Peru: Refuge of Hope

SUSTAINABILITY FOR DISABLED
CHILDREN OF PERU

The Refuge of Hope, is a small organization operating in Peru. Their mission is to create a place where handicapped children will have the opportunity to become educated and self-sustaining individuals. The Refuge of Hope has struggled for years to maintain its services to the disabled in this area of Peru. Through funds that come in both from within Peru and from those outside of Peru, the Refuge has continued, but has been unable to find a way of sustainability. An initial tree-planting project was begun one year ago and the results are being seen. New land was made available to the Refuge for an incredibly affordable price and the opportunity for economic sustainability is within grasp. Additionally, the tree-planting project will employ some of the disabled at the Refuge, allowing them to experience the opportunity of employment.

Pura Vida is supporting the Refuge by providing $25,000 funding in 2008 for this tree project. The objective is to expand the tree-planting project that started one year ago. The Refuge will be planting a variety of seeds of camu camu, and other trees needed for reforestation. The government has agreed to buy some of the saplings and others will be sold. The market is great for both camu camu and for reforestation.

There will be 10 acres located about a 15 minute drive from the Refuge. The land is located on the outskirts of Pucalpa. In the future, when the tree-planting project is finished, this land will increase in value over time, again allowing the Refuge some protection for the future. The land is easily accessible, although at some point it would be much easier for the Directors to manage the operations with a working vehicle, but at this point the Refuge believes that it is more important to get the tree planting up and going. They have a small space that will be used as a commercial nursery for those wanting to buy plants in Pucalpa. Thus the enterprise will both continue to employ the disabled and will generate money for the Refuge.

For more information about The Refuge of Hope, please visit their website www.therefugeofhope.org

Watch this moving short film from the Refuge of Hope