Bilbao, 20 September 2003

Report on the volunteer work carried out by Alberto Estefanía during the 2002-2003 year

This report aims to offer a general overview of Alberto Estefanía Hurtado's contributions to the WRI office during the 2002-2003 year.

His volunteer work can be divided into four basic categories:

1. His contribution to the Dealing With The Past programme

Between February and September, the bulk of his work was within this programme.

Throughout this time he prepared the photo exhibit: "Memoria y memoriales de Chile: 30 años desde el golpe militar" (Memories and Memorials of Chile: 30 Years Since the Military Coup). For this project, three pamphlets were designed, the photo captions were written, photos were framed, CD's were made, and a number of other tasks relating to this type of exhibit were carried out. During this period, the exhibit was displayed in different places, and Alberto took part in its assembly in Cambridge, Birmingham and London.

He has also undertaken other responsibilities such as the preparation of a general pamphlet for the programme (not yet finished), PowerPoint presentations and similar projects, while generally lending a hand wherever help was needed.

2. Preparation of the Council and International Conference in Colombia

Until it was decided to suspend the Council of Colombia and not take part in the International Conference, the preparation of this assembly was yet another of his major activities, which began in February.

3. His work on the photo archive

For the most part, Mr. Estefanía carried out this work during the months of October, November and December, though this project would also occupy some of his free time during the rest of his stay in London.

His work entailed the creation of a computer-supported archive of WRI photos, which entailed the scanning and classification of photographs. Thus, each photo features information on the individuals pictured, as well as the place, date and event during which the photo itself was taken. Unfortunately, there are still many photos that should rightfully be included in the archive. On the upside, at least we can say this process has begun.

4. Other collaborations

This section includes Mr. Estefanía's other collaborative work over these past months. Perhaps his most time-consuming tasks have been his translations from English to Spanish, his participation in three Executive meetings, mailings, document layout, and similar tasks.

Comments

Overall I would like to add that on a personal level these past months have given me experience in the field of pacifist work, as I have seen new perspectives and ways of working. Moreover, this time has given me a deeper understanding of how the WRI works. I would also like to share some of my feelings with regard to my volunteer work, so that this insight might to help to improve as much as possible the work of other volunteers: At first, I felt rather out of place, primarily due to my limited knowledge of English and my lack of familiarity with the ins and outs of the organization and how it works. I also think that sometimes the shortage of suitable technical means has greatly hindered my work.

In conclusion, I would simply like to express my gratitude for the opportunity that the WRI has given me to work in the London office. I also extend my most heartfelt thanks to Roberta for all her support.

Best wishes,

Alberto Estefanía Hurtado