What is Los Amigos Episcopales?
Los Amigos Episcopales is a 501 (c) 3 charitableorganization in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. It is a small but very active part of the diocesan Peace and Justice Ministry, dedicated to supporting Episcopal schools and preschools in the Diocese of El Salvador. Open to all children, without regard to religious affiliation, these schools are located in areas lacking any other educational opportunities.
Some years ago a psychologist from Massachusetts organized preschools there with the idea that the only way to address the awesome poverty and upheaval in that civil-war-torn country was to provide education for the children in their most formative years. Following the cessation of the Massachusetts educational grant (three years in duration, ending in 1995) Los Amigos voted to continue funding and support for the five schools now active. The number of students now enrolled is slightly under 1200 and most students are non-Episcopalians..
Additionally, Los Amigos contributes to a Bean Fund which loans money to farmers to purchase seeds. The loan is repaid by the farmers (with a very modest interest) when the crops are harvested.
Who are the members of Los Amigos Episcopales?
Membership is open to parishioners of churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, as well as members of other Christian churches (at the present time there are about 20 members representing 10 churches). These are people sufficiently dedicated to the mission to work very hard providing funds and assistance to the schools, and the Bean Fund, and, more importantly, to visit El Salvador often to assess the needs there and work on building and repair projects (our most recent large group trip was in July, 2005. The last trip by a member was in the summer of 2008). All members are volunteers, including the officers. There is no paid staff. At present, the Board of Directors consists of:
President |
Ruth F. Ihde, St. Thomas, Berea |
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Vice-President |
Connie Hanson, St. Paul’s, Cleveland Heights | |
Recording Secretary |
Mary Nodar, St. Paul’s, Cleveland Heights |
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Corresponding Secretary |
Jennifer Boswell, St. Peter, Lakewood | |
Treasurer |
Maggie Boswell, St. Matthew’s, Brecksville |
What is the source of funds?
Los Amigos solicits funds from churches and individuals, as well as participating in various fund-raising projects. All moneys are forwarded to El Salvador for use there. The annual budget is approximately $15,000, but this does not include funds sent directly from churches to El Salvador in response to our appeals.
What projects have we completed in the last few years?
- Built and maintain the Los Amigos Episcopales Clinic adjacent to the school of San Francisco de Asís.
- Provided bathrooms and a water system for the school and church at San Francisco de Asís.
- Built a holding tank for water for the school at San Andrés.
- Provided outside gym sets for several schools.
- Provided hundreds of scholarships for students.
- Provided earthquake and hurricane relief funding.
- Initiated libraries for all schools.
- Sent hundreds of Spanish books to expand libraries.
- Provided musical instruments for a large band (Marty’s Pals Band).
- Provided funds to purchase a home adjacent to San Andrés, and convert it into five classrooms.
- and much more...
What is our most immediate commitment?
- To provide $6,000 in 2009 to support the new school of the Divine Providence in El Maizal, El Salvador. This includes funds for teachers’ salaries, and materials. This is an area where students cannot afford to pay for their education.
- To assist all schools in meeting school regulations, newly imposed by the government.
- To provide scholarships for 100 students ($250 each per year).
How many schools are there, and where are they?
There are five schools which Los Amigos members have often visited.
They are:
- San Andrés Apóstol, Soyapango, Amatepec
- San Miguel Arcangel, Quezaltepeque
- San Rafael Arcangel, Santa Ana
- San Mateo, Lourdes
- San Francisco de Asís, Lourdes.
In additon, there are at least three new schools which have been established in small villages of new homes. These were built by Episcopal Relief and Development, in a program very much like Habitat for Humanity. They are:
- San José, in El Congo
- School of the Divine Providence, El Maizal
- A new school in San Miguel
Where do we meet?
Los Amigos Episcopales welcomes parishioners of the Diocese of Ohio, as well as all area residents interested in our work. We generally meet on the second Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Harkess Hall at St. Thomas. We begin with a potluck followed by a business meeting. We do, on occasion, meet at other churches in the area.
For information on upcoming meetings and events, please see the Sunday bulletins and the Wayfarer Newsletter or email Ruth Ihde.
Last updated 04/09/2009