Quillagua hosts “Safe Summer 2022” with a full line-up of activities

A new edition of “Safe Summer,” a series of family-friendly events organized by SQM, is being offered to the community of Quillagua throughout the month of February. Residents can enjoy a variety of sports, recreational and environmental activities while observing strict public health requirements.

The initiative began with workshops designed to raise awareness of the importance of caring for the environment and clean-up operations in the Loa River. Sports also took center stage, attracting crowds of young people who enjoyed training workshops and soccer games that allowed them to try out the techniques they had learned.

Luis Suárez was one of the young people who joined a soccer workshop, which he described as very fun. “I was bored at home, so I came here to play with the team because I love soccer.” Evolet Maldonado also enjoyed the experience, explaining, “I came to practice and it was great. The game was lots of fun.”

Parents were also grateful for the activity. Valeria Sosa commented, “This is a great activity. They had it last year, too, and my kids participated in every single event. I think it is a great initiative.” Patricia Maldonado agreed, adding, “I think it is great that the kids have something to do, a place where they can have fun, and a chance to get out of the routine they’ve had during the pandemic.”

SQM Director of Nitrates and Iodine Communities and Public Affairs Pablo Pisani invited the entire community to join in the activities that will be offered this month at sites like School G No. 15 Carrera Pinto de Quillagua, Plaza de Armas, and the neighborhood council offices, where people can also go to get involved.

“This company is offering a full slate of activities ranging from sports workshops to cuisine, environmental activities to cultural heritage, and many more. We are happy that we have had such a great turnout so far because this is a valuable opportunity to work with the community in line with our Sustainability Plan, which seeks to create shared value,” the executive added.

A variety of workshops

The program also includes woodworking and cooking workshops, which have been very well-received. Beginning on Monday, February 14, there will be a composting workshop in Plaza de Armas, and on February 15 the neighborhood council will host a weaving workshop offered by the group Telaristas del Desierto (Desert Weavers). This initiative is sponsored by SQM and is meant to revive Aymara culture through the textile arts.

Safe Summer will culminate the week of February 21-24 with a focus on the performing arts. There will be a fun theater workshop in Quillagua’s Plaza de Armas, which will also host cooking, woodworking, and weaving workshops on February 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Compañía Teatro Godot will present the play “El Principito” at 8:30 p.m. that same day with a performance featuring the children who took part in the theater classes.