We believe that when families are able to meet their most basic needs, their communities grow and prosper, and vice versa.

 

In the Jungle of San Martin, many families live in rural areas, isolated from government and health services. The infrastructure available to them does not provide these families with steady income or means to provide consistent nutritional meals for their children.

 

Our Strengthening Communities Program aims to provide social services and food security interventions so that families do not need to sacrifice their health or education in a time of crisis. 

 

• Food Security: Over 70% of indigenous children in San Martin are chronically undernourished. Food insecure families receive emergency food assistance, nutrition workshops, and budgeting consultation. This improves their ability to purchase and prepare healthy foods for their children. 

• Healthy Homes: Infections of parasites and diarrheal diseases are the leading causes of bad health in children under 5 in the native communities. Some of these can be prevented through access to potable water and fuel-efficient stoves. We want children to live in a safe environment, free of woodsmoke and threats to their health and development. 

• Economic Opportunity: 79% of indigenous families in San Martin are living under the poverty line. Every family and community have the ability to drive change, despite limited resources. We work specially with organized women and family asociations,  to come up with long-term, sustainable solutions to improve their wellbeing. This includes a range of services, including capital for a small business, support for land acquisition, and community health education.