Chile awoke very abruptly on the morning of February 27th, trembling with the rumblings of a tremendous earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale at its epicentre, which affected five of the twelve regions of the country.

As a result of this terrible earthquake sixty thousand families lost everything: not just material things, which can in some ways be recovered, but relatives, friends, work colleagues. So far there are 500 fatalities and countless injured.

From that moment on, the whole nation has wanted to get involved in the huge task of reconstructing the country, and countless initiatives have sprung up. Many people are looking for ways to be part of this titanic and wonderful task of rebuilding.

It is certainly not just a material reconstruction; we are looking at a rebuilding that will make our people more human, more equal, more in solidarity with one another…

One such initiative was started by one of the most respected NGOs in our country, “Un Techo para Chile” (A roof for Chile). Its mission is to offer a fit home for those who do not have one, counting on the work of young volunteers. Following the earthquake they were authorised by the Chilean government to build twenty thousand of these emergency homes.

The School of he Sacred Heart of Apoquindo (Santiago de Chile) set about active involvement in the great crusade of rebuilding Chile after the earthquake. One hundred and forty students aged 16 and 17 voluntarily took part in the setting up of emergency houses over a five day period. It was very hard, demanding physical work. Conditions were difficult. The experience was unsurpassable.

We built 35 emergency homes in various areas near Melpilla.

That might not seem a lot given the enormous needs: however, the commitment of the students, teachers and others connected with the school went above and beyond mere figures through the spirit of solidarity that kept each one going with great generosity and enthusiasm.

Quena Valdes Ossa, rscj
Province of Chile

This will doubtless be the first of many reports that will be made as we return … We are returning from an experience which cannot be adequately described, so for the moment I just want to express my gratitude.

I am grateful to the school for the trust and the chance it gave us to carry this project through, which for me, unfolded day after day like a dream.

I am grateful to each and every one who took part, for their tremendous commitment, support, love and dedication, not just for the building of the 35 emergency homes, but for the companionship, encouragement, and motivation in each of the work groups. I truly feel that what we have lived will mark us forever.

I am grateful for all who stayed behind and replaced us in the school, all who prayed for us.. without this generosity we could never have realised our mission with any peace of mind.

I am grateful to those 140 students of the Sacred Heart who gave of themselves absolutely in joyful and simple service. They forgot about their own comforts, they understood and took to heart and with profound willingness that they would go to Melpilla, leaving aside their own private concerns. We can all be very proud of them, an example for all of us.

I am grateful to God and to the Sacred Heart who blessed and protected us, giving us the opportunity to open our hearts to learn, to see, to listen, to look, to encounter….

Gloria Gutiérrez
Teacher and Project Coordinator.