Intercambioperu plays an active role in the planning, financing and realization of social and environmental projects in the area of Huancavelica. At this moment we are actively involved in a project for the disabled in Lircay – Huancavelica, but we also support other organizations and institutions with their projects.
Disabled centre
Lircay lies in the Departamento Huancavelica in the central highlands of Peru. According to the Human Poverty Index of the United Nations more than 50% of the population is mal-nourished and lacks access to basic services like drinking water, electricity etc. It is difficult to identify the exact causes and affects of this situation but it certainly is partly due to the historical marginalization and discrimination of the Indian population of this area. Although the government of Peru is making an effort to reduce poverty there still are a lot of problems to overcome.
In the area of Lircay there is a group of about 100 disabled people with limitations ranging from minor limitations to people with serious disorders which require special care and attention. It is this group of people that is especially vulnerable and almost completely has to rely on their family, who often themselves are struggling to survive. In the macho culture of Peru there is often a factor of shame that worsens the situation and this, together with the ignorance of people on what could be done, sometimes results in appalling conditions under which these people are kept inside.
Together with the Provincial Government of Lircay and the Association of Disabled People of Lircay, Intercambioperu is writing a project for this marginalized group. The Government of Lircay has donated a parcel of land measuring approximately 350 m² for the construction of a disabled centre. After a process in which al three parties took part a design was made by the Government of Lircay for the centre, consisting of: 2 classrooms, 1 activity area, a “green area” outside, good hygienic facilities and a small office. The building is designed according to standards set by the Ministry of Health of Peru and is estimated to cost about 15,000 Euros. Moreover, the Provincial Government of Lircay and the Association of Disabled People of Lircay have committed themselves to be responsible for the operational costs, in financial as well as labor terms.
Although there is not yet a final and detailed project proposal the general outlines have already been determined and Intercambioperu has committed itself to find means to finance the entire, or part of the project. We hope you, or the organization you work for, can make a contribution to make the desire of the disabled people of Lircay com true.
If you have become interested to help realize this project please read more about how on the Get involved page.
For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact us.