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Sponsorship in Peru

CFCA has been working in Peru since 1984. Sponsorship outreach through the Lima and Arequipa projects focuses on the overall development of sponsored persons through nutrition, education and health benefits. CFCA’s outreach began in Peru through sponsorship of children attending the Ann Sullivan Center in Lima. The internationally recognized center serves children with severe mental retardation, autism and behavioral or emotional problems, and works collaboratively with families in the care and education of the children.

The Albergue Carmen Rosaspata subproject in Lima serves the abandoned aging and sick who live on the street. The project helps them locate family members and provides for basic necessities such as food and clothing. Residents may live at the home only a few months or several years depending on their circumstances.

The Arequipa project works with a daycare center called “The Guardian Angel.” The center serves children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years. Its objective is to allow parents to work and provide incomes for their families. The center contributes to children’s health by providing meals, medical attention, clothing and learning opportunities. More than 180 children are cared for by the center.

Sponsor a child in Peru

About Peru

Peru, the third largest country in South America, is located on the Pacific coast. The landscape and climate ranges from the snow-capped Andes Mountains to steamy jungles, and one area along the coast is a desert even drier than the Sahara in Africa.

The majority of the population lives in cities and towns in the coastal region. Farmers graze llamas and sheep in the narrow valleys of the mountain region, and about 40 indigenous tribes live in jungle villages in eastern Peru. The Amazon River flows through the forested region, and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is found in Peru as well.

In the 1500s gold and silver from the Andes brought Spanish conquerers much wealth and power. Peru is one of the world’s leading producers of copper, lead, silver and zinc, and is among the world’s leading fishing countries, but most of the Peruvian people have very little in material wealth.

The people

Modern society in Peru is based largely on the hierarchy established in early colonial times. Almost two-thirds of Peru’s population reside in urban cities on the coast with the majority residing in the capital city of Lima. Most of the country’s commercial economy and political power is controlled by Spanish-speaking Europeans living in the coastal cities.

Most Peruvians living in rural areas make their living hunting, fishing and farming. Much of rural Peru is marked by lack of electricity, safe drinking water and adequate health care.

Nearly half of Peruvians share indigenous ancestry with another third being Mestizo (mixed indigenous and European ancestry). The blend of indigenous and Spainsh influences has created a Mestizo culture in Peru and has helped create one of the most unique cultures in South America. Peru’s modern rulers, language and religion came from Spain, but much of its food, art, music and clothing has been influenced by indigenous culture.

The indigenous groups that have not adopted the mestizo culture still practice traditional Inca customs, wear traditional garb and speak various languages and dialects. The Incas continue to produce pottery, textiles, jewelry, sculptures and architectural achievements such as those in the city of Cuzco and in the mountain town of Machu Picchu.

Education

All towns and villages throughout Peru have elementary schools, but high schools and colleges are more prevalent in large cities. Schools are in session from March until December. Children ages 6 through 12 years old must attend school, but a shortage of schools and teachers in rural areas present obstacles to meeting this requirement.

Public education is free with the exception of costs such as supplies and transportation. The catechism is taught in all schools. However, nearly all students from upper- and middle-class families attend private schools.

Peru is home to some 74 universities, including the oldest institution of higher learning in South America, the University of San Marcos in Lima, which was founded in 1551.

Sponsor a child in Peru

Sources:

World Factbook

MSN Encarta Encyclopedia