Pisco Reconstruction Project Summary
Burners without Borders proudly announces the Completion of our First International Deployment-The Pisco Reconstruction Project
The Pisco Reconstruction Project began in response to the August 15th 2007 earthquake, which devastated the Pisco, Peru region and left over 80,000 people homeless. After nine months of hard work and generous financial support from individuals all over the world, BWB’s creativity and successes can be seen throughout Pisco and the surrounding towns. Through partnerships with UN, UNICEF, South American Red Cross and many other groups, BWB has proven to be a major player in the field of international relief work.
The completion of this project not only provided the much-needed assistance to the Peruvians, but also allowed BWB to welcome many new international faces to our community. Over sixty percent of BWB volunteers were new to the Burner community and many of those participated in this year’s Burning Man event. At the close of operations, we welcomed 369 volunteers representing 34 countries, yielding over 56,000 hours of gifted man-hours. These volunteers, the Burner community, and the international philanthropic community, came together to raise over $90,000, which provided funding for a multitude of projects.
Here’s a quick look at the successes of BWB’s volunteer workforce, keep an eye on the website for our more in depth closeout report:
• Three complete school reconstructions providing classrooms to over 250 students
• Over 100 temporary homes consructed
• Thirteen sanitation units providing running water and facilities to over 50 families
• Partnerships with major NGOs and government agencies including the United Nations, UNICEF, CARITAS, FURSUR, and more
• An environmental interpretive center ran by an eco-conscious fishing organization
• Governmental planning meetings focused on redevelopment based on environmental sustainability and ecotourism
• Weekly youth development, education, and English language classes
• Thousands of hours in direct family assistance projects
One of our most exciting accomplishments is the assisted formation of Pisco Sin Fronteras, a Peruvian operated NGO formed from the energy of BWB’s efforts. The fulfillment of our mission requires us to fill the gaps of traditional infrastructure. What larger gap is there than sustainable long-term assistance? With the right support, Pisco Sin Fronteras will be continuing BWB's efforts for years to come.
Would you like to Volunteer?
Pisco Sin Fronteras is currently accepting volunteers and are in need of resources. BWB is strongly urging the Burner community to keep supporting the efforts in Pisco regardless of the name of the volunteer organization. You can meet our dear friends online and see how we can continue to help Pisco at www.piscosinfronteras.org or www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23804563549.
CONTACT: You can reach them by emailing piscosinfronteras@hotmail.com or the BWB contact at jimmy@burnerswithoutborders.org.
Thanks to everyone who was a part of this project and helped prove to the world that this community is unstoppable!!!