PERU STORY

“I had heard many vivid descriptions of Opportunity's operations around the world, but nothing could have prepared me for our recent trip with Opportunity to Peru.

There were several massive surprises for me in visiting the favellas of Lima. The first was the overwhelming desolation and vastness of the slums. The hut-covered, filthy hills go on and on, beyond the horizon. And, as I stood there, taking in the heart-wrenching scene, all I could think of was how this is repeated in so many places in Central America, Africa and Asia. The inhumanity of our actions, allowing this to happen on our watch, overwhelmed me. Small talk with my traveling companions became difficult.

But there were other, more happy surprises. The loan officers employed by ASIDME, Opportunity's partner in Peru, were a wonder to me. They certainly are nothing like the loan officers I've met in my banking career! Their tireless work, riding the bus for hours to the slums to meet clients, is, in my view, priceless. These people are so talented: they play the role of motivational speaker, business consultant, sociologist, friend and therapist to our clients, and all with such skill! 

The second major surprise was the wonder of the Peruvian people. Here is a race that has only been massacred and marginalized by more wealthy foreigners. And yet they are warm, happy, gracious and proud hosts. The clients I met were independent, industrious and ingenious, willing to give all to provide for their children. 

I will never forget the amazing contraptions Ramone expertly cobbled together by hand for his family's jewelery-making business, Edith's successful internet cafe lodged in the middle of a favella, or the fierce pride with which one young student held his ceramics diploma for all to see, his mother beaming behind him. These scenes represent hope for these people, and their unrelenting dedication to better their lives.  How can we not help them on their way?

The entire journey was a privilege for my husband and me; it has changed forever how we will look at our lives and our priorities.