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We believe education is the path to change. Over the past year, we've sent six extraordinary young women from impoverished backgrounds to college. Some have already graduated, and some are still in the midst of their studies. Each young woman has a unique and inspiring story about the obstacles and hardships she overcame to reach her potential today. Even more inspiring are these women’s dreams… dreams for a better future, and a passion to make their dreams reality. Through our partnership with Peruvian Hearts an NGO encouraging the education and empowerment of young women in Peru, we are supporting their journey.
1% of every purchase here at Paka goes to Peruvian scholars to expand our program and reach the lives of more young women in Peru. Their stories inspire our work on a daily basis: from our scholar, Carlota, walking four hours each way every day to get to the nearest secondary school before receiving her Paka scholarship, to Erika, who grew up on her family's alfafa farm where they made less than $45 a month for a family of eleven. We’ve watched them become young leaders in their communities as they begin to pave the way for other young women. Your contributions to our mission have made immeasurable impacts in Peru and in our scholar’s lives. Each of them warmly shares how this gift has provided a light that they can now share with others.
The young women dreaming of a better future
Last week Gisella, our Head of Peru, flew from Lima to Cusco to visit our scholars. During her visit she asked a few of them what they'd like to share with the Paka community. Here are a few of their dreams:
Meet Eduarda
Now Eduarda believes she is capable of making a difference, “I feel that Cusco is not my limit. I have more dreams and goals every month and every year. I also feel that Paka has given me a lot of motivational support to persevere and keep dreaming.” Eduarda now hopes to move to Lima after graduation, where she can pursue further education and one day become a diplomat and represent Peru.
Eduarda's message to the Paka community
"The Paka community has been a blessing for many women here in Cusco. If you are currently supporting this campaign, thank you very much because you are not only buying good material, but you are also helping Peruvian women reach their full potential. Because of you, we can have a better quality of education and quality of life. Thank you very much."
Meet Melany
“My biggest dream,” Melany tells us, “is to be able to help more people, like you helped me.” She wants to exemplify what women are capable of doing – something she feels is underestimated in Peru. She has big dreams for women in Peru: “I once heard a teacher say that Peru represents 0.5% of the world’s economy, and that if Peru disappeared, it would not affect anything. What I want to do is to show that this can be changed, that with small modifications, with education, and dreams and empowerment, you can change the world.”
Melany's message to the Paka community
"Thank you for trusting in our dreams. Thank you for being people who – even if you don't know me in person - know that I am going to achieve my dreams. And thank you for giving me motivation, for contributing to a change, especially here in Peru."
Meet Jennifer
Since the lifetime prevalence of one mental disorder per Peruvian is 29%, building resources for those in need is essential to the country’s success. Jennifer is diligently working to make a difference in the Psychology field to impact those around her. She is also a beautiful poet and uses her poetry to work through her own struggles internally. She credits her time as a scholar as the reason she’s so motivated to help others.
Jennifer's message to the Paka community
"I also want to thank the buyers of Paka who not only support other people economically, but who also have a great social responsibility. I am very grateful, and so is my family, because thanks to you, I can continue to dream and make my dreams come true. I know that at some point, I will also be able to share the love that you have given me and the fact that you have supported me in my dreams. Thank you very much."
The real impact has just begun
Each scholar represents how a small contribution on a group level can have lasting impacts. Through our efforts as a community, we hope to create a tidal wave of momentum. It’s your support that allows us to actualize it. On this Giving Tuesday, and on every day, we appreciate you supporting these scholars through purchases of Paka. Thank you for enabling their abilities to make a difference in Peru.
Paka Scholar Leydi Diana just received her title as a licensed professional in tourism from the National University in Cusco.
Paka Scholar Thilcia recently graduated from law school at the Universidad Andina in Cusco. She is beginning her work at a law firm.