COCHABAMBA - Victor is one of the coaches and instructors at Inter Campus Bolivia. Along with Tomas, he’s one of the reference points for the activities at the Casari Foundation's Recreation Centre. Both endured a difficult childhood and were taken in by Veronica and Massimo Casari, who offered them a second chance in life. Either out of some kind of irony or perhaps a higher design, it was a chance for redemption with a job dedicated to children, with the intention of making their lives the most healthy and carefree possible. This entails not only sporting activity and games on the pitch, but also dedication to the basic rules of hygiene, afterschool activities and learning.
Victor explained the controversial law that forces children to follow their fathers to prison, in order to allow mothers to dedicate themselves to supporting the family. The law is motivated by the belief that, for children, jail can be a safer alternative to life on the streets; a consequence of the absence of parents. But quite often it is a solution that unwittingly turns the lives of youngsters into a nightmare.
Therefore, the Casari Foundation and Inter Channel’s commitment continues to grow, with the precious support of Sister Maria Angel, to support 70 children who are able to leave the San Sebastian penitentiary every Saturday in order to spend the day at the Recreation Centre and enjoy games, snacks, football and other activities.
The prison psychologist emphasised the usefulness of this initiative by recounting how excited and anxious the children are when they wake up at dawn every Saturday. Furthermore, the relationships among them have improved as their levels of aggression and depression have declined, as described in a letter of thanks from the prison’s directors and children’s representatives.
It all made for warm memories for our own Aldo Montinaro, Gabriele Raspelli and Paola Balconi as they concluded the week in Cochabamba with their young guests from the San Sebastian penitentiary and children of the Ticti-Norte area. Now they are all devoted and enthusiastic participants of the Inter Campus programme.
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