Peruvian Hearts - Girls' Education & Empowerment

Thank you to our generous PH donors who allow us to provide our girls with the education and opportunities necessary to become leaders in their communities and country. In April, six Peruvian Hearts STEM scholars attended a conference based on the United Nations sustainability goals. The Youth Speak Forum, held in Lima, had a big impact on the lives of our attending scholars. Our scholars are very grateful for the support they receive from our generous donors because it is that support that allows them to participate in valuable experiences such as the forum. Here are a few quotes from the PH girls about the conference and their experience:

“I must take a few minutes to extend my enormous gratitude to the generous donors, I have learned a lot, about all the problems that exist at a global level, from a more panoramic approach, both problems of the global economy, global pollution, the empowerment of women, and the care of people with difficulties. I focused on problems of illiteracy. They have created a virtual program to teach reading and writing to the elderly, or adults who are interested in learning. The reason why I was so shocked was because in the town where I am doing my marginal rural medical service, is a place of extreme poverty, with an illiteracy rate that exceeds 90%, there are many people who were born there and never they went to other place and they only deal with agriculture, and in the worst cases they consume alcoholic beverages in excess. All this leads to more poverty, and that same pattern of life it is repeated in the next generations, thus increasing poverty…I consulted the possibility of being able to execute the program in my town and they told me that it is feasible, so I am looking at ways to do it.” ~Jhuvilka

“The Youth Speak Forum has been incredibly meaningful for me. It was a full-day event with the objective to get together young people from different parts of Peru to discuss current problems in our country where we the young people can act, and as consequence propose solutions according to the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals. It has been a really different experience since they encouraged us not only to be aware of problems in our society but to act. As part of this event, we visited some poor schools in Lima and we shared some activities with the children in order to talk with them about the problems they realize in their social environment. However, what was really impactful for me is that actually, the children already were completely familiar with delinquency, corruption, unemployment and other problems in our country. What is more, they are suffering the direct consequences and they are totally aware of the real situation of our country. So it made me believe that we have to commit not only for changing the future but the present, not to wait until those kids grow up. We, the young people, should act now. It was a really inspirational event which also motivated me to encourage other young people to join since the change we want to see would be the result of work as a big team. “ ~Gloria 

“Learning about the Sustainable Development Goals, that are the blueprint to achieve a better future for all was very meaningful to me. We had had speakers about each SDG, where I could learn about social media influencers, recruitment of personnel, the issue of education, organizations that combat poverty, and the importance of volunteerism. It broadened my vision of the world and gave me tools and knowledge to help others. All of the seventeen goals were significant and important to me, but the first one attracted my attention. I believe that ending poverty is the key to creating a better world, and that is why I decided to attend a workshop about poverty with a multidimensional approach, including social assistance and support. After that, we were part of the world’s largest lesson and went to schools of the poorest zones in Lima, where all the attendees could explain the sustainable development goals to children whose average age was eight years old. This experience touched my heart because I could identify myself in some of the courageous children who, despite having suffered a difficult past, have not lost hope in a better future. In Peruvian Hearts, I learned that education is the key to break the circle and poverty, that is right, and I now have a better understanding of this…I learned that everyone can help and make a difference in the lives of others. Youth Speak Forum was a great experience that opened my mind and made me want to be an agent of change.” ~Maite

Links:

• Peruvian Hearts Website
• Girls Matter! (PH Video)
• Peruvian Hearts (a short video)

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our rapidly growing PH family, Peruvian Hearts' scholars achieved a great accomplishment in 2018. Four PH scholars graduated from different universities in Peru and successfully gained employment in their respective fields.

We are extremely proud of our four university graduates: Rosa (Chemical Engineering), Jhuvilka (Medicine), Flor (Specialization in Culinary Arts), and Epifaña (Accounting). After graduating, all four women applied, interviewed and gained employment in their chosen fields. Rosa and Flor currently work in Lima (and live with five other Peruvian Hearts university scholars who continue to study), while Epifania works in Cusco, and Jhuvilka works in various rural communities near the Sacred Valley as part of her medical residency.

This first group of PH girls to graduate from university and find jobs sets an important example for our younger PH scholars and shows them that hard work and dedication in their studies plays a vital role in helping them transform their lives and futures. As this small cohort of university graduates transitions into our first group of PH Alumni, they will remain very much involved in Peruvian Hearts as leaders, mentors, and role models working with our younger scholars, so that they too, can focus on accomplishing their dreams. 

While some of our scholars graduate and take exciting steps toward becoming professionals and living independently, there is another group of aspiring Peruvian Hearts scholars who are working hard to transform their own lives. We are currently in the process of interviewing deserving applicants and will be selecting the newest PH scholars for 2019. Six PH applicants (Norka, Mitsuri, Kerhly, Diana, Melanie, Carmen) joined us for our monthly PH group meeting in Cusco on January 26^th. Kerhly and Carmen both have sisters who are current PH university scholars (Karla and Maite, respectively).

During the monthly meeting and thanks to Women for Women, Knitting for Peace, from Denver, CO, all of our scholars received scarves, hats, and washcloths! Our girls loved the gifts of love and the time and effort that went into making each of the items that were donated.

To all of our wonderful donors and PH family, we are so grateful and appreciative for everything you do to help the girls in Peru. On behalf of the entire PH team and all of our scholars, thank you for your help and kind hearted generosity.

Links:

• PH Website!
• Girls Matter! Video by Peruvian Hearts
• Meet PH Scholar Maribel