CARE in Peru

Despite a stable economy, the number of Peruvians living in poverty has increased in recent years. Over 50 per cent of the poorest people are indigenous; they are also the worst affected by Peru’s massive inequality. The richest 10 per cent of Peru’s population now earn 50 times more than the poorest 10 per cent.

In Peru we:
  • improve agriculture, for example teaching farmers new farming techniques
  • improve access to quality education
  • help communities to speak out on issues that concern them and influence decision-makers
  • help people set up small businesses so they can earn a living

We have been working in Peru for 30 years tackling the deep-seated causes of poverty. Today, our work in Peru benefits more than 500 thousand of the poorest people in the country, and we also respond to emergencies.

CARE in action:

Bilingual/Multicultural Education in the Andes
We’re improving the quality of basic education in Quechua-speaking communities in the Andean highlands, through the formal education system. The project pays special attention to improving access to education for girls and children belonging to indigenous groups, improving teacher capacities and ensuring greater involvement of communities and parents in their children’s education.

Helping business grow
We are helping small and medium size businesses grow by providing loans. Today, EDYFICAR, an independent microfinance institution that grew out of CAREs credit projects has almost 115,000 clients and a loan portfolio of £47 million. These loans have allowed businesses to develop new opportunities and have created new jobs to help people earn a decent living.

Reducing child malnutrition
In Peru chronic malnutrition affects nearly one third of children under five, with much higher rates in rural areas. Our REDESA project reduced chronic malnutrition among 60,000 families by 9.9 percentage points between 2001-2006 – showing success is possible. Following recommendations from us and our partners, the Government has adopted a malnutrition reduction target – five per cent over the next five years - and we’re helping them achieve it.

 

Choose a country:
Peru