By Alison Inceu
On April 23rd, a team of students from Latham, New York organized “The New Global Cinema” to raise awareness about the work of EPES in response to the earthquake, as well as funds for the purchase of “Comfort Kits” for children participating in the “Comfort 4 Kids” program in Concepcion. The students attend Shaker High School, a school of approximately 2,000 students located in the suburbs of Albany, NY. The team is part of the American organization New Global Citizens. The organization partners student groups across the country with grassroots organizations abroad that are responding to local problems related to the Millennium Development Goals.

The Shaker New Global Citizens team typically educates, advocates, and fundraises on the behalf of the street children of Belgrade, Serbia. On this occasion, however, the group organized a Chilean themed “Cinema” for EPES, at which food and crafts were sold prior to a showing of the recent movie, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The students distributed EPES fliers and informed attendees about the work of EPES, the February 27th earthquake, and the effect of the earthquake on Chile’s children. Action for Health in the Americas treasurer Carol Larkin also spoke at the event. When asked why they wanted to organize this event for EPES, the team members expressed feeling that people are unaware of the effect of the earthquake in Chile, especially on the children. Too many people, they said, believe Chile to be developed enough that it does not need any help. As kids, it makes sense for us to try and help other kids suffering in Chile.