Lima, Peru—UPF in Peru co-sponsored several events in June, including a celebration of the UN International Day of Yoga 2017.
On June 21, UPF together with the Gran Fraternidad Universal (GFU; Great Universal Brotherhood), co-organized an event to celebrate the UN International Day of Yoga 2017. More than 70 people, including 25 Ambassadors for Peace and their guests, attended the program. Yoga poses were demonstrated by members of the GFU and the director of the organization gave a deep explanation on the meaning of and the benefits of practicing yoga.
A week before, on June 16, UPF supported Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Virginia Zegarra, president of the institution Afro-Peruvian Roots, when she chaired a forum at the Peruvian Congress which focused on the needs of the Afro-Peruvian community in Peru. The title of the forum was “Towards a Legislative Agenda: Public Policies for the Afro-Peruvian People.”
She began her speech with the following words: “In search of Afro-Peruvian Recognition.” She said: "It is true that our skin color is dark, but I do not feel less for that... I feel less like this is me; it is the culture that I practice.” She continued, “I want to tell all Afro-Peruvian children to fight for their rights. Do not feel intimidated by others; know that we also respect our culture because it is what we practice.” The forum was also supported by the Ministry for Women of Peru as well as various congressmen.
Early on in the month, on June 7, UPF co-sponsored a book event at the historical House of Literature, located a few yards away from the Presidential Palace in downtown Lima. Mr. Carlos Turrin, regional representative of the East Lima chapter of UPF presented his second book, entitled, “The Rat in the Hole,” which refers to a time in Peru when various people were imprisoned for opposing the government.
Opening remarks were given by Mr. Jesús Aquino, president of the Latin American Association of Christian Writers.
The book was introduced by Mr. Juan Benavente, director of Literary Fridays, and other representatives of the media also shared their thoughts.
Following a musical interlude, UPF appointed three new Ambassadors for Peace. The meeting room was filled to capacity with over 100 guests.