My name is Marcela Bongiorno, from Buenos Aires. Argentina. I am 57 years old.
I am a member of PRH Argentina-Uruguay.
I first came across PRH when I was 23 years old, and since then I have continually gone further into my personal and professional training. I’ve been a PRH educator since March 2008. I have followed this activity, which is my vocation, full time since 2012, with an average workload of 35 hours per week. Since 2019 I’ve been serving the team as a member of the Directive Council and collaborate in some activities for the Training Team.
Being a PRH professional is my only activity and source of income, and personal and professional livelihood.
In my country, inflation has been a recurrent problem in recent years, affecting the spending power especially of independent workers, the lower middle class and those on low-income. Rising inflation during 2022 reached 94.8% and so far in 2023 stands at 6-7% per month, with estimates of 120% per year during 2023.
Undoubtedly, this situation in our country has a direct impact on me. My clientele is also affected by our economic and financial reality. Many even decide to put a stop to their PRH activities.
It’s very important for me to be able to participate in the 2024 PRH International Meeting. I have attended previous ones, Vancouver in 2012, Bordeaux in 2016, when I was able to confirm the benefits of being there in person and meeting other educators from different parts of the world. It is a profound and deeply visceral encounter that is nourishing for my PRH gift, and for my sense of belonging and unity in our common mission. It is a coming together that deepens the platform that identifies us, both culturally and professionally.
Receiving support from IAAR means a commitment and a responsibility for me. I admire the work of solidarity that this Association carries out in countries where training would be impossible without their help. I am aware that in my country there are more opportunities than in other places for moving forward for those who want to grow. However, the reality that I’ve been living for the past year has made me realise that I will not have the means to pay for my attendance at the next Congress in 2024.
I thank you for your openness and understanding, and for this possibility of being able to reach out to you with my need.
