Working with Seeds of Hope has been an absolute pleasure and I really hope that we can continue to support such a fantastic charity for at least one more year!

“The importance to Seeds of Hope of becoming one of OPS' nominated organisations in 2007 cannot be overstated… For the first time in our history the OPS donation has given us a secure funding stream, allowing us to plan confidently for the future. It has benefitted us directly in terms of being able to maintain and improve the schools, to support the children and to engage in fundraising activities such as the Christmas card and poster projects. However, it has also benefitted us indirectly by allowing us to use income from volunteers and other donations for projects such as the new school in Cusco. Such a project would not [otherwise] have been possible. A big “MUCHAS GRACIAS!” to the One Percent Scheme from all the children and volunteers at Seeds of Hope!” Sharon Herkes, Volunteer, SOH. 

 

Just to recap, Seeds of Hope is a small charity based in Huaraz, Peru. Primarily they help kids from poor families to attend school; children who would normally be forced to work to supplement their families’ income. They do this through educating parents, providing material support such as uniforms and books and a providing a centre where the children can come for a meal, receive help with homework. or even get medical help.

 

Beginning in March 2006 as a small centre with a budget only large enough to support a few children, Seeds now has 2 schools, helps over 80 kids and does not intend to stop there. Our money has been one of their only regular sources of income and has been vital in enabling them to plan and realise this growth.

 

Some specifics on where our money has gone this year (for a more detailed breakdown follow the link at the bottom of this page): 

Our money has also enabled the children to enjoy outings to the countryside, to hire costumes for events at school and buy a small Christmas present for the children – fun stuff that is just an as important part of the children’s life as school books and uniforms. 

Matthew Ray, our marathon running OPS member, raised £1500 for Seeds of Hope in November. His inspiring efforts will enable Seeds to buy uniforms for all the children who need to start school in March -peruvian children are not allowed to attend school if they don't have a uniform, but affording one is a big problem for poor families. Thanks to Matthew's donation, this won't be a problem for any of the Seeds children this year.

• Day to day costs. Our money will continue to support the more day to day costs such as school materials and those pricey uniforms.  Currently much of Seeds funding comes from volunteer payments, and these vary greatly throughout the year making it difficult for them to plan ahead. Our money provides them with a regular income which they will use to sustain and develop the current schools whilst allowing the more volatile income from volunteers to be spent on projects such as opening a new centre in Cuzco. 
• Paaarty! Our money will also be used to buy Christmas presents and put on a Christmas party for the children. Gifts and parties are rare occurances for many of them and will give the children a pleasure that is priceless! 
• Income generating activities. Due to the success of this years Christmas card project, we will fund a similar venture next year.  Another exciting income generation project that our money will fund is the opening of a café in Huaraz, the proceeds of which will go to Seeds. There are only two other tourist cafes in Huaraz which are always full in high season and Seeds will have the added attraction that all proceeds will go directly to the school. Once established they hope to offer some of their older students part time work as waiters/waitresses. This would provide them with some much needed income and also give them some workplace skills which will help them when looking for full time employment in the future.

registered charity no. 1116608