SOS Family Strengthening Program inspires mother to give back

Just ten minutes away from Machu Picchu, Peru’s most popular landmark, poverty is noticeable. So close to the enchanting passagways and stonework, we find the community of Chocco, overridden with pot-holed dirt tracks, gangs of stray dogs and roadside refuse.

Despite the poverty, there is still a refreshing sense of optimism. Life is improving, and smiling faces reflect the many social and economic developments taking place. Ruth, mother of vivacious six-year-old Camilla, has been instrumental in bringing about change.

Ruth had a difficult upbringing. Her parents were both severe alcoholics and at the age of 12 she took over the management of the household. She was forced to leave school to work and tend to her parents.

The first time she sought the help of SOS Children’s Villages and its Family Strengthening Program (FSP) was in 2008, after the birth of Camilla and a separation from her husband. Inspired by the help it provided her, she soon took up the unpaid role of treasurer for the FSP where she was responsible for feeding more than 50 children a day.

Ruth recruited many community members to attend courses about the importance of nutrition and family values.  The program has been a huge success with Ruth’s help. Though the centre also offers material support, childcare and counselling to families, its nutrition work has notably changed community culture.

“Feeding children was never a priority here before. Adults now focus energy on ensuring the health of their kids.”

The young mother recently began a guinea pig farm as part of a regional association. Guinea pigs (“cuy” in Spanish) are an important part of the diet in the Peruvian Andes – they provide a cheap, accessible source of protein for families.

Ruth earns enough from her farm to send Camilla to school, and she is still able to devote a lot of her time to the community. As secretary of a group called Las Rondas, or “community peacekeepers”, she promotes family values and integrity while ensuring that children are well cared for and protected.

Ruth says her involvement in SOS’s Chocco programme set her on a new path in life. “As a mother my primary concern is for my daughter, but as a community member I want the best for all the children in Chocco. Each child is special and has the potential to fully transform their future, but only if we are able to provide safe and secure environments for their growth.”