Peru is a country of great beauty and rich tradition contrasted with the realities of widespread poverty, hunger, and children at risk of exploitation. More than half of the population is living in abject poverty and almost 20% are living on less than $1 per day. Approximately 11% of Peru’s children will die before they reach the age of five.
Children in Peru, particularly those from what are considered lower classes, face the realities of poverty, malnutrition, and violence. One-third of Peruvian kids must work to help support their families, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous jobs, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Our work in Peru centres around seven projects in some of the most difficult areas for children. Our care centres provide after school support, food and care for some of the most vulnerable children. More recently we have started to specialise in trauma informed care, especially for victims of sexual abuse and rape, including those who are pregnant or have babies.
Our schools provide an education and food for children born into extreme poverty, breaking the cycle of hopelessness that has been around for generations.
And our residential homes rescue and care for a number of orphaned, abandoned and abused children, providing a loving home and unconditional care. In all cases we work closely with the local communities and authorities to reintegrate them back into families.
We continue to seek ways to more effectively serve the kids in our care, showing them that Jesus loves and values them.