Beyond Bread: How 'Pan Y Vida' Nurtures Hope and Resilience - Hero of the Month (September 2024)

Beyond Bread: How 'Pan Y Vida' Nurtures Hope and Resilience - Hero of the Month (September 2024)

2024-10-24 (Last Update: Tue, 07 Jan 2025) Clinton Spence 0 General

Beyond Bread: How 'Pan y Vida' Nurtures Hope and Resilience

By Adriana Matamoros, Compassion Kitchens Volunteer.

Photo: Amparo (from Pan y Vida) with some of the girls from the Pan y Vida community kitchen.

In this new issue, we will share the story of Compassion Kitchen's community partner kitchen since March 2024, Pan y Vida, located in Soacha, a town of over a million inhabitants, next to Bogotá. Like other areas where our community partner kitchens operate, Soacha is known for its large population of displaced people, high poverty levels, and significant socio-economic challenges. Despite issues with crime, including gang violence and drug trafficking, Soacha is recognized for its resilient communities.

Pan y Vida which translates to "Bread and Life" in English, was opened around 23 years ago by a group of Mennonite church members from the Teusaquillo area. This time we interviewed Amparo Atehortura, 63, in charge of supporting the community kitchen’s management operations. She has been working for Pan y Vida for almost 10 years. She first started as a social worker in her hometown Medellín but later found her way to Pan y Vida, moved by her need to care for others, especially children and youth. She says that the most gratifying part of her job has been to always receive hugs and smiles from them.

The name "Pan y Vida" embodies their core mission of nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of children and young people. They provide not just "bread," but, perhaps more importantly, offer a chance for a better "Life" by fostering spiritual growth through education in values such as respect, solidarity and compassion, despite the violent and challenging environment in which these children are growing up. Despite the negative impacts of their upbringing, Amparo believes that children can rise above their circumstances and become better humans — capable of spreading kindness and creating positive change.

Current circumstances do not dictate the future, and improvement is entirely possible. While teaching this lesson from an early age may be easier said than done, it is a profound endeavor that instills hope. It shows children that there is always an alternative to immediate reactions and taking the easy way out. This alternative, though challenging, leads to deeper wisdom and strength, ultimately fostering healing for themselves and the world around them. As Amparo put it, “It’s like planting a small seed, knowing it will eventually grow into something stronger.”

This is Amparo’s and Pan y Vida story.

NAME: Luz Amparo Atehortura Correa, 63, originally from Medellín but says that people working on Pan y Vida are her second family.

Pan y Vida embodies their core mission of nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of children and young people.

NAME OF THE COMMUNITY KITCHEN: Pan y Vida was established 23 years ago by members of the Mennonite Church in Teusaquillo. A sister Mennonite church from the U.S. helped purchase a house for the establishment of the kitchen, and it continues to receive support from friends in the U.S. Initially, the focus was to provide meals for children, but the scope of their work soon expanded to offer after school activities, as many kids were left unattended in a challenging and violent environment while their parents went to work. Amparo explains that these activities included "art, rap, and even sexual and reproductive education," always looking to align with the children's and young people’s interests.

She also highlights Leti, the pastor’s wife, who has been instrumental in running the community kitchen, while she has assisted by managing both the kitchen and coordinating after school programs, including homework support and art classes. The church sustains the kitchen not only through donations but also by running a second-hand store supported by contributions from church members and the community. As Amparo emphasizes, she encourages everyone to recognize that what they no longer need can be turned into cash to support the kitchen. Along with her kitchen duties, Amparo also manages the store.

WHERE IS THE COMMUNITY KITCHEN LOCATED?

Pan y Vida is located in San Nicolas, in a town called Soacha, a town of approximately 1.5 million residents adjacent to Bogotá, where over 70% of its population live in poverty, with limited and uneven access to public services, underscoring major economic and urban development challenges. The development gap between the two areas is significant, often referred to as the "invisible border." Historically, Soacha was a Muisca indigenous settlement known for its rich archaeological and pre-Colombian heritage.

This town has a troubling history of human rights abuses, worsened by ongoing challenges. Despite a reduction in homicide rates to levels lower than those in Bogotá, the city still struggles with a reputation for insecurity. The 2005 "false positives" scandal, in which the military executed civilians and falsely labeled them as guerrilla casualties for rewards and promotions, highlighted severe human rights violations. Additionally, Soacha has been significantly impacted by the influx of internally displaced people from other parts of Colombia, fleeing violence and conflict. Recently, the arrival of Venezuelan refugees escaping economic and political crises has further heightened tensions within the community. Residents face serious issues such as lack of education, forced recruitment from gangs and micro-drug trafficking. Despite these difficulties, an increasing number of local residents are actively working to improve the situation by fostering cultural, sports, and educational initiatives, aiming to empower children and young people and create positive change in their community.

"Pan y Vida currently serves lunch to approximately 110 children and volunteer mothers, totaling 130 people, from Monday to Friday"

~ Amparo from Pan y Vida.

HOW MANY KIDS DOES THE KITCHEN SERVE?

Pan y Vida currently serves lunch to approximately 110 children and volunteer mothers, totaling 130 people, from Monday to Friday. Lunch is typically served around 11:20 a.m., as most children begin school at noon. In many parts of Latin America, it is common for public schools to operate in two shifts—morning and afternoon — in order to maximize access to free education for as many children as possible.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND THE CHILDREN WHERE THIS KITCHEN OPERATES?

Amparo describes the environment around the community kitchen as extremely challenging, with ongoing needs particularly affecting children. She notes that internet access is often easier for kids to obtain than food, as internet plans are becoming more affordable and the government provides this service for free in schools, which has both positive and negative aspects. She also mentions that the neighborhood has significantly impacted many children, leading some into drug addiction, micro-trafficking, and crime.

It is difficult to determine why some children who benefit from the community kitchen end up on the streets while others go on to college and even return to support the community kitchen. Amparo also observes that, in some cases, the children’s closest family members contribute to these negative paths. Despite these hardships, Pan y Vida serves as a beacon of hope through its after-school programs, which focus on values like respect, solidarity, and compassion. As Amparo put it, “It’s like planting a small seed, knowing it will eventually grow into something stronger.”

Pan y Vida serves as a beacon of hope through its after-school programs, which focus on values like respect, solidarity, and compassion.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND THE CHILDREN WHERE THIS KITCHEN OPERATES?

Amparo highlights a couple of success stories from Pan y Vida. One notable example is a young man who, as a beneficiary of the community kitchen, received support from volunteers to attend college and became a conscientious objector when he turned 18 and avoided joining the military — a significant achievement in a country with ongoing conflicts like Colombia. With the help of church volunteers, he pursued a degree in communication and now resides in England.

Another success story is that of a young man who managed to study at the National University of Colombia, one of the country’s leading educational institutions. Although he didn’t receive financial support from the community kitchen, he dedicated part of his free time during his studies to volunteering there. Additionally, he has volunteered in the U.S. and currently works with the Mennonite Central Committee in Colombia (MCC).

As previously mentioned, the afterschool program at Pan y Vida focuses on teaching values such as respect, compassion, and non-violence. In addition to these core principles, the program also addresses emotional management, including how to apologize and use the “magic words”, as Amparo puts it, "thank you," "please," and proper greetings. The aim is to make children aware that there are alternative possibilities beyond their challenging environment, helping them understand that their current circumstances do not have to dictate their future and that other, more positive paths are available.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHEN STARTING THIS PROJECT AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Like many other community kitchen managers, Amparo identifies the biggest challenge as having to turn people away when they request meals. She explains, "It’s really difficult to say no, especially when we have to turn away children because we simply don’t have the capacity to serve more."

WHAT SUPPORT HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER PARTNERS?

Amparo first highlights a group of women volunteers who are responsible for preparing meals each day. Occasionally, some parents also lend their support. To show their gratitude, Amparo and her team offer these volunteers opportunities for personal development, including training in handicrafts and relaxation techniques. She emphasizes that these efforts are a way of taking care of the volunteers and expressing appreciation for their invaluable support, without which the kitchen’s operations would not be possible.

Amparo then acknowledges the Mennonite church, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the community kitchen and supporting parts of its operations through the church's store.

She also mentions the local grocery store, which provides vegetables and fruits at affordable prices and sometimes offers discounts. Lastly, she highlights the impact of donations, noting that the success of the kitchen is a result of the collective effort of everyone involved.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PLANS FOR THE KITCHEN?

She hopes that the community kitchen can continue to operate with the current level of support and sustain its after-school and training activities. She emphasizes that the kitchen not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the soul. Amparo often tells the children that, even if they cannot continue in the education system, they should focus on giving good things to others, despite having endured a challenging environment. She believes that, despite the negative impacts of their upbringing, they can rise above their circumstances and become better humans — capable of spreading kindness and creating positive change.

While this may be easier said than done, teaching this lesson from an early age is a profound endeavor. It instills hope in these children and young people, showing them that there is always an alternative to immediate reactions and taking the easy way out. This alternative, though challenging, leads to deeper wisdom and strength, ultimately fostering healing for themselves and the world around them.

She hopes that the impact of the community kitchen will resonate throughout their lives, leaving a lasting impression that inspires change and growth beyond their present challenges.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN OR INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO START OR LEAD A SIMILAR PROJECT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES?

It's not only about nourishing the body; the educational processes are equally crucial. They offer a valuable opportunity to build relationships with the children. Teaching values is fundamental for fostering social harmony and positive interactions within the community.

Much like planting seeds that will eventually grow into something stronger, Pan y Vida’s work cultivates the potential within each child, fostering wisdom and strength that can transform their lives and their community.

ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY?

The educational process is challenging, but with faith and cooperation, it is achievable. The combined efforts of many are crucial. As Leti often says, “Do it with love,” because love must be the guiding force in these spaces. This community kitchen has been truly blessed, a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless individuals. It’s important to remember to approach everything with love, especially during difficult times.

Amidst the adversity of Soacha, this kitchen not only provides nourishment but also instills hope and resilience in the hearts of its young beneficiaries. The story of Amparo Atehortura and her unwavering commitment to the children highlights the powerful role of education and values in overcoming challenging circumstances. By nurturing both the body and the spirit, Pan y Vida embodies a vision where every child has the opportunity to rise above their current reality and create a future defined by kindness and positive change. Much like planting seeds that will eventually grow into something stronger, Pan y Vida’s work cultivates the potential within each child, fostering wisdom and strength that can transform their lives and their community.

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