Fundación Refugio now recognized by Salta Government
Please pray for Andrew and Maria Leake working in our link diocese of Northern Argentina.
Land for Life, Fundación Refugio, was formally certified as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) on the 6th May. The photo shows Andrew receiving the relevant paperwork from Dr. Godoy, President of the Camara de Diputados and the provincial Governor, Dr. Urtubey.
The formal recognition now means they can function as a legal entity. This is a prerequisite to being able to apply for and receive funding from either private or government donors.
What is Fundación Refugio?
After searching for a suitable name for the organization that will implement Land for Life initiative in Argentina, Andrew settled for REFUGIO, Spanish for 'refuge'. he explains...
'Along with the Biblical connotations, such as "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble" (Ps.9:9), the term, REFUGIO reflects for us the key concept of Land for Life, namely the protection of areas of forest that will provide a safe haven for some of the Chaco's flora and fauna. It also evokes the idea that such areas will provide a base (stronghold) from where we can influence land use practices within surrounding regions. Finally, it reflects the idea that these lands will, through their management, be used to provide poor (oppressed) people with access to some of the natural resources they require to survive.'
Read the latest from the Leake family here.