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Peru
Over half of the country’s 28 million people live below the poverty line. Roughly 25% are classified as extremely poor, living on an income of less than USD $1 per day. Due to the effects of terrorist activity in the 1980’s and 1990’s, many people were killed in the region of Ayacucho, which is now one of the poorest areas of the country. Most of those affected were men and the head of their household, which left many women alone and unable to economically support their families.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund (ECLOF), a micro-finance organization based in Switzerland, to create economic opportunities for those in need, specifically women in the Ayacucho area.
Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities
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Community credit circles provide loans for indigenous Quechua and Aymara people, primarily women, to begin small businesses to support and feed their families.
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Workshops on leadership, self-esteem, conflict resolution and simple business principles empower group members to be successful.
