I have no idea if things have changed but 16 years ago I visited La Cuidad de Los Niños, in company with a Spanish former teacher and local council officer, and a former UK Government bankruptcy accountant. I had been given to understand that the centre was an orphanage. I was intending to donate up to 50% of a sum required to up-grade the facilities, after which it was claimed the Junta de Andalusia would adopt the centre and pay all costs. I intended to fund raise the remainder of the sum said to be required.
Upon three visits and talking to one of the three priests on the staff (the priest in charge was not available as he was staying, at the expense of a parishioner, at a luxury spa near Granada). it transpired no orphans lived there. There were a few children from poor Malaga families staying during the week but returning to their families at weekends.
The majority of youths there when I enquired were those who had been brought in off the streets by police to be assessed before moving them into more suitable permanent accommodation.
The assessment program required a high number of staff/teachers etc. far higher than would have been required by a normal orphanage, and thus the staff bill was very high.
When I visited I noticed a couple of mini buses bearing the slogan that they had been donated by a well-known real estate agent on the coast. When I enquired into the gift I discovered that the existing transport had been put in part exchange and the Real Estate Company had paid only part of the cost. On discussing that with the real estate company they altered the ‘misleading’ slogan
On balance I decided it was not what it was said to be and I did not donate nor start fund raising.
As I say, things may have changed over the past 16 years, so I stand to be up-dated
This message was last edited by johnzx on 05/08/2017.
This message was last edited by johnzx on 10/08/2017.