Leslie Ovalle/Contributing Writer
Wynwood – arguably Miami’s most artsy district – hosts its Art Walk every second Saturday of each month. The Art Walk brings together enthusiasts and people looking to go home with a memorable night. Artists open their studios and galleries until the late hours of the night, but the art doesn’t end there; TECHO-FIU is adding art and humanitarianism to the event.
Raising awareness about the global poverty crisis, the University organization is a branch of TECHO, an international non-profit organization that focuses on relief in the slums of Latin America and the Caribbean.
At the Art Walk they will feature hands-on painting onto giant TECHO letters, allowing Art Walk goers to express thoughts and feelings on the poverty issue.
TECHO means roof in Spanish – what the organization provides to displaced and poverty-stricken people through volunteer work building transitional houses in various countries.
Jessica Beck, TECHO-FIU founder, president and senior international relations major, said everyone has a right to a home.
Beck is especially fond of how TECHO works on relieving poverty by putting the volunteers and families in the community together. This way the families in the community really lift themselves and create a new reality.
“I believe poverty isn’t an inherent part of society, but can be overcome if everyone works to achieve it. [TECHO] really allows for sustainable development within the communities, not just a temporary solution, making the eradication of poverty truly an attainable reality,” said Beck.
And it’s not only roofs or houses that they provide people with, they also provide educational and economic tools for the long-run sustainability of each community.
Beyond the material, the organization allows students to build friendships.
Laura Anderson, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, considers that the best part of being a member of TECHO-FIU is going out and helping families in the slums.
“For me it was going to Colombia and sharing with the families – you get experience and you feel fulfilled that you did something for society,” said Anderson.
Of all of the events TECHO is a part of, whether it is just raising awareness or fundraising, contribute to TECHO’s mission—to eradicate poverty from society.
TECHO-FIU will be at Wynwood Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., located next to Panther Coffee on 2390 N.W. 2 Ave.
All future events of TECHO-FIU will be posted on their facebook page.
About Post Author
