Give girls in domestic work a safe place in Peru

Dear Friends,

December is a time to think back. So, we ask ourselves: are we doing a good job, so that the women we serve feel better? Trying to answer this question, we reviewed their comments on workshops at La Casa de Panchita. These are some of them:

- Yeni, 40 years old: "I learned to value myself as a worker. I worked since I was 9 and it was very bad for me. I was left alone with my two children at 20 years of age, but I decided that my daughters should not work and go through the same things that happened to me... Now it seems to me that working at home is very simple, but it was not always like that. I remember it was very difficult when I started. It is good to remember the past and realize these things. Now a woman can be more independent. "

- Juli: "I felt excited, interested, excited and grateful to know that La Casa de Panchita exists. I have learned to value my work experience and value myself as a person. "

- Anonymous. "When I was 5, my parents sent me an aunt’s house. I was sad, but also happy to move Lima. I had the idea that I would improve and that I would go to school, but none of that happened. My aunt did not want me to study. I stayed there 20 years and now I am 48 years old. When I used to remember how my aunt treated me, I used to cry. Today, the other ladies who attended the workshop have reminded me of the problems that I had, but I realized that now everything turns out to be easier. I feel that I am valuable and I am intelligent and I can learn many more things. I will not forget this day. "

- Taña: "I have known in La Casa de Panchita since I was 17 years old; Now I am 34. They have always helped me. It's my family, my house. When I first arrived, I did not know my rights as a domestic worker, but they taught me, they also taught me to value it and how to do a good job interview. "

Yes, we will receive 2018 more motivated to support women who work in domestic service. They are empowering and valuing themselves... and all this is thanks to you. Thank you!

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a great new year!

Sincerely,

Blanca Figueroa

Dear Supporters:

A few weeks ago, we received an email from Maite, a Spanish volunteer who was with us for more than a year, supporting our activities with girls and women in domestic work, teaching English to domestic workers and some Peruvian volunteers and many others.

Maite wrote us in her mail that she would make a donation for this project in memory of her parents. She feels that they would have liked the idea of supporting our work, because their life was an example of solidarity with people in situation of vulnerability.

Last Sunday, Maite arrived from Spain, on a surprise visit to La Casa de Panchita, rejoicing us all. She also found a little surprise for her: a commemorative plaque next to our training room saying: “Sala Teresa and José María”, her parent’s names.

We really value the fact that since we met Maite, she encouraged us to continue working hard to support girls and adults in domestic work and she keeps helping us find ways to improve. We like that the memory of her loved ones is now part of this new venue. We would like to thank Maite and all of you for your support. Together, little by little, we can keep improving the situation of girls and women working in domestic service and end their exploitation and discrimination.

Thank you!

Best regards,

Blanca Figueroa