Kiya Survivors Charity

To the Parish of Knocklyon,

On behalf of Kiya Survivors, I would like to thank everyone who donated so generously to the charity in the outdoor collection in April 2005. €850 was raised for Kiya Survivors. I also brought over toys and materials for the school given to me by the 3rd Class children in St. Colmcille’s School. I was very proud to be able to travel over with such generous gifts.

I spent two months working in Peru in a community called Urubamba, which is situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Andes Mountains. Kiya Survivors is a charity set up by a British woman named Suzy Butler. She has set up two schools in Peru for children with special needs. All of these children are either physically, intellectually or emotionally delayed or impaired.

During my time in Peru, I worked with many children who have severe difficulties and some of whom in the past have been abandoned and badly mistreated. The teachers, psychologist, behavioural specialist, social worker and physiotherapist and the volunteers all work together to educate the children and repair their self-esteem and trust in adults. It is one of the only schools of its kind in Peru and before it was founded, these children received no education. The school ensures that all the children get a healthy varied meal each day in school and has shower facilities for those children who need them.

I enjoyed my experience tremendously and I am delighted that I got the opportunity to work with such inspiring and talented professionals and that I got to meet such resilient and happy children.

All the donations received are well used for the direct benefit of all the children that attend the school. The charity also gives the opportunity to the public to sponsor any of the children. If anyone is interested in doing so or perhaps even volunteering to work there, all information can be found at www.kiyasurvivors.org. I would also be happy to chat to anyone who is interested in any aspect of the charity.

Thank you all once again for your support.

– Sinead Ní Mhurchadha