Getting to Know Comunidad Perú

As I settled into my new routine in Lima, I began my work with Comunidad Perú, a volunteer association dedicated to improving education and overall well-being in vulnerable communities. Their current focus is on the Cantagallo community, an indigenous group from the Peruvian jungle residing in Lima. It was inspiring to learn about their mission and meet the passionate volunteers who drive their efforts.

Understanding the Community

I spent much of my time getting to know the women and children of the Cantagallo community. It was both heartwarming and eye-opening to hear their stories and understand the challenges they face. One alarming fact stood out: 60 percent of the children in this community suffer from anemia. This underscored the importance of our mission and fueled my determination to contribute meaningfully.

The Challenge: Improving Meal Preparation

One of the key challenges we focused on was improving meal preparation for the community, particularly through the association of women leaders. Our goal was to find ways to enhance their efforts in providing nutritious meals efficiently and sustainably.

To measure our progress and ensure we were making a tangible impact, we identified several KPIs:

• Extra Meals: We aimed to provide additional meals on Mondays and Thursdays.
• New Equipment: Procuring new equipment to reduce meal preparation time was a priority.
• Food Sourcing: We explored ways to secure cheaper or more abundant food supplies from donations, local markets, and other social enterprises.
• Website Development: Creating an online presence to raise awareness and attract support.
• Grants and Funding: Compiling a directory of grants and funding opportunities to sustain our initiatives.

Moving Forward

With these goals in mind, our team brainstormed and collaborated on various strategies. We began reaching out to local markets for potential food donations, researched social enterprises that could partner with us. The women leaders in the community were incredibly resourceful and motivated, and their insights were invaluable in shaping our approach.

Reflections on Weeks Two and Three

These two weeks have been a blend of learning, planning, and action. I've been deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of the Cantagallo community. Working alongside such dedicated volunteers has been an enriching experience, and I'm excited about the progress we've made. As we continue to implement our strategies, I am hopeful that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these women and children, ensuring they have better access to nutritious meals and a brighter future.