By Danny Dodson | Executive Director
We want to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to everyone who has become involved in our work and efforts to educate and empower girls in Peru. It is because of the ongoing generosity and support from our expanding Peruvian Hearts family, that we are able to continue to grow and strengthen our girls education and empowerment program. Currently there are 36 girls in our program and 30 of those girls are attending vocational institutes and private and public universities.
Peruvian Hearts Innovates with Mentorship Programs
The most recent program development has been the formalization of two mentorship programs. The first is our direct 1:1 mentorship program for our Peruvian Hearts scholars. This powerful program pairs accomplished and caring women in the United States with a PH scholar in Peru. The second is a program engages our older Peruvian Hearts scholars and pairs them with younger participants who have joined the program more recently. The objectives for both programs are centered on:
The relationships that have developed through the adult mentor/mentee program have become close and meaningful. The program provides our scholars with a caring mentor, which helps give them the confidence to share their hopes, fears, sadness and successes. In developing a relationship of care, trust, engagement, empowerment, and love, we create safe contexts for discussion, sharing, and understanding situations without judgment.
One of our goals is to support and develop the value of enterprise in our scholars. An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life looking out for her own benefit and for the benefit of others. Our Peruvian Hearts scholars are encouraged to use their creativity to look at the world differently, to be fearless about thinking outside the box, and to be unique individuals. Enterprising women dare to think big, take risks, and follow their dreams.
The success of our participants in the adult-scholar mentorship program led to the development of the scholar-mentor/mentee initiative, which recently began. There are already twenty girls who are participating as mentors and mentees. University studies are long and difficult in Peru and it takes a lot of focus and perseverance. We believe our scholar-mentors have a lot they can teach their younger “sisters,” in terms of persistence, focus on their studies, overcoming obstacles and following their hearts and dreams. Our scholar-mentors feel extremely honored to have the responsibility of being mentors for the younger girls in the program. They take their role very seriously and look forward to having a positive impact on the girls with whom they are working.
PH Medical Intern, Jhuvilka – Making Us Proud
Jhuvilka is in the first year of her medical internship after completing her course of studies to become a doctor. This dedicated young Peruvian Hearts scholar has worked incredibly hard to get to this point in her career. With a caring heart and intelligent mind, she made the decision as a teen to become a doctor to help others who are less fortunate in her society. Jhuvilka’s commitment to that ideal is strong, and she is already making a difference in the lives of others as she applies her heart and mind to her work in the medical field. Jhuvilka’s sister, Thilcia, is another one of our scholars, who currently studies law. Like her older sister, Thilcia plans to apply her knowledge of law to help better the lives of those in need in her community. We are so proud of Jhuvilka and Thilcia and their accomplishments. They have a loving family who has supported their dreams and sacrificed much to help them. We are honored to have them as Peruvian Hearts scholars and give them the support they deserve going forward as they continue to reach for their dreams.
PH Scholars Prepare for Independent Living
Several Peruvian Hearts scholars who are preparing to graduate from university from have started to think about life after the finish their undergraduate studies. Edwin Gonzalez, one of our PH directors in Peru, has been and teaching classes to our scholars in an effort to help ensure they are well prepared for this time of change and transition in their lives. The PH girls work with Edwin and learn about preparing their resumes, financial planning, techniques and strategies for job interviews, and other pertinent topics that will give them more confidence and help make their transition into independent living easier.
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By Danny Dodson | Executive Director
By Danny Dodson | Executive Director
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