(February 2011) - Ricky Martin’s paternalistic guidance is not limited
to words, let alone to raising his twins Matteo Valentino. When in 2004
the singer declared war on child exploitation, he warned not to cease in
its struggle. Now, he will combat this modern form of slavery with the
establishment of the Ricky Martin Foundation Child Development and
Prevention Center in Loiza, Puerto Rico estimated to open in August
2012.
"I'm very happy because the starting date to begin construction of the
project is nearby. It will be a good spiritual center, where children
will find a detachment from the ego, uncertainty, drugs, weapons”,
advanced the singer to El Vocero on what will be the principal project
of his foundation, which he expects to replicate in other towns of the
island and abroad. |
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The work, which was recently overseen by the artist, is the result of the study " Human Trafficking in Puerto Rico: An Invisible Challenge," led by Professor Cesar Rey, President of the Board of Directors of the Ricky Martin Foundation (RMF) with the University of Puerto Rico and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore (The Protection Project), Maryland.
"Academic research is translated into an action plan which aims to grow", he established in reference to the Center. Rey said that the investigation photographed a reality unexpected in Puerto Rico: "child pornography, using children in drug points, children as watchdogs…We found a dark side that no one commented as well as manifestations of the worst kind of modern slavery. " In a second stage, we seek to deepen and expand to the Dominican Republic.
The study shows that it is "happening everywhere, but the highest incidence seems to be located in the north and Loiza is a focus." Because of that fact, it was decided to locate the project in the coastal town.
"The Center is located in a magical place, at the town’s entrance. This location allows children and young people from all sectors to attend. It is a neutral space for everyone. It has an incredible natural beauty for recreational purposes that will allow us to promote ecotourism, "explained Bibiana Ferraiuoli, Executive Director of the Ricky Martin Foundation.
Among the natural beauties contained in the 2.700 meters (1/ 2 acres), a land donated by the municipality, the cave of Maria de la Cruz shines. "We want to be clear that this cave is going to be protected. It is a place where the kids can come and play and maybe do campfires and singing”, added the artist, who just released his latest album "Music + Soul + Sex."
The Center, with an environmentally friendly design, will be built initially with the contribution of $ 1.1 million from the German RTL Foundation. Other $ 3.9 millions must be raised by a capital campaign, corporate donations and approval of proposals.
At this point, the construction has not begun, as they are waiting for the approval of several bureaucratic procedures from the Department of Natural Resources and the Institute of Culture of Puerto Rico.
"We estimate that in March or April we should have all the permits on track to start construction this summer and open the center in August 2012," said Ferraiuoli.
The Center was designed by Professor Elio Martinez-Joffre, director of the Community Design Workshop at the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico, and his group of students, along with Jaime Sobrino from Omega Engineering.
Partnerships, a strong model for the Foundation’s initiatives, will also be reflected in the Center’s operation with the intervention of SER de Puerto Rico, Nuestra Escuela Inc., and Iniciativa Comunitaria. The Center will have ten classrooms, a library and a recreational area in order to promote a holistic approach that includes arts, sports and culture.
Infants to teens (High School Level) will attend the Center, from Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, at the rate of 8 to 12 students per classroom to promote individualized education.
"Ricky is involved in the process. Always asking how things are. He has participated in the discussions with the various entities that are part of this concept, “, said Ferraiuoli.
RMF commitment to Loiza has already begun, even in the absence of a building. Ferraiuoli reported that they held a health fair that served 500 children and have offered dancing workshops of salsa and bomba in the current facilities of Nuestra Escuela. "Prevention is very important, also health, education and social justice," said Ferraiuoli.
"I've always been a defender of human rights and every day, I get closer to other problems which are also part of human rights, but my priority will always be children and to abolish the slavery of a new era, "Ricky Martin specified.
To learn more about the Ricky Martin Foundation, established in 2002, People For Children in 2004, and become a warrior of light, as suggested by the artist, visit www.rickymartinfoundation.org.
About the Center
• Estimated construction value: $ 4.4 million.
• Construction is estimated to begin in the spring of 2011 and open in August 2012.
• Located at the town’s entrance in an area of 2.700 meters (1/2 acres) donated by the municipality.
• Format: Design Built, a partnership between RMF Professor Martinez-Joffre, director of the Community Design Workshop at the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico his group of students, and Omega Engineering.
• Building includes ten classrooms, a library and outdoor recreational area.
• Holistic concept will promote the arts, sports and culture.
• Infants, Elementary and High School youth shall attend the Center.
• The Center will operate in partnership with SER de Puerto Rico, Our School, Inc., and Community Initiative
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