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The Forgotten International - Peru
In the summer of 2009, one of our board members took a vacation to Peru, and while exploring around Lima, she saw children in need and took the initiative to help three organizations that are working with the children of the poor. This action prompted TFI's first exploratory trip to Lima in January 2010 where we discovered additional community organizations, schools and orphanages serving some of the poorest children.
Our research revealed that one of the biggest socioeconomic issues in Peru is domestic violence. Besides the obvious physical and emotional trauma for women and the children living in the home, it also tears families apart. Women are often thrown into dire poverty when they try to escape their abuser. They and their children often find themselves with no income and no where to live as they try to heal and rebuild their lives.
In 2011, we made small grants and sent three volunteers through our Fellowship Program to work with two different organizations in and around Lima that offer assistance to women escaping a destructive homelife, as well as poor and abandoned children who have no where else to go. We are thankful to our trusted local guide, Monica Pfeiffer, for all her help.
We are humbled by the selfless dedication of Nelly Villegas at Mama Victoria and Miguel Rodriquez at La Comunidad de Los Ninos Sagrada Familia. We are honored to work with them to help the most vulnerable in their communities improve their situation and live with dignity.
If you would like to support our projects in Peru, please contact us or donate today. Thank you!
The Programs We Support - Peru
Hogar de la Esperanza "Mama Victoria"
Lima, Peruwww.mamavictoria.org
Women come to Mama Victoria with their children to escape an abusive environment at home. They often come with no money, no skills and no plan for their future. Nelly Villegas opened Mama Victoria to give these women a safe place live while they build their confidence and try to regain control of their lives. Women can work in the chocolate factory operated by the organization to earn money and gain job skills. Mama Victoria also offers day care services for small children while their mothers look for work and an after-school program for any children in the neighborhood who have no other safe place to go after school. Mama Victoria gives these women a chance to become self-sufficient and gives their children a hopeful future.
La Comunidad de Ninos Sagrada Familia
Lima, Peruwww.sagradafamilia.org.pe
Sagrada Familia, located in desert-area outside of Lima, is considered a "refuge" by the young people who live and are educated there. There are over 800 children from age 1 month to 19 years who come from disadvantaged backgrounds for the services provided by this community. Some children are orphans while others have families who have sent them here because poverty or other difficult circumstances makes them unable to care for them at home. Founder, Miguel Rodriquez emphasizes that all in the community must learn to be productive members of society. The community provides lodging, meals, a medical clinic, academic education and vocational training through various workshops such as carpentry and baking. More importantly, Sagrada Familia provides mentorship, safety and stability for these young people so they can create better lives for themselves.
