To learn firsthand the aspirations and dreams of the real protagonists of American Initiatives' work, I traveled to Cañete, Peru (outside of Lima) and spent last June getting to know some of the people we are looking to provide microfinancing, education and training to women. 

It was there that I was able to truly appreciate who these women are, how they live, and the difficulties that they have to overcome each day.

I met people like Flora, whose story about struggling to succeed is so compelling. This is, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of our work. Seeing the results is a true indication of the change that American Initiatives is capable of making in some lives.

Let me introduce to you Flora Diego and her "Bodega Campestre." She is a tiny woman with a growing business where she sells a little bit of everything. Her business is equivalent to what we typically call a "bodega" and restaurant. Her clients, mainly male workers from the "chacra" or field. Flora explained to me how long it takes her to travel to Condoray, the place where her business classes are offered, "but it's really worth it," she explains. "If you want to learn, the amount of effort it takes doesn't matter." In June 2008 she got the first loan of 2.310 soles (over $750) to build a small store with solid materials, instead of what was once a simple cardboard shanty. She and her family built the rest of the store with their own bare hands.

Flora's daughter has also taken several courses at Condoray--short courses around food production (cakes, pizzas, chocolate, etc) and a longer one for 4 months in small business management. Nowadays her dream is to run events in the restaurant, and convert it into a place for family meetings. She has plans to improve it with a recreation area as well.

This story is only one example of how effort and perseverance can lead to success. Flora received her husband's support and now she is a community leader, encouraging other women to continue going strong, even with all the challenges they may face.

For more information about our work in Peru, see our Projects page.