 New Challenges arise for Philippa Vernon-Powell an her team having recently doubled in the number of children supported by New Life Shelter in Coapinole and their goal of ensuring a better future for the children. This British citizen has worked since 2002 in close collaboration with the DIF (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia) and local social services in support of education, health and overcoming underprivileged Vallarta childhoods.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES ARE IN VALLARTA TODAY?
I think the most pressing issues are perhaps the most basic. The single biggest one for me is to give every child the opportunity for an education; whether or not their families can afford to pay for registration or for school uniforms. Second, is to ensure the basic provisions of running water and electricity in all colonies.
WHICH IS CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?
They both go hand in hand, in my opinion. In order to break the cycle of poverty that's experienced by many in Vallarta we have to put health and education issues first. It's a cliché, but the children are our future so we need to make sure they have one.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF VALLARTA 10 YEARS IN THE FUTURE?
 My hope for Vallarta’s future is that it becomes an area with sustainable jobs that are not just dependent on the tourist industry. That has to be the best way to encourage balanced economic growth in the area. I believe it could be the perfect location to set up a business park for large service companies such as call centers for overseas and Mexican banks, airlines etc (similar to the ones I helped set up in Germany and Ireland in the mid-late nineties). The CUC and other universities would be well placed to provide the flexible workforce such call centers need.
WITH SUCH A DEMANDING SCHEDULE, HOW DO YOU FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF?
With the work I do, I am very aware of the need to keep myself fit and healthy and to keep a balanced frame of mind so I can keep having fresh ideas. However, that’s all easier said than done! And the truth is I need to work harder at making more personal time for myself it's just that there always seems to be something urgent that has to be done right now!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO DECOMPRESS? WHAT FOR YOU IS QUALITY TIME?
Without a doubt, reading is the thing that I do most often, and most successfully, to relax. I am a big reader and it's one of the main things that keep me sane! For social life, my quality time is spent with my Mexican family and two boys, either at home or at the many, enjoyable family gatherings. I also take great pleasure in having dinner with friends.
WHAT ARE YOUR FOUR FAVORITE PLACES IN VALLARTA?
 Pitillal, and especially the house I live in there, is my favorite place as, for me, it represents the heart of Vallarta. Beyond that it has to be the ocean and the mountains as they remind me that I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. After that, it’s probably Archie’s Wok Restaurant!
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO AND WHY? HERO?
The people I really admire are the aid workers and journalists who work in war zones, fully in the knowledge that any day they could be captured, tortured and killed in the most barbaric ways. They are the real heroes. But my personal hero is my brother. He's been my best friend and confidant all my life. While I am busy taking care of the kids over here, he's looking out for me on the other side of the world and putting in the hours with my charity to make sure I can stay here. I respect him enormously, and no one else can make me laugh more.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS/AUTHORS?
I read so much (about four books a week) that this is a very difficult choice. I am extremely fortunate that my friend Sally Conley keeps lending me amazing books from her biblioteca. Books I’ve read recently that I enjoyed include, Shanaram by Gregory David Roberts, Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seirstad, A Bed of Red Flowers by Nelofer Pazira and Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Unfortunately my language skills are not fluent enough to read Spanish books, but I'll buy books in both languages so I can read them in English, the boys can read them in Spanish and we can then discuss them together.
Please send us your nominee for someone Making a Difference in the region.
editor@bayvallarta.com |
