A home for street boys in Peru which they have helped to build is to be opened tomorrow, saving a number of boys from spending the festive season on the streets.

In August the region around Ica, where the home was being built, was devastated by a huge earthquake.

Members of Cupar Old Parish Church, many of whom have given the project practical as well as financial support, feared that the collapse of many buildings would lead to an increase in the population of abandoned street boys in the city.

However, in the aftermath of the earthquake, Scripture Union Peru decided to accelerate the building of the home in order that it would be able to accommodate some of the anticipated growing street boy population more quickly.

UNSCRUPULOUS

Describing the opening of the new home as 'the greatest gift', the church's minister, Rev. Dr Ken Jeffrey, said it meant 15 young boys, some as young as seven, have been saved from spending the festive season on the streets, where they could be preyed upon by unscrupulous people.

It is hoped that in six months time the home will provide a safe haven for 40 street boys.

"The news of the home opening tomorrow is the greatest Christmas present I could have ever wanted to receive," he said.

"I cannot begin to describe my feelings of happiness and joy, knowing that this Christmas as I enjoy the festivities with my own family, that there will be a new family of boys in Ica who will enjoy Christmas in a safe environment, surrounded by love and care, and that they will not be on the streets of Ica or Lima living in fear of their lives".

He added: "To be perfectly honest I really don't want anything else for Christmas.

"This is the greatest gift I could have ever received. Again I would like to thank everyone within the community who has supported this wonderful project."

INVOLVEMENT

However, the opening doesn't signal the end of the involvement in the project.

In January, Rev. Jeffrey, will visit Peru with a group of Scottish ministers who are being taken by the Vine Trust to see at first hand the work they sponsor in partnership with Scripture Union Peru.

During this visit, on January 20, the home will be officially opened.
It is hoped that at least an audio, and perhaps also a video link will be established to allow people in Cupar to witness the opening live.
Plans are also being made for the visit of the second work party of 20 local volunteers who will travel to work on the site in Ica in October next year.