Breaking the cycle of poverty through creative expression in Peru

Life in a human settlement

The families live in what is referred to in Peru as a 'human settlement' or 'invasion', a piece of wasteland that has been occupied by families seeking shelter. Without public utilities such as water, electricity, or sewage systems, the 131 families live in self-built houses on subsiding, damp ground. They often must demolish and rebuild their homes due to the unstable conditions.

Living in extreme poverty, these families typically depend on informal sector work without secure income or social security. They face multiple poverty-related challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare.

The Community Family Center approach

Through the Community Family Center, families receive two years of comprehensive support addressing mental health, education, safe home environments, and independence. The program includes sustainable agriculture on small plots of land, therapy and sports activities for children, educational support with school supplies and tutoring, monthly food packages, vocational training for young adults, parenting workshops, and extensive mental health services including individual, group, and family therapy.

Families actively participate in maintaining the center and organizing new activities, guided by psychologists and social workers through individualized programs aimed at strengthening family bonds and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Creative expression as a therapeutic tool

The art materials donated by Royal Talens have become integral to the program's success. They are used throughout various activities, including academic reinforcement classes, workshops for children and adolescents, and psychological sessions.

Drawing and painting serve as powerful tools for emotional expression, creative sharing of experiences, and strengthening interpersonal relationships. Children create practical artworks for home use, such as 'emotional thermometers' that help them express their feelings.

One young participant shared: "I like these colors because I can paint and draw, and I'd like to take them to school. We also use them in some workshops with the psychologists we paint, use tempera paints, markers, and all the materials you give us. Thank you."

Another child, who had just turned 10, explained while holding her artwork: "With these colors and markers, I drew this cake because I just turned 10 years old."

Collaborative impact

NPH Peru expressed their sincere appreciation: "These donations have helped improve the quality of educational activities, psychological sessions, and practical learning experiences, promoting emotional expression, creativity, and active participation among the beneficiaries."

The project involves multiple partners, including local schools, a health center, volunteer teachers, and businesses such as Makro Peru (providing food donations) and Banco de la Nación (currently building a playground). The Peruvian NGO Ojas Sostenibles supports the sustainable vegetable gardens, while Dutch foundations including SEM Foundation and Stichting Steunfonds Pro Juventute Nederland provide additional support.

About WereldOuders and NPH

WereldOuders and NPH work with families and communities to provide vulnerable children in Latin America with what they need to grow up well. Their holistic approach addresses immediate needs while building long-term capacity for families to create better futures.

For more information about WereldOuders, visit wereldouders.nl or follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Breaking the cycle of poverty through creative expression in Peru

Life in a human settlement

The Community Family Center approach

Creative expression as a therapeutic tool

Collaborative impact

About WereldOuders and NPH

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About Royal Talens

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Breaking the cycle of poverty through creative expression in Peru

Life in a human settlement

The Community Family Center approach

Creative expression as a therapeutic tool

Collaborative impact

About WereldOuders and NPH

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