposedly just arrived in Chile and spoke Spanish very badly. That personality became Don Francisco. When I went on television, Don Francisco seemed easier to remember than my real name and surname.” While with the Maccabi organization, he met Teresa Muchnick, with whom he would later marry and have three children. As a young adult just out of secondary school, he was still very much following in his father’s footsteps into a career as a tailor. “My father sent me, with a lot of personal sacrifice, to study clothes-making in New York,” he said. “I entered into my room in the hotel and I saw what was, for me, a large radio. I turned it on and images appeared along with sounds. I remained awestruck by it for hours.” This fascination was more typical for people in the United States than in Chile at the time, where television remained much less developed until the 1962 World Cup increased demand for broadcasted images in his home country. But by the time he came back home at age 21, he had decided already that this new medium would be his career. “It was love at first sight,” he said. “I thought to myself that this was the future of communications and what I wanted to do as a profession for always.” So for about a year, he stood outside the door of the office of Eduardo Tironi, then executive director of Chilean television station Canal 13. Despite the novelty of his career choice, his mother supported his perseverance until Kreutzberger finally convinced Tironi to give him a chance as an anchor on the “Show Dominical,” the Sunday Show. A month after Kreutzberger started, Tironi dismissed him, but in that short a period of time, the young broadcaster had developed such a strong fanbase with his combination of variety programming, contests, interviews and humor, that their demands quickly brought Kreutzberger back on the air. By 1965, the program was moved to Saturday, prompting it to be renamed “Sábados Alegres” or Cheerful Saturdays. He was also given a time slot later in the day to produce a show called “Sábados Gigantes” or Giant

“It was love at first sight,” he said. “I thought to myself that this was the future of communications and what I wanted to do as a profession for always.” Saturdays. By 1968, these two programs were combined to become what “Sábado Gigante” is known as today. It was through this program that the Teletón got its start. “On ‘Sábados Gigantes’ we had a series of reports,” he recalled. “One was called ‘You do not know Chile,’ which was a travel program that took the viewer to places that although were not very distant, they nonetheless existed in a different space.” “In one of those programs, we saw what seemed to be a dog hitched to a tree, but when we approached, and even to this day it hurts me to recall what we saw: it was a boy whose mother tied him to the tree because she had six other children, and she said that if he were let loose, he would attack his siblings; she did not know what he had and less how to cure it. I remained silent and thought about what we could do to help.” By this time, Kreutzberger, having been a nonthreatening Saturday television host at the time of Augusto Pinochet’s coup, had survived to become one of the most successful Chilean television personalities in the late 1970s. He felt profoundly thankful for that success, and was looking for any way in which to give back to the society that gave him so much. “In another trip to the United States, I and my travel companions were in a room and they had on the TV a program where people collected funds for those who had muscular dystrophy,” said Kreutzberger. “This program was very exciting, but without a doubt, the climax of the show was when Dean Martin surprised everyone and entered to embrace Jerry Lewis; they were once friends, but were at that time distant.” From this, Kreutzberger began to formulate a similar charity campaign for Chile, following the model set by the MDA Labor Day Telethon back in the

United States. As he was thinking, the Chilean state television network (today TVN) invited him to appear on a successful television program called “Dingolondango,” in order to help assist a small institution calling itself the “Sociedad Pro Ayuda del Niño Lisiado” (Company to Assist the Disabled Children). “So, there was everything that was needed,” said Kreutzberger. “There was a boy and his family that needed help, a TV program that we could adapt to Chile and an institution that could make that help a reality. Thus was born the Teleton, with a starting goal of raising a million dollars that we easily surpassed.” The times might have likewise conspired with his success. Chileans in 1978 were deeply divided five years after the establishment of a military regime, and the possibility of armed conflict with Argentina seemed imminent. These factors might have created a void that the Teletón unwittingly filled. “What was more surprising than our financial success,” said Kreutzberger, “was the feeling that arose in the people: unity, hope, the Chilean spirit…the values that even today accompany our program.” Some 33 years in after that first fundraiser, the Teleton remains one of the strongest in the world, and an example that other countries do follow in raising charity from the public for those in need. For Kreutzberger, the reason for this success is clear. “Along with helping disabled children in our countries, the program carries a message of unity to our towns,” he said. “It is an event that crosses political, economic and social barriers and permits us all to go toward the common goal of giving gifts to others. When people give, they come to understand in the act they get back so much more.” ILC

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FEATURE / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

By Harper Bridgers

eletón Chile is gearing up again for its annual televised fundraiser, a 27-hour, epic moneygathering operation with all benefits going to aid children and young adults with physical disabilities. More specifically, the funds support the maintenance and operations of rehabilitation institutes across the country, whose facilities treat 26,000 kids a year and see 2,500 new patients annually, and partially finance the construction of new centers, with three currently underway, according to the foundation’s Web site. The treatment facilities not only seek to improve the functionality of individuals with disabilities stemming from neuro, muscular or skeletal-diseases, but they also strive to do so through a process of family, educational, community, social and work integration. The Teletón Foundation, created by Mario Kreutzberger, claims that Chile is the only country that has been able to join all of the media outlets, artists and 25 sponsor companies on one determined date and with one common goal. Since Chile’s first televised fundraising marathon in 1978, Teletón has become a phenomenal success, broadcast almost every year. “Thirty-two years after, it is undeniable that Teletón is the most important project that has been achieved in favor of handicapped children and young adults,” the foundation states on its Web site, “not only for working on their rehabilitation, but also for having produced a cultural change supporting the dignity of handicapped people and their rights.” Sixty-eight percent of those treated are under the age of 14, a demographic whose disabilities are particularly vulnerable as they require a lot of assistance. Eighty percent come from impoverished or extremely impoverished families who often face poor quality public options for healthcare and high-priced quality services. Chile, with more than 2.5 million handicapped citizens, lacks adequate public policies that attempt to improve those citizens’ quality of life, according to Chile’s National Foundation for the Handicapped. “We see day by day how thousands of children, women, young adults and adults cannot even leave their houses because of a lack of technical resources,” states the Web site. “There is not access to adequate healthcare, rehabilitation, education, work, transportation, streets, sidewalks and even public buildings, among other multiple factors that vertically cross the topic of disability.” Little by little, the Teletón Chile has been trying to increase access to necessary health services for the country’s physically challenged. Throughout its 30 decades of fundraising tradition, the telethon has contributed to the creation of 11 Institutes for Child Rehabilitation to date in Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Copiapó, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Santiago, Talca, Concepción, Temuco and Puerto Montt, and with three new facilities currently under construction in Calama,

Teletón

Chile “Thirty-two years after, it is undeniable that Teletón is the most important project that has been achieved in favor of handicapped children and young adults,” the foundation states on its Web site, “not only for working on their rehabilitation, but also for having produced a cultural change supporting the dignity of handicapped people and their rights.” Valdivia and Coyhaique. Since 1978 over 70,000 children and young adults have received its care. Prior to the beginning of Teletón at the end of the 1970s, there had been other efforts to support, fund and proliferate national integration in Chile’s disability sector. The Pro-Help for Handicapped Children Society was formed in 1947 by a group of Chilean doctors who wanted to provide help for children suffering from the effects of polio. They experienced some success through foreign and domestic investment. After some expansion throughout the following three decades, notably during a 1955 widespread polio breakout, the organization began to suffer from financial problems in the mid-1970s. In 1978, Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco—the most famous Chilean TV personality of the time—looked help the cause as he was deciding how to give back to the Chilean public who had boosted him to local fame. Inspired by American comedian Jerry Lewis’s philanthropic work, Kreutzberger settled upon a similar fundraising idea to aid the ailing Pro-Help organization. He promised the directors he would raise one million dollars, but he would need unprecedented cooperation from all media outlets in Chile. One by one, Kreutzberger managed to recruit all of the radio and TV stations, newspapers and magazines to participate in the movement. They would grant their editorial space, for free, to help mobilize the Chilean community in order to achieve his goal, a somewhat lofty one with respect to the fragile state the country found itself in. Just five years prior, a violent military coup d’etat had put in place a divisive dictatorship, one that was dealing with a looming armed Courtesy: Fundación Teletón

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conflict with Argentina at the time. Uniting such a polarized society did not seem to be a likely endeavor. However, Kreutzberger boldly accepted the challenge. On December 8, 1978, during a 27-hour broadcast, he and others reigned in $84 million pesos, or $2.5 million dollars, more than doubling his projected figure. Chileans from all over recognized the necessity to support a part of the population that had previously received little assistance. Kreutzberger wanted to see how far this newfound solidarity could change the cultural attitude toward a marginalized sector of the society. With five telethons agreed upon, the fundraiser succeeded in topping the year’s goal several times over nearly each time. So much national exposure and an inaugurated treatment center on Santiago’s main drag caused an explosive increase in demand for special care. After further consideration, the decision to stop at five seemed irresponsible. Therefore, the telethon reinitiated its activities in 1985 and has continued almost every year since, taking breaks during years of presidential elections as to avoid political involvement. Even Kreutzberger’s involvement in the annual campaign has been toned down over the years. After the eighth telethon in 1995, the total sum gathered fell short of the target. A Teletón study of strategy followed the episode, and since then “Don Francisco” has shared the spotlight with other celebrities. His personality behind the scenes has also been the topic of controversy, as some, including the previous mayor of Las Condes, have claimed that he utilized a “mafia attitude” when doing business. The lead singer from the world-famous rock group Faith No More, Mike Patton, went so far as to kiss Kreutzberger’s hand during last year’s live broadcast, addressing him as “Don Corleone.” Kreutzberger’s participation in the Teletón organization and the campaign, along with that of the many corporations that sponsor the event, has come under fire. Some call out the supposed lack of transparency in the allocation of funds to the various care facilities, questioning how much the big names involved, specifically Kreutzberger, may be collecting from the campaign. In terms of massive commercialization, large corporations, such as Banco de Chile, Compañía de Cervercerías Unidas and Soprole, also use the Teletón logo, the famous red and white cross, on their products. All of the business sponsorships yield about 20 percent of funds raised and help advertise the cause, but they also pay fewer taxes on their products. Many claim that promoting more consumption, and appearing to be philanthropic, merely boosts their bottom line as opposed to supporting these young disabled kids. Criticism aside, the foundation and the Pro-Help Society, who manages the medical side of the facilities, has experienced tremendous success. Although they receive donations year round, the telethon campaign brings in the majority of the funds used to admin-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FEATURE Courtesy: Fundación Teletón

ister the rehabilitation centers. Besides the numerous famous faces involved every year, the foundation chooses a young handicapped boy or girl to be the official child symbol to represent all those who will benefit from the solidarity of a nation. The child, who has to be between four and seven years old, to have been born “legally” (with a mother and father), to be a leader, patient, talkative, and photogenic, according to the foundation, helps bolster nationwide support as well. It would be impossible to live in Chile during the month of November without encountering some kind of Teletón ad during the course of a single day. Plastered on the sides of buses, metro walls, juice bottles and cans of beer, the red and white cross, along with Don Francisco and friends, is a not-so-subtle reminder of the upcoming telethon to benefit the kids. More than that, it serves as a symbol of the issue at hand: physical handicaps that debilitate the lives of those inflicted, which is obviously not limited to children. Starting with the nation’s most vulnerable citizens is a great way to initiate an integrative system that assists Chileans across all age brackets. However, after all, kids are not kids forever, and unfortunately physical disabilities are not often curable, only treatable. Teletón is onto a good thing, an incredibly admirable thing at that. The next step will be to spread similar aid to all of the nation’s disabled. It may be a tall order, but with such a great track record, Teletón will undoubtedly be the best train to carry Chile’s disadvantaged into the future. ILC

Teletón is onto a good thing, an incredibly admirable thing at that. The next step will be to spread similar aid to all of the nation’s disabled. It may be a tall order, but with such a great track record, Teletón will undoubtedly be the best train to carry Chile’s disadvantaged into the future.

Keep up with the latest headline news every day on www.ilovechile.cl.

FEATURE / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Patterns of giving and the issue of trust

How transparent are the charities to which we donate? By Alexis Psarras

trip to the supermarket here in Chile is often concluded with a question along the lines of “Two pesos for the Fundación las Rosas?” or “Six pesos for the Hogar de Cristo?” While most of us are happy to give our small change to these organizations on a regular basis, next time you’re asked this question at the checkout, pause and think: how confident are you that your money is actually going to be spent on the causes to which these charities dedicate themselves? This question is intricately linked to the subject of transparency within Chilean society. The global anticorruption organization Transparency International ranks Chile as the 21 cleanest nation on Earth in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index. This is the highest score in Latin America and according to its league table of nations; Chile is ranked just one place behind the UK and one place above the USA. However, transparency within Chile is a more contentious topic than perhaps Transparency International gives credit for. The country’s leading organization in the march toward greater openness and access to public information is Fundación Cuidadano Inteligente, or ‘Smart Citizen Foundation,’ as it has become known in English. This independent, non-profit group promotes transparency within the public sector by increasing access to information. This helps to empower the general public to make more informed and responsible decisions about politics and society. It is a self-styled bridge between information and the public, using technology like Internet applications and platforms as its primary means of engaging the citizen. Much of its work is based on increasing accountability of politicians, government and public administration. Opaque While transparency and accountability in the public sector can be a thorny issue, at least the nature of the democratic process usually results in citizens demanding as a right greater access to government (therefore public) information. This is happening in Chile, thanks largely to the Fundación Cuidadano Inteligente, as indeed it is happening around the world with greater frequency, from the Arab Spring to Los Indignados to the Occupy Wall Street movement. Switch that goal from the public to the private sector and the challenge becomes more difficult. Given privacy rights it can be a lot harder to know what really happens to those cash flows. Money donated to good causes through supermarkets is perhaps one example of this. But then there is another sector, “el tercer,” or third sector in which public money is used in a not-forprofit manner. This sector sits somewhere between the other two, consisting as it does of private organizations that raise and spend publicly donated money. This third sector is composed of civil society organizations (charities and NGOs), and while anyone reading this article familiar with how such organizations in Europe or the US publish full and open details of their financial operations (total income, how

Katherina Malis, director of Donar explained that there is a clear knowledge gap between what the charities do with their money and the general public’s access to this information.

money is spent, number of staff employed, etc.), this does not apply to the third sector in Chile. Current law stipulates that charities must open their limited books to public scrutiny only once a year, and this is often not taken seriously. This is perhaps reflective of Chilean society writ at large. To put this into some sort of context, the lack of transparency and openness is commonplace across most of what is a rather opaque political system. Although a freedom of information act, the Ley de Transparencia, exists, it is widely condemned by critics as toothless and largely ignored by parties of all political persuasions. Issues like possible conflicts of interest within Congress and a lack of transparency during election campaigns are all ones on which Fundación Cuidadano Inteligente is trying to grapple with. The main challenge facing the promotion of transparency in the third sector, as in the public sector, is a complex and holistic one, but can basically be boiled down to societal convention regarding access to information (or the lack thereof ). The citizen strikes back Understanding some Chilean patterns of charitable donations is a key part of evaluating any problems that may exist in the third sector. Valuable research on this topic has been undertaken by Fundación Trascender, a specialist network of volunteering professionals. It provides an excellent starting point.

The 93 percent donation rate implies a very generous public indeed. However, the reality behind the statistics is a little more complex. While there are over 15,000 civil-society organizations across the country, approximately ten receive more than half of all donations. To put it crudely, the bigger charities, the ones you see on television and highway billboards, thrive at the expense of the smaller ones. More statistics from Fundación Trascender show that two thirds of people regularly donate in supermarkets or in response to big campaigns (i.e. to the well established few). Only a quarter of people give on a monthly basis through regular and reliable donations, which includes the big ten organizations as well as some others. All this means that the big charities’ influence and fundraising capabilities continues to grow while the smaller groups are unable to compete and get left behind. The vast majority of these 15,000 organizations have to operate with a lack of funding, scarce resources and a shortage of technical capability necessary to compete with the more established ‘big boys.’ The saliency of transparency and accountability are made clearer by more statistics produced by Fundación Trascender earlier this year: Of the remaining 7 percent of the population that doesn’t donate to charity, 31 percent claimed that the reason was a lack of trust in the charities. (The other main reasons included lack of money, helping family members first and not liking to donate to charity). Even more starkly, 73 percent of all respondents strongly agreed with the following statement: The organizations (of the third sector) do more marketing than supporting of genuine good causes. Incentivising transparency While perhaps in the business or financial sector the smaller organizations failing to keep up would be expected get left behind, in the charity sector organizations exist that are trying to redress the balance. One of these is a subsidiary project of Fundación Cuidadano Inteligente, Donar, and is specifically dedicated to bridging the information gap between the public and the third sector. Katherina Malis, director of Donar explained that there is a clear knowledge gap between what the charities do with their money and the general public’s access to this information. “The average Chilean is more likely to choose the more visible, well-known option when it comes to donating money,” she said. This creates the unintended consequence “that the work of smaller, but equally important charities tends to go unnoticed.” Much like its parent organization, Donar hopes to open up information to the sector in which it operates through the use of technology. It is currently con-

Percentage of Chileans donating to charity on a regular basis Average monthly donation this year Monthly donation of majority of Chileans (51%) Most generous socio-economic group Most generous age group

93% Approx. $2,640 pesos (down from $5,400 in 2010) between $100 and 1000 pesos Middle classes (C2, C3, D) 35 – 44 years

Statistics taken from ‘Estudio Nacional de Voluntariado 2011’, Fundación Trascender

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FEATURE

Fundación Trascender´s 2011 survey found that almost two in every three donors are unaware of how their donations are spent. Only one in seven claim to actually know where their money goes.

structing an online platform, in partnership with the US fundraising Web site Global Giving, from which donors will be able to access information about the less visible charities operating across the country. Users will then be able to donate directly to the charity of their choice online. Once the Web site has been fully funded and gets up and running (it is in the development stage at the moment), the Donar project will work as follows: small and medium sized charities will agree to become more transparent by publishing certain fundraising information on Donar’s Web site, and in return potential donors will be able to donate directly to the organization on the same Web site. Donors will then be encouraged to donate on a regular and reliable basis, for example through monthly direct debits. So the public will have greater access to information about where their money goes, while the charities will have greater exposure among the general public.

It is perhaps an understatement to say that there is a trust problem in Chile when it comes to donating to charity.

Greater transparency; increased knowledge; more donations. Much of the fundraising information Donar will be publishing will include statistics on total income of the charity, breakdown of donations and expenditure, how many beneficiaries they have and so on. The site will also highlight more general information like the type of work being undertaken by the charity, what its mission is, what strategies it employs, and how to get in touch. It is access to this type of information that donors in the developed world take for granted and that Donar is trying to secure in Chile for the first time. Side note: At present Donar has formed working partnerships with 15 civil society organizations to take part in its platform. It hopes to raise this number to 200 in the next year or so. Their main Web site, www.donar.cl, is in the development stage right now, but is live. And yes, Donar is transparent and information is readily available upon request. Anyone interested in finding out more or in making a donation to help them reach their target and implement the platform can go to cuidadanointeligente.cl and follow the link “Donate to Donar” on the homepage.

Liz Wolf, Cuidadano Inteligente’s foreign correspondent who works closely with Donar explained that this dual approach is an attempt to level the playing field. While the larger civil society organizations will be more than welcome to participate once the platform is up and running, one of the main reasons for the project is to help raise the profile of the smaller ones, by promoting transparency and rewarding them with valuable web time. Increased transparency, for big and small charities alike, is crucial. Fundación Trascender´s 2011 survey found that almost two in every three donors are unaware of how their donations are spent. Only one in seven claim to actually know where their money goes. So next time you hear “Three pesos for Un Techo Para Chile?” consider this: even though two thirds of people regularly donate in supermarkets, we don’t know where the money goes. The team at Donar have tried to access this information, but have so far received no feedback. Both private and third sector organizations could do more. It is perhaps an understatement to say that there is a trust problem in Chile when it comes to donating to charity. As the old saying goes, trust has to be earned. By becoming more open, transparent and accountable through platforms the likes of which Donar will soon be implementing, all third sector organizations now have the chance to begin earning that trust. ILC

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TRAVEL / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Photos: Julia Dose

La Moneda

By Maj Britt

a Moneda is one of the most important attractions in Santiago because of its past function as the mint of Chile, its current function as the seat of the president, and because of the crucial historical moments that took place there. Chile has a political history unlike that of most countries. Taking some time to learn about it will make you understand the importance of some current political events much better. Due to its central role as the location for many of the historically important decisions and events in Chilean history, La Moneda is the perfect place to expand your knowledge about this specific topic. Most people don’t know this, but it is actually possible to get a guided tour inside the premises of La Moneda. Not only is this tour completely free and offered in English, but it is also very informative and gives you a unique chance to enter a world which is closed to the public in most countries. Although Chile’s presidential palace is very accessible, you will need to book your tour at least ten days ahead of time, as there are many security precautions. As soon as your request has been registered, you will be sent an e-mail with two forms to fill in with relevant information about the individuals taking part in the tour. Groups of up to 40 persons are accepted.

On the day of the tour, you will have to leave your passport at the entrance of the building, so don’t forget to bring it or they won’t let you in. Remember that La Moneda is a government building which is only open on weekdays, so tours are not available on weekends. You will be allowed to take photos inside, as long as you don’t use a flash. The tour guides are very professional and stay informed on current events as well as the history of La Moneda, but instead of boring you with things you already know, they try to adapt the tour to your level of knowledge about the place. This means that none of the tours are identical, and makes the experience much more valuable than if the guide had simply memorized a script. While taking to account what you already know about the place, your guide will take you through most of Chile’s history, explaining how the country has developed through time. You will learn about the construction of La Moneda, the remodeling done by various presidents and hear anecdotes from events that have taken place there. If you come on a day when there is an official event at La Moneda, you might not be allowed to enter certain areas usually open to the public, so remember to check this before booking. Everyone should exploit this excellent chance to learn about Chilean history. It is probably one of the best free activities you will find in Santiago. ILC

You can find much more information on the official website: http://www.gob.cl/la-moneda/, where unfortunately only a few pages are translated to English. To book a tour, send an e-mail to: visitas@presidencia.cl. You can write in English, but expect all correspondence as well as the forms to complete to be in Spanish only. Soccer fan? Follow our World Cup qualifier updates on www.ilovechile.cl.

Courtesy: Andes Wine

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / WINE

Discover the deepest mysteries of wine through human senses

By Pamela Villablanca Photography Alexia Rivero

t’s official, springtime has arrived to Chile and its vines are waking up, showing the first buds. This might mean that some of you will be looking to visit wineries or explore the vast universe of wine to choose “the one” for the coming holidays. Whichever your case is, we will cautiously dive into the secret world of smell contained in the glass in front of you. Are you ready? Great discoveries on human senses were awarded with Nobel Prizes; in 1961 the sense of hearing and in 1967 the sense of vision. However, the sense of smell had remained a well-kept secret until 1991 when the New York Times’ science section published an article about smell. Linda Buck was searching the G-protein class in a paper about smell receptors with Richard Axel. An astounding 1 percent of human genes are devoted to olfaction and approximately $20 billion is generated every year by industrially manufactured smells. Virtually all of these smells are made by only seven companies—the Big Boys. With wine, smell is one of the many aspects we use to recognize grape varieties, denomination of origin and even the vintage. Let’s review the scientific facts and dive into a wine glass to discover how powerful our sense of smell is. The English scientist Malcolm Dyson in 1938 had become conscious of a specific, outstanding human power: we can smell and instantly identify the actual atoms hidden inside a molecule. Faster than our digestive system, our nose is capable of instantly identifying atoms and its vibrations. This has been key to human’s survival and evolution. Dyson wrote a paper called “The Scientific Basis of Odor,” which was inspiration for Canadian R. H. Wright’s paper in 1977. But there is one man who’s dedication and obsession led to the writing of a work that would open doors for him into the vast, secret world were perfumes are created: Luca Turin. From the French Riviera, he wrote about

Faster than our digestive system, our nose is capable of instantly identifying atoms and its vibrations.

November Recommendations: Lets get started with an exercise to bring awareness to the sense of smell. Remember: the term “room temperature” was invented in a medieval castle in the 16 century and was meant to be 13-15 degrees Celsius (55-58 degrees Fahrenheit). You will need paper, four wine glasses and a bottle of red wine that should be more than $ 7,000 Chilean pesos. Pour wine in two of the wine glasses, enough for a generous tasting, and let it sit for 40 minutes. Only swirl one of the glasses from time to time. When the time is up, pour wine in the next two glasses, the same amount as before. Now with paper and a pen smell the wine you just served and take notes without swirling it. Then smell the glass that has been sitting. Primary aromas describe the varieties in the bottle of wine and will be more complex in the aerated glass. When you swirl the glass, secondary aromas tell you about the wine making process and aging in wood barrels, either French or American and for how long.

wave numbers and described odor as almost entirely nominative. He wrote the first perfume guide. With hearing, there are 88 vibrations for us to notice—every combination of atom-and-bond, its tone to its one particular frequency, is what scientists call wave number and they run from 0 to 4000. Shall we apply this to a wine tasting? First off, always hold the stem of the glass and never the body. Your hand transfers temperature to the glass and its content, and temperature affects the smell: if too cold the wine is shy, if too warm you would smell alcohol. The visual examination helps us determine variety, style and age, among other aspects. There is rich vocabulary to describe the wide spectrum of colors. Believe me; brick red is not good enough because it depends on where the bricks are made. Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle. Look at the rim variation and colors in the horseshoe shape of the glass. With 4000 wave numbers or frequencies to discover, there are no bad smells, and it is definitely as subjective as color or sound. Recognizing all of these 4000 smells is the quest of a lifetime. To do this, explore the scents of the world around you. When traveling, never miss the opportunity to visit local markets and wander in nature. Be aware of the smells on a sunny day or when it is raining, by the ocean or in the mountains. There is nothing better than linking a smell with a great story, which is the true spirit of wine. Wine is a result of nature and culture, and therefore we should never forget the celebration of life and sharing our discoveries and experiences. We are all learning about wine, glass by glass. ILC Pamela Villablanca is the International Director at Andes Wines. Follow her on twitter @Enophia

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HEALTH / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

The key to your Heart TOP TIPS – How to eat more fruits and vegetables

By Marcelle Dubruel

ardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Findings from a large study led by researchers from McGill University in Canada has shown that a diet rich in fruit and raw vegetables is a major contributing factor to a healthy heart. We can all take better care of our health by simply increasing our daily intake of fruits and vegetables. The study investigated how diet influences the risk of heart attack in people with particular genetic variations that have been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Within our DNA make-up, the 9p21 chromosome is known to increase heart disease risk. The study focused on four different genetic variations (called single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs) within the 9p21 chromosome. All the participants were drawn from those enrolled in the INTERHEART study, a global retrospective case-control study that investigated potential

• Aim for at least 5 portions per day. One portion of fresh fruit or vegetables is roughly what you can fit in the palm of one hand. • Include a handful of berries or a piece of fruit with your normal breakfast. • Always have a bowl of fruit within easy reach and choose a fruit platter or fruit salad for desert. • Take crudities in a container with you for snacks. Red, yellow and green pepper sticks, carrot and celery sticks, cucumber, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower florets. Include some protein like nuts and seeds/hummus/cottage cheese to help keep blood sugar levels stable. • As we approach summer, eat more salads and order lightly steamed vegetables with your grilled fish or chicken. • Include vegetables with your weekend barbeques. Thinly sliced courgettes, aubergines and peppers marinated in a little olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin are delicious griddled or barbequed. They only need a few minutes on each side, turning frequently. Mixed vegetable kebabs make a tasty alternative. • Choose vegetables and fruits that are in season as they are likely to be fresher. • Soups are a great way of getting in more vegetables. Try gazpacho or cucumber and mint soup for fresh summer meals or starters. • If you have an “I don’t do vegetables” attitude in your home, then try adding/hiding finely grated carrots, red cabbage, celery, peppers, spinach, mushrooms etc. to pasta sauces and stews. • Look for new vegetable recipes for inspiration and variety. • Over the course of a day choose something red, orange, green, purple and yellow to ensure a good range of the nutrients and anti-oxidants found in each of the color groups. For example, Red berries (breakfast), orange carrot sticks (snack), mixed green salad (with your lunch), purple grapes (snack), yellow lentils (with your evening meal). • Frozen fruit and vegetables count and you can include frozen fruit for example in your smoothies. • Experiment with the legume family. Kidney beans, aduki beans, red lentils, yellow lentils and green split peas are all delicious in salads, soups, curries and stews. • Note (i): Fruit juices only count as one portion no matter how much you drink. • Note (ii): Dried fruit is high in concentrated sugar so limit your intake. • Note (iii): Don’t overcook your vegetables; eat raw or lightly steamed whenever possible. Avoid boiling, as many nutrients are lost.

The findings, published in the online, peer-reviewed journal Public Library of Science Medicine, are that some of the effects of genetic variations associated with the risk of heart disease can be countered by a diet high in raw vegetables, fruits and berries. risk factors for heart attack. Participants were from five ethnicities: Europeans, South Asians, Chinese, Latin Americans and Arabs. Researchers compared the genetic information of 3,820 participants who had had a non-fatal heart attack, with that of 4,294 healthy controls. The findings, published in the online, peer-reviewed journal Public Library of Science Medicine, are that some of the effects of genetic variations associated with the risk of heart disease can be countered by a diet high in raw vegetables, fruits and berries. Raw vegetables and berries in particular are believed to have a beneficial effect. None of these findings were surprising, but they do add further scientific support for the public health recommendation to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day as a way to promote good health. This study provides even more compelling evidence that taking control of diet and lifestyle can help avoid life-threatening illness such as heart disease. The challenge now is creating new habits around eating more fruit and vegetables. Read my “Top Tips” for some ideas on how to increase your daily intake. Marcelle Dubruel, www.rootstovitality.com Nutritional Therapist, registered with the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy.

Get business updates on Chile every Tuesday from Ken Shields on www.ilovechile.cl.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 / FOODY CHILE

Showing Support, One Bite at a Time

By Colin Bennett

t was an opportunity to not only donate towards an international recognized foundation, but to do so in a more participatory manner. That’s the draw that Patricia Reyes, executive director of Chile’s Make a Wish Foundation chapter says makes this initiative something different. The format is simple and a win-win for everyone involved. Each restaurant offers a “wish dish,” which is then promoted by the wait staff to each customer that walks in the door. At the end of the month, 20 percent of the sales from that plate are then donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. For the restaurant patron and interested donor, it means an opportunity to visit a new restaurant and get something more than just a full belly. For the restaurant, it’s a way to give back to the community and have their staff participate in a larger charity campaign. “It’s not just about the funds, it’s about everyone feeling committed to a communal cause,” said Reyes. This year’s event, held throughout October, marked the first of its kind in Chile. According to Reyes, this format, which has long been used in the United States, was first replicated in Panama and Peru with great success. So during an annual planning meeting, the foundation decided to try it out in Chile. In total, the foundation expects to have raised between 3 to 5 million Chilean pesos as a result of the campaign and hope to see that figure grow next year.

October marked the first ever Wish Dish campaign in Chile where restaurant fanatics could visit one of 18 restaurants in Santiago and see a portion of the sale go to the Make a Wish Foundation. The program also let the participating restaurants change the dish on a weekly basis or offer extras such as a glass of wine for patrons. The options included mostly top tier restaurants like CasaMar, Infante 51 or Sukalde, but also had some mass favorites like Don Peyo. Next year, the foundation plans to repeat the event twice, in April and October, and double the number of restaurants participating. Moreover, Reyes said that despite the Make a Wish foundation taking a lead role, it is an initiative that requires participation from each individual restaurant in order to make it a success. Each staff member has to actively participate and promote the dish. It was also extremely important to maintain a high level of quality for each dish, regardless of the price. Colin Bennett is an editor, writer and guide with foodyChile.com, a blog and tourism Web site that offers food tips and tours in and around Santiago. Visit www.foodychile.com for more info.

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Little Thinkers / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Welcome to the new and improved Big Little Thinkers page

When the Going Gets Tough… By Ian Gilbert A report came out from the OECD a few months ago that identified something that successful children have and less successful ones don’t have. And it wasn’t referring to IQ (and don’t get me started again on IQ and how it is a blind alley for human achievement in so many ways).

The human characteristic they were referring to was resilience. Children with it were far better to overcome the difficulties they were born into than those without it. So, I hope you approach these thinking challenges with appropriate levels of resilience. It will be worth it in the long run. Best wishes, resilient thinkers everywhere.

The Very odd one out

What comes next?

a) A white rabbit b) A brown mouse c) An orange butterfly

a) A school desk b) The King of Spain c) Saturn d) ?

What is the missing fourth item in this random list and why?

Which one is the odd one out (in your opinion)?

Thunks ™

What happens next?

a) Could you have a pet tree? b) If you did, could you ever teach it to ‘stay?’ c) Could a pet tree ever disobey you?

The boy with the balloon was sad. I don’t know why he was sad, but I did notice…

The answer is simple – it’s either yes or no… But why?

Finish this short story with what you think would happen next:

Oodles of Doodles

Turn these five pentagons into five different sorts of objects you find around the house:

Mind the Gap

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) A pigeon b) A glass of water c) A wardrobe

Here is a paragraph with some words missing for you to fill in. There are no right answers, but the sentence has to make sense: It was _______ but I didn’t really mind. I had a _______ and it was ___________. I hadn’t always had it though. In the beginning I had a ________ ____________.

Which would win?

In a fight, which one in each of the following pairs would come out on top and why? a) A lion and a computer b) A car and a horse c) A mountain and a cloud?

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One-Minute Story

Now using these same items from the list, make up a story that includes them all.

If this is the answer what’s the question?

Instead of us asking you a question, how about I give you some answers and let you tell me what the questions would be: A: It’s over there, but be careful Q: ? A: No, it definitely wasn’t me Q: ? A: Brown and smelly Q: ?

Creative commons

What do the following random objects have in common? a) A firework b) A river c) The goalkeeper for the Paraguayan football team

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