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Original article: Municipio de Rapa Nui firma acuerdo con el Obispado para construir el primer Centro y Residencia de personas mayores en la isla

The Mayor of Rapa Nui, Elizabeth Arévalo Pakarati, described the signing of an agreement as a «historical step» toward establishing the island’s first Senior Center and Residence, as the Diocese of Valparaíso has granted a 50-year lease for the land where these new facilities will be built.

The agreement was signed by Mayor Arévalo Pakarati and the Bishop of Valparaíso, Jorge Vega Velasco, during a ceremony held at the diocese’s headquarters, attended by the island’s parish priest, Francisco de la Jara.

«We are thrilled because this is a historic step in fulfilling our commitment to honor our seniors. Our grandparents hold the wisdom and intangible heritage of the island, which is why it is important to ensure their care and to open spaces for intergenerational dialogue in our community,» stated the municipal chief.

«In addition to the residence, the facility will feature a daytime space where seniors can enjoy recreation and interact with younger generations. The center will be located next to a school, and we want to maintain that connection, as this exchange is also a way to preserve our traditions,» added the mayor.

Bishop Vega highlighted that «seniors have long been at the heart of the Church, and that’s why we have participated and collaborated to reach this agreement that will allow for the construction of this center.»

The agreement with the Diocese of Valparaíso will facilitate the establishment of a new 1,800-square-meter center on the grounds of the Santa Cruz de Hanga Roa Parish, involving an investment of approximately 2.047 billion pesos. The design has involved a multidisciplinary team of architects, health professionals, experts in senior care, along with a municipal team composed of officials from the Legal, Community Development, and Municipal Planning (Secplac) departments.

We will continue to keep you informed.

La entrada Rapa Nui Municipality Signs Historic Agreement with Diocese to Build First Senior Center and Residence on the Island se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.