We have just received information from our partners in Chile about the first group formed to participate in the Earthquake Relief Programme:

"We are extremely happy with the volunteers' willingness and flexibility for this first program that started on July 4th. After completing a week of cultural immersion, planning and some practical campaigns in Santiago, they started their journey to Pichidegua loaded with fresh fruits, potatoes and some other elements that they collected in local markets in Santiago. Local authorities and the community were expecting their arrival.  Pablo our EIL Chile program coodinator has been with them and supoported the volunteers all the time.  Host families in Santiago were also very enthusiastic about hosting the volunteers and helped them through the first week to get used to local life.... This week volunteers start the hard work hand by hand with local authorities and with the help of other people who have joined us in this effort to rebuild trust, the sense of identity and territory among locals. "

A second group will be travelling to Chile on August 8th to continue the work started by this group. If you think you could be part of this group see Chile Earthquake Programme for more information.