Peru

I've been in Peru this week for some meetings, and have been fortunate to visit a number of World Vision projects as part of the meeting agenda.  The project visits centred around Cusco, which is the high altitude city closest to Machu Picchu.  Located at 3500m above sea level in the middle of the Andes, Cusco is a fascinating and beautiful city with a remarkable history.  The altitude affects many visitors to Cusco, and all of us experienced some symptoms and effects of the altitude during our time there.

Looking down on Cusco, high in the Andes at 3500m

Over the past 15 years, World Vision has been partnering with a number of village communities around Cusco in the implementation of long-term development projects.  On one day we travelled up to the village of Lamay and had the chance to sit with the village leaders and children and hear them explain the journey of the community.  Villages in the extended community have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 15 years, from alcoholism, abject poverty and terrible statistics of infant mortality and child malnutrition, to a situation today where the communities are completely changed. All aspects of community life have signficantly improved, including education, nutrition, economic opportunity, social cohesion, agricultural productivity and sustainability, and maternal child health.  The most remarkable thing about these changes is the extent of ownership and drive from within the community itself.  World Vision and other partners have played a role, but the fundamental ownership and drive has come from the community.  

Community members explaining their journey

I'm still on a steep learning curve about community development, and there are a number of key principles that have contributed to the success, impact and sustainability of the development work World Vision is engaged with in Peru.  One of the key lessons for me is to understand that good development is both art and science, and that lasting transformation of communities can only come about when there is a holistic approach taken, not just a focus on one sector such as water, health or education.  Also to recognise that good development takes time.  A two or three year project may address some of the physical needs in a community, but a much longer timeframe is needed to actually see sustainable community transformation occur.  

Young entrepreneurs in Cusco

Back in Cusco, we spent a second day meeting with children who are leading an urban development program in partnership with World Vision.  These children shared their stories of the community, and the work they're actively engaged in.  I have to say that I've not heard wisdom such as what came out of the mouths of these kids for a long time.

One comment that will stay with me came from an 11 year old boy, who said that his dream was to grow up in a society based on clear principles, morality and grace.  What a perceptive vision of the elements needed for a functional and healthy society.  Other children expressed similar sentiments, and we were deeply moved by what we heard.

Youth meeting in Cusco

Community leader explaining maternal health monitoring process

Main cathedral in Cusco