Seeds of Hope
Seeds of Hope is a charity based in Huaraz, a city 200 miles north of Lima. It's focus is to build a better life for disadvantaged kids and help them to enter the education system. It was founded only 6 months ago by an Italian NGO worker when who set up a learning and development centre to which the children can attend daily. It acts as a base where children can come before or after school to get help with their homework, a free nutritious meal and access to health care. At present, there are 40 children in the programme and only one (unpaid) full time member of staff. It relies heavily upon the support of around 10 local part time volunteers as well as international volunteers. The charity is funded by the revenue from international volunteers and small donations from previous international volunteers.
Many Peruvian children between the ages of 6-14 have to work in order to support their families; from shoe-cleaning in the cities to working in the mines in the countryside. This is the most serious barrier preventing children attending school. Seeds of Hope educates the parents about the importance of schooling and the long term benefits that this will bring to their family.
Further to this there is the cost of uniforms, books, pens,
paper and food that the family simply can not afford, particularly
when they have three to four children at school age. Providing
books and teaching support to help the children learn, materials
so they can do their homework and uniforms so they can attend
school are just some of the things that Seeds of Hope do to
help support the parents. 
In November last year, my brother and his wife spent a month volunteering with Seeds of Hope. They have been singing the praises of this little organisation ever since, run on a shoe string by people who are passionate about what they do. Our money could have a massive impact for this young charity, enabling an additional 20 children to attend the centre, 50% more than in 2006!
Anna Ray, January 2007
