Heart-Links would like to thank the late Raymond “Pete” Cheele, and his wife, Mabel Cheele, who predeceased him, for their generous bequest in support of Heart-Links’ work in Peru. Committed Catholics, the Cheeles were close friends of the Zadorsky family and followed the mission work of Heart-Links founder Sister Janet Zadorsky with interest and encouragement.

Because of this gift, the Esperanza Centre for Alternative Education is on a solid foundation—literally. The bequest has enabled Heart-Links’ partner ACIES to complete the foundation, retaining wall and perimeter of this afterschool centre in a marginal neighbourhood in Cajamarca, Peru.

The Centre, which currently works out of borrowed space in an abandoned market, provides education and homework support for impoverished Indigenous children from a perspective that values their Indigenous heritage. As Indigenous people and recent arrivals from the countryside, these children face increased racism and discrimination and the dismissal of their culture.

Because of the bequest made by the Cheele estate and the contributions of other Heart-Links friends and supporters, Heart-Links is within reach of its goal (just $4,250 to go!) to finance completion of the Centre in 2018 and programming for the children it will serve.