Human development and social security for young mothers and children at risk in the outskirts of Lima.
Yachay Wasi , The context of reference includes three communities born from the migratory phenomenon that occurred between 1980 and 2000 that affected the outskirts of Lima, a period in which the populations of the rural Andean and Amazonian areas poured into the city to escape political violence. The overcrowding of urban areas pushed migrants to settle (with plastic and sheet metal shelters) in marginal areas of the Peruvian city: unhealthy and desert-like environments, which also see the presence of one of the largest cement factories in South America, which, by emitting toxic substances, causes pollution and consequent respiratory diseases. Pathologies that are added to the rate of malnutrition and undernourishment that affects approximately 82% of the child population. The poverty of these communities and the significant unemployment numbers coincide with racial problems: legacies of the racist ideology of the Shining Path still discriminate against mixed-race and indigenous populations today. This socio-geographical context is fertile ground for frustration, alcoholism, illiteracy, early pregnancy and violence - both domestic and child violence (children drop out of school to form real baby gangs).
The activities carried out over the years and still concern the strengthening of the activities and structures of the Yachay Wasi program. Specifically, the care of basic education (with scholastic assistance and information on sexual and hygienic prevention) supported by a professional training plan. With the help of local associations and Italian volunteers who monitor the activities, an introduction program to natural medicine has also been created, so as to enhance the Andean and Amazonian herbal knowledge possessed by migrants. Alongside the professional tailoring course - thanks to which the young participants have conquered a small slice of the market, taking a step towards the affirmation of their rights and guaranteeing their children school and medical care - workshops on female empowerment, psychological support and counselling on domestic violence have been created.
COPE also supports Yachay Wasi by sending Volunteers in Universal Civil Service who daily support the association's managers and the referents for the aforementioned activities.
