Soundtrack Back Up!

Thanks, UMG, for abiding by the law. We really appreciate it.

Update: Sneak Peak (aka: Boo UMG)

You might have noticed that the soundtrack to our Sneak Peak isn't working. Here's the deal: Universal Music Group, the copyright holder for the Bob Marley song we used in the video, had the audio pulled from the embedded YouTube posting on grounds of copyright infringement.

Although we contacted UMG some time ago to inquire about using the song under Fair Use laws and precedents (which allow for the use of copyrighted works without permission under certain circumstances, including for educational and otherwise nonprofit, socially beneficial purposes), we never received any response.

We are currently reviewing our legal options during this little ordeal. But for now, we'll go out on a limb and say that we are extremely dissapointed with UMG's actions thus far.

Sneak Peak

In preparation for our mini-documentary about our experiences in Peru, we've been combing through the seemingly endless video footage we shot on the trip. It's actually been less of a chore than you'd think, since most of the footage is pretty entertaining in its own right and always brings back good memories.

Instead of holding out until the movie is finished in November, we thought we'd share a few of our favorite clips with you now. This is a video one of our students made to remind everyone of some of the best times we had at the Casa. Enjoy and stay tuned for the longer mini-documentary coming soon!

From the Center for Reproductive Rights: Teen Rape Victim Files Case Against Peru in U.N. Committee

Below please find an article from the Center for Reproductive Rights U.S. website. Although the article is from a clearly biased source, it does provide some thought-provoking factual information about a particular young Peruvian woman's situation, and the obstacles she faces as such. This case is an example of the complexities of the collective situation of women in Peru, and although the article is distressing, we think it's important that the information in it is made available to as many readers as possible. Information like this is useful to us as a group if we're going to sucessfully help women such as L.C. and the women of the Casa in the long term.

From http://reproductiverights.org/en/press-room/teen-rape-victim-files-case-against-peru-in-un-committee:

"Teen Rape Victim Files Case Against Peru in U.N. Committee
Government Continues to Refuse Women Access to Legal Abortion

06.18.09 - Today, a 16-year-old Peruvian rape survivor who suffered devastating consequences after being denied an abortion filed a human rights petition against her government before the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The CEDAW Committee monitors states’ compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. L.C., who wishes to remain anonymous, charges that Peru’s failure to implement measures that guarantee a woman’s ability to obtain essential reproductive health services in a timely manner, particularly legal abortion, not only violates the Peruvian Constitution, but international treaty obligations.

'Extreme human rights violations against women and girls, such as L.C., occur in Peru on a daily basis,' said Lilian Sepúlveda, regional manager and legal adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Center for Reproductive Rights, who represents L.C. along with the Center for the Promotion and Defense of Sexual and Reproductive Rights (PROMSEX). 'As L.C.’s case illustrates, it is not enough to simply pass a law that permits access to abortion—-it is imperative that governments establish and enforce regulations that guarantee women are able to obtain those services and obtain them safely.'

In 2006, L.C., 13-years-old at the time, was repeatedly raped by a 34-year-old male who lived in her neighborhood, the district of Ventanilla, an impoverished section in the province of El Callao near the capital city of Lima. By 2007, she learned that she was pregnant. Desperate, L.C. attempted to commit suicide by jumping off the roof of a building next door to her house. Neighbors discovered her and rushed her to the hospital. After examining her condition and diagnosing an immediate referral to realign her spine, doctors refused to provide her with urgent care arguing that they could not operate on L.C. because she was pregnant. Even though Peru allows abortion in cases where the mother’s health and life are at risk, hospital officials failed to treat L.C. L.C. eventually suffered a miscarriage because of the severity of her injuries. Several weeks after the miscarriage, four months after she was told she needed surgery, L.C. did undergo the spinal procedure, but was told shortly thereafter that the surgery would have little to no effect and that she would remain paralyzed.

'What happened to L.C. is a travesty. Requiring a woman to carry a pregnancy to term when the pregnancy threatens her physical and mental health constitutes discrimination because it prioritizes her reproductive capacity over her health,' said Susana Chávez, director of PROMSEX. 'As a medical procedure sought only by women, the denial of a timely abortion constitutes discrimination.'

In 2002, the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a similar case against Peru before the U.N. Human Rights Committee (UNHRC). In 2005, that committee ruled against Peru for failing to protect K.L., a young woman who was forced by state officials to carry to term a pregnancy with fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. The UNHRC found that denying access to legal abortion violates women's most basic human rights and ordered Peru to adopt the necessary regulations to guarantee access to legal abortion. The government has failed to abide by the decision.

Among other remedies, L.C. is asking that the Peruvian government acknowledge the human rights violation; provide L.C. with reparations, including physical and mental rehabilitation; and issue necessary measures so that no other woman is denied her right to comprehensive health care and therapeutic abortion."

Bryant Spotlight

Check out this article on the Bryant website about our trip to Casa de Mantay!

Reflections

Here are some final thoughts from everyone about our trip:

Emily Deschenes, '09

Swansea, MA

"When I arrived home from Peru, all of my friends and family asked some variation of the question: "How was your trip?!". Of course this was an easy question to answer. The trip was amazing, life changing and memorable. But when it came time to recollect the specifics of the trip to people, I started to become overwhelmed. In just 10 days, our group of 14 was able to accomplish SOO much, that it was tough to summarize in a few short sentences. So looking back on the trip now, I find myself still overwhelmed with reflecting on the trip.

I would say the thing that will stay with me forever is the bond our group formed over the course of our time in Peru. When faced with some of the conditions we faced (i.e. living conditions, travel conditions, or our experience at the Casa) we had no choice but to bond over the circumstances. Another part of the trip that really put life into perspective was our week at the Casa. Part of our mission in Peru was to help mothers take care of their children. However, when we arrived at the Casa, we soon realized that the mothers we were helping were as much as 10 years younger than us. Watching and learning about these mothers, who have gone through so much, really made me appreciate the comfortable and fortunate life I live.

Of course my pictures from the trip tell a thousand stories, but a reflection can only be so long. Although the specifics of the trip may seem important now, I think I will be forever impacted by the big picture of our time in Peru- I learned a valuable lesson on appreciating what I have. "

Raisa Dougan, '11

Geneva, Switzerland

"When people ask me 'how was your trip to Peru?' all I can say is amazing or overwhelming (in a good way). If I could I would redo the whole thing all over again and would not change a thing. I really did not know what to expect from the whole trip. Going in to Peru I only knew three students out of the twelve of us but that caused no problem because as soon as we got to Peru we all bonded, at times a bit too much even. I have had the chance to do something that means a lot to me and that is humanitarian work as travelling , visiting a wonderful country.

At first I did not know what to expect to see in the casa or even just in Peru in general. When we landed in Lima I could begin to wrap my head around things. Even though the first couple of days I kept on saying “This is surreal I can’t believe I’m here”. I have to say that I preferred Cusco to Lima, I felt that Cusco was a bit less commercialized whereas Lima, being the capital had some sort of image to maintain.

Overall this trip was an amazing experience and I’m very grateful to all the people who helped make this project come true. I hope that Bryant will continue to encourage programs like this one."

Kevin Concannon, '10

Beverly, MA

"Now that the Peru trip has come and gone, I can look back and realize how awesome our trip was. I feel very lucky and proud to be a part of the group of students that went and to be part of Casa Mantay’s mission. The trip meant a great deal to me and I'll never forget it. Seeing people who are far less fortunate is inspiring and gives a new sense of perspective. I also enjoyed getting to know the other group members and experiencing Peru with them. I got to experience an amazing and different culture, see a beautiful part of the world, and make a difference in people’s lives who truly need help. I couldn’t have asked for more from this trip."

Kathryn Varis, '09

Guilford, CT

"The hard work the group put into making this trip successful really paid off. This was an experience of a lifetime and was by far the best trip I have ever been on. Not only were we able to help the women and children of the casa, I know I grew immensely as a person after learning and experiencing everything we did. From the initial bus ride out of the Lima airport to our hostel when I could not take my eyes off my window, to having to say good-bye to everyone at the casa on our last day, I knew my life had changed."

Todd Degnan, '11

Ballston Lake, NY

"The service trip to Peru was a very humbling and incredible experience. I began this journey very excited to do something so great for others. Throughout the planning, execution, and memories created by this trip I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. I have learned many more things on this trip than I thought I ever would, while gaining a global experience and perspective. The small personal moments that I experienced while in Peru are the memories that will last with me for a long time and give me inspiration for my future. This was truly an amazing trip and I feel that I have gained a lot as a person from all of the people on the trip with me as well as the mothers, children, and volunteers that we met along the way and at the shelter."

Katie Gorham, '10

Baltimore, MD

"I knew that this trip would be something to remember even from the beginning. But looking back, it was a truly amazing experience that I wouldn't change for anything. We were so lucky to be able to be a part of the women and children's lives, even if we were only there for ten short days. Personally, our time in Peru opened my eyes to some of the inequities of the world, and what we learned firsthand could never have been taught in a classroom. Most importantly, we learned that with persistence, hard work, and cooperation, these inequities can be addressed and changed. I'm so proud of our group and what we accomplished, and I can't wait to continue our work with Casa de Mantay!"

Alex Jelly, '11

Sparta, NJ

"For me, Peru was a time of personal reflection and fufillment. Not only did I have the time of my life, but I also felt that the group made a positive impact on the women and children of Casa de Mantay. To be able to see the happiness on the kids faces each day really gave each one of us a sense of purpose and accomplishment throughout the trip. The trip broadened my cultural awareness, which is vital to my International Business studies. I meet some new Peruvian friends, and I also bonded with some friends at Bryant whom I had never met before, and whom I hope to stay friends with for years to come."

Meredith Archambeault, '10

Sandwich, MA

"I definitely experienced culture shock when I returned from Peru. I immediately missed the group and our continuous joking and attempts at using Spanish. My mind was stuck thinking in Spanish for certain phrases and it took a couple days to get back to normal. When I returned home I was excited to eat American food but after a few meals, I missed the excitement we experienced every day upon receiving our foreign meals. It isn't easy to find authentic dishes like cui and alpaca here. The fast-paced lifestyle that is America was also somewhat of a shock. In Peru, they didn't really have clocks or watches anywhere so, it was usually a task to find out what time it was which I really enjoyed. I probably miss the simple lifestyle that we became a part of living there the most. The awe at what we accomplished in Peru didn't set in until after our return either. In Peru, we didn't really have time to think about the situation we were immersed in but, at home it was really sad yet inspiring to think about what a difference we made. The donations we were able to raise for the casa and labor hours put in will make such a difference in those women's lives and seeing that really gave me inspiration to work hard to make this trip happen again."

Alyssa Rollins, '12

Dummerston, VT

"Slowly but surely my vocabulary has become void of the words “choolani” and “pachawawa” since my return from Peru, but not all of what I learned has been lost. I still cant look at my younger sisters without thinking that those girls in the casa were the same age, and they had children. I cant stop thinking about the skinny little girls who were selling gum outside the bars all night, and the stories that Raquel told which gave a clear picture of what was likely to happen to these girls. Since I’ve been home I have realized how lucky I am to have a family that would support me no matter what happens, and that I live in a country where rape isn’t something that I have to worry about on a regular basis. In hindsight I am so glad that I got the chance to go to Peru and do something meaningful, something that has given me perspective and encouragement to continue to help in this way in the future."

Professor Tony Houston

a.k.a. T. Ho.

"I was impressed even before the trip that the students initiated the entire project. They knew what they wanted to accomplish and then recruited us as faculty advisors. On the trip I could see that the students were absolutely committed to the making a difference. They were also a very cohesive group. Everyone got along beautifully and looked out for each other.

Our students understand the importance of service, not the sort of charity that perpetuates dependence, but actually working toward creating a more equitable society. Besides helping women with survival skills and emotional support, Casa Mantay lobbies for laws that protect women and works to change attitudes about violence against women and promote the rights of children.

It’s essential that students have these kinds of experiences. When you experience something like this, it makes more of an impression than learning about it in the abstract. It's transformative."

Professor Patty Gomez

a.k.a. ProGo, Promez, PG, etc.

"Reflecting the planning, organization and reality of the 10 day trip to Peru has been one of the most fulfilling of my career as a Spanish Professor. From the moment that Maddie, Kathyrn and Katie came looking for faculty for this unique project, I was excited and hoping that I would serve on the trip. I am honored that I was chosen and can only say that I learned just as much as my Bryant students did. I am one who believes that opportunities are presented to us and we must go forth with them and do the best we can to make them successful. I was enthused that this trip served in a humanitarian way and this is something that I felt strongly about. My love for the Hispanic world is something that brings me close to home. And although I am American, my Mexican ancestry truly is something embedded in who I am today.

All of the students pulled their weight from the beginning and made the experience for the Casa Mantay one that I am certain they will never forget. The group no doubt bonded in ways as we were faced with challenges and obstacles along the way, but I found that they never lost focus of what the purpose of the trip was, and that in itself made it well worth it in my eyes. The smiles and eagerness of the children and mothers from the moment that we arrived to the Casa to the day that we left , will be what I will most remember and cherish. Lastly, I just want to extend a warm thank you to all my dozen of Bryant students and my friend and colleague Tony Houston that made this an unforgettable trip that will long stay in my thoughts."

Stats

Now that our trip has come to a close, we thought it would be a good idea to inform everyone of all that we accomplished in the process. Over the course of the past few months, we worked tirelessly to ensure that our trip to Peru was a success. Here are a few numbers that help describe what we were able to do:

14 students/faculty who volunteered at the casa
10 days spent in Peru
3 tour guides we managed to annoy
448 total volunteer hours spent at casa (14 volunteers x 32 hours per person)
3 places to work in the casa: Guardaria (Nursery), Comedor (dining room), and Cocina (kitchen)
27 children to play with, love and enjoy
15 women helped and supported (the mothers of the casa plus Raquel)
$1,070 fundraised for the casa, which we used to buy the following: a refrigerator, a stereo, pots and pans, a pressure cooker, and a hand mixer
560 pounds of donations of clothes, shoes, toys, etc. brought to the casa
1 dining room sanded, primed, and painted in colorful stripes
4 spanish phrases repeated over and over again: "si", "gracias", "lo siento, por favor", and "pachawawa"

...and an infinite number of memories, friendships, and photos we'll be taking home with us!

Thanks to everyone who followed us on our journey; your kind words and support are truly appreciated. Stay tuned for some reflections, a mini-movie, and more on how you can help our continuing efforts!

Day Eight: Last Day at the Casa

All the planning, all the hard work finally paid off. Today was our last day at the Casa. Needless to say it was hard to leave and say goodbye. On our final day we were able to complete the project we started on the first day. The dining room was completely transformed, it looked remarkable and the smile on Raquel’s face made the room complete.

Aside from the painting, Maddie, Emily, and I went to the market with one of the mothers. The market consisted of many different stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and various assortments of grains. The hustle and bustle of the streets was an exquisite site. The interaction between the customer and the vendor was unlike anything I had ever seen before; it seemed a lot more personal and friendly.

After the market, Maddie, Raise, and I helped out in the kitchen. Even through the language barriers, at least for me, I had a fun time. The women have finally opened up a little and are extremely gregarious; always laughing and making others laugh. The work in the kitchen required chopping, washing, or peeling the vegetables. Basically we helped out any which way we could. As much fun as it was, our time in the kitchen did not last very long. Our attention was needed in the dining room.

At one point we were all helping out in the dining room, including Raquel’s husband Sergio. When the painting was coming to its final stages and not as many people were required I snuck away to the nursery to see the little ones for the last time.

The children in the nursery range from newborns to about three years old. All of them are extraordinary and unbelievably adorable. Their innocence touches your heart. With all the chaos of the day, it is easy to forget what these women have been through. The fact of the matter is that at such a young age these women have experienced more harsh times than some of us ever will in our entire lifetime. The women of Casa de Mantay are children themselves. The youngest girl there is thirteen with a 1 ½ year old son. It does not matter where you grow up; at that age it is difficult for anyone to raise a child. The women are stripped of their childhood and forced to grow up faster in order to provide a brighter future for their children.

So on my last day at the casa I finally understood what this experience was about. For me, helping out at Casa de Mantay was an amazing opportunity to give back, an experience of a lifetime and a time to gain innumerable knowledge about another culture. I never realized that I would be the one getting a valuable gift in return.

Therefore, on my last day sitting here over looking Cuzco I knew my life had changed. This is it, this is life. It is happening at this very moment. Life is not about waiting or struggling for that life changing opportunity, one that supposedly will make life better and actually worth living. Life is constantly moving along, for better or for worse there no sense in abandoning it. The mother’s of the Casa taught me just this. So whether they know it or not these women are an inspiration to everyone around the world. From the struggle of daily challenges to life altering circumstances the women of Casa de Mantay remind you that it is this exact love of life, which is easily forgettable, that makes it all worth the while.

-Priya

Today was the day all of our efforts came together at the casa. We all worked hard to complete the dining room and as usual I spent hours in the nursery. It was so hard to say goodbye to all the mothers and the children and although there was a heavy language barrier our help demonstrated a common understanding of how much we care about them.

It was amazing how our efforts to help improve different aspects of the casa as well as lending a helping hand led so quickly to many trusting friendships. It seemed as though we were actually a part of the casa and not just there to offer a few days of help.

Looking back at the days, it still feels unreal that we had a chance to have this unforgettable experience. Not only did we build friendships with the people of the casa, but also with one another. This was a great opportunity to work with Bryant students that I would otherwise not have the chance to get to know. We are all walking away with several new friends and a new appreciation of all that we have and all that we are capable to give.

- Megha

Day Seven: Back to Work

After a nice day off yesterday, it was time to return to the casa to work full throttle. As usual, I was the last out of bed, but before I knew it I was at the casa working hard with my group members. When splitting for groups, I chose to work in the kitchen with Megha. Before we could cook anything, we had to buy the food! Megha and I, along with one of the mothers, went down to the market to buy food for today´s lunch. The market was amazing! Everything was outdoors and there was just food everywhere. After getting what we needed, we lugged the food back to the casa. This was one of many points during this trip where I came to realize the efforts that these mothers have to put forth. As I was carrying a heavy bag of food back to the casa, I couldn´t help but think of the people in the states who can barely carry groceries to their cars. Upon returning to the casa, we got right to work and started to prep for the lunch. This consisted of picking basil leaves off their branches, taking stems off the fresh spinach, and grating three blocks of cheese! The lunch was spaghetti with pesto sauce. It was a bit salty, but overall it was not bad.

After lunch, I took a nap for about 10 minutes (it was a nice break). When I woke up, I was back to work with many of the other group members. We were finally adding color to the dining room that we had planned to paint! Everyone was hard at work, and we were all working together in order to keep up with the precise measurements, and touch ups. Before I knew it, it was time to go.

When we returned to our hostel, I realized that our spa appointment was in fifteen minutes. Yes, SPA APPOINTMENT! Well this was some treat! We all got awesome massages for a more than reasonable price. It was quite an experience. Upon returning to the hostel, I took a nice shower, and I still smell like the oil they used. I am ready to bond with my group members on a night out on the town of Cusco. More so, I am ready to give it all I’ve got at our last day at the casa tomorrow.

-Ronnie

Day Six: Riot Day

Today, we got the day off. They city was shut down because the Peruvians were rioting. Apparently, riots are very common in Peru and also are different than in the US. Here, streets and shops are closed in advance and neither the police nor government takes action unless it becomes necessary.

Usually, cars and busses have an extremely hard time getting around the city, so the bus company providing our transportation for the trip decided that they would not be taking us to the Casa today. Waking up around 11:30 AM, I could hear people in the streets and drums banging. We weren’t sure what to expect at first, but it was interesting. What could be more of a cultural experience?

Good thing we planned ahead. Using the food we purchased at the market last night, half of the group cooked us a simple spaghetti lunch in small (rather tiny) kitchen, here at the hostel around 2 PM.

This afternoon the group ventured out when the riots died down. We tried going to an Incan museum but it was still closed. Instead, we went to an artisan market that was about a 20 minute walk from the hostel. We’re all getting pretty good at bargaining down prices!
Dinner was amazing. A cook came to the hostel prepared us “Causa a la Limena”. It was delicious meal for a surprisingly reasonable price. It’s a typical Peruvian potato based meal with chicken and avocado with mushrooms and bacon skewers on the side.

Tomorrow, it’s back to the Casa!

-Kathryn