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Our founder, Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe, had a dream to build a school for the children of Huaycán and, as a member of the Peruvian Educational Project Board it makes me proud to say that his dream has come true.
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| Sheen Smith, 2010 President, Peruvian Educational Project |
The Peruvian Educational Project (PEP) Board has elected me to serve as President for 2010. I appreciate their confidence and support and I look forward to the continued success of our program. I want to thank Linda Pett-Conklin for her leadership as President in 2009.
Two years ago, Gustavo initiated the building of a new six-room school at Colegio 1270 San Juan el Bautista. Construction is now complete and on January 14, 2010, the school was inaugurated with students, parents, teachers, the Consular General of Peru, PEP Board members, and supporters present.
Any large project requires people to contribute to its success in multiple ways. Many of you donated to the new school building, and I thank you for your tremendous generosity. In particular though, I want to recognize an individual who was the “energy” that ensured every last detail - no matter how small - was completed.
It is fitting that this individual is Jorge Rodriquez, one of Gustavo’s closest friends. Jorge and Gustavo met in secondary school and developed a deep friendship that lasted throughout their adult lives. When Gustavo decided to build the new school in Huaycán, he turned to his friend Jorge for help. Gustavo knew this project needed a person to be in Lima working with the contractors to keep the project on course and to ensure the quality of the new school met our expectations. Jorge agreed to help his friend and accepted this tremendous responsibility.
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| Jorge Rodriguez at the school dedication with the traditional bottle of wine for the christening |
Jorge has invested many hours over the past two years. During my visit in January to Huaycán, I saw firsthand how much heart and soul Jorge put into the project. In the days leading up to the inauguration, Jorge worked non-stop to ensure that everything was complete. At the dedication of the beautiful school he helped create, we were all very proud of his hard work; work that will truly benefit so many.
Our biggest goal for 2009 was to complete the school. Now that we have successfully met that goal, we will work on new projects that will continue to help the students of Huaycán. In 2010, we will add six additional students, bringing our total to 30 students on PEP scholarship. Additionally, our first students graduated from the Colegio this past December. PEP will continue to support these three graduates by providing funding for them to attend a pre-university academy which will prepare them to do well on the university entrance exam. Please take a minute to read about our graduates. You will see how your contributions of time, talent, and treasure have truly made a difference in their lives and continue to fulfill Gustavo’s dream.
Sincerely,
Sheen Smith