In addition to the funds donated through this page, we have received generous donations via check, cash, and the FSD site totaling $8,100!  Please consider donating today to help transform these blueprints into a reality! 

FSD would like to extend a very special thank you to the $10 Club for their donation of $3,500, which is being allocated to the playground equipment for this project!

Also, many thanks to Club Sportiva members for their generous donation of $2,000! 
 
* Each $34 donation will allow the center to construct one linear foot of the fence.  We hope that you will see the value of your gift and know that any amount you decide to give will be greatly appreciated.  All donations are tax-deductible, as funds go through the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

** We have reduced the total project figures after reducing the project's scale to ensure completion of phase 1 and 2 before the onset of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.  After completing the enclosure project, we will re-evaluate the possibility of constructing an additional classroom.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Widespread poverty, excessive inequality, and limited social mobility inhibit economic and political development in the Argentine town of Villa Elisa. This project responds to the needs of this community by providing infrastructure development for the Asociación Apoyo Familiar Casa del Niño Arco Iris, a neighborhood center offering education and microenterprise opportunities for adults, while providing nutritional meals and development activities for local children. 

Arco Iris’ lack of security is the principal challenge that hinders its growth and expansion.  At night, youth drink and participate in high-risk activities in the unprotected, trash-filled, and weed-infested yard; during the day, overgrown grass hides broken beer bottles and drug paraphernalia. Dogs roam the area where the children play, bringing in garbage and disease.  Underutilized, contaminated, and dangerous, Arco Iris' yard exists as a constant reminder that the center currently lacks the infrastructure and resources to serve the community to the best of its ability.  

This project proposes to construct an enclosure – a protective, secure fence – that will allow Arco Iris to improve and expand the programs it offers.  The project consists of four components:

(1) Creating Foundations – a community event will raise awareness for the project, garnering support and reducing the probability of future vandalism;

(2) Constructing a Safe Place – a local architect and youth group will construct an enclosure, which will 1) ensure security for the valuable sewing and baking equipment, 2)prevent street dogs from bringing garbage and diseases into the play area, 3)create the space needed for a garden, and 4) though only temporarily, offer much-needed employment opportunities for local youth and community members

(3) Building a Playground – a playground and soccer field will be set up to provide the children with a stimulating and safe play space;

(4) Going Green – Biosfera, a local environmental organization, will teach sustainable gardening practices to Arco Iris staff. A garden will supply the children with fresh produce and make the center less reliant on other sources. Additionally, Arco Iris teachers, Biosfera staff, and local mothers will work with the children to plant flowers, ground cover, and trees throughout the yard. 

The project “Constructing to Create Opportunities” is a collaborative and interactive project that will improve the facilities of a major community center. Designed by Arco Iris supervisors and community members, this project will improve community cohesion by encouraging families to participate more in Arco Iris' educational and capacity building programs. The creation of an enclosure will also give the children a safe place to play and learn, provide security for the nascent sewing and bakery cooperatives, supply produce for the kitchen, and create a much-needed space for outdoor development activities. Finally, the successful implementation of this project will strengthen the daily efforts of Arco Iris to support local children so that they can grow up to become politically and economically active members of their community. A fence, while simple, is an important step for a rural community to build a more sustainable future. 

Your $34 donation will allow Arco Iris to construct one linear foot of fence (labor and materials), paint 10 yards, or plant 19 tomato plants 

Your $100 donation will build one yard, paint 30 yards, or plant 6 fruit trees 

Your $300 donation will put up three yards, paint 90 yards, or transplant the trees currently along the property border and plant 3 new ones

With your help, we can make this project a reality. Please consider donating today!!

Click here to download the complete project proposal!

Read the Arco Iris Project Blog to read more details, post thoughts/questions, and follow updates on the project throughout its implementation!