Sembrando

The poorest 10% of the population consume less than 1% of the nation’s wealth, while the richest tenth consumes 37%. According to government statistics, 51.6% of the population was poor and 19% were extremely poor, which means that resources are not available to permit sufficient caloric intake to support life.

 

In general, women and children disproportionately suffer the effects of poverty in Peru. The poorest of the poor in Peru are boys and girls and female-headed households in rural areas. 46.3% of these women and 32.2% of children under age 18 live in extreme poverty. On average, women in rural Peru have been to school a little more than three years and 24% of girls ages six to fourteen do not attend school at all.

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru’s (ILEP) Synod Council is responding to this reality with a new vision. They are developing a new project “Sembrando” that will ultimately work with all 15 congregations to include 750 children. This new project will replace the existing “Future Seekers” program, building on the success of that experience to include even more children and families.

 

2010 was a pilot year with only 9 congregations participating. The goal is to serve 300 children and families. Each congregation in Peru will customize this program to meet their needs. The oversight committee will monitor the program for quality programming and financial accountability. Leaders will be trained to operate this program in congregations. The program will provide meals, social development, cultural and sports activities and homework help all designed to build assets in children who live in extreme poverty. Families will be involved at a congregational level to insure that Sowing for the Future is a grass-roots initiative.

 

We are excited to partner in this new program. The financial commitment is $200 per child for a total of $60,000. Please, help us support these beautiful children.

 

Click here to see the latest Sembrando brochure.

Click here for a one-page Sembrando flyer.

Sembrando Cards to tell loved ones about gifts given in their honor

 

 

* No individual child will be identified as this program benefits the whole family.