Seeing the joy on the faces of our guest speakers Delicia Romero and Cecilia Odar when Sister Kitty Stafford, one of the Sisters of St. Joseph who spent many years in Peru, greeted them in Spanish was just one highlight of our recent annual general meeting. Heart-Links’ founder Janet Zadorsky also attended, echoing Sister Kitty’s good wishes for these long-time friends and collaborators.
Personal long-term connections like these are a hallmark of Heart-Links’ work. The seeds the Sisters planted more than three decades ago have grown but also evolved. The work Heart-Links supports in Peru has changed as conditions have changed.
After many years of working as Heart-Links’ agents in Zaña, in 2019 Delicia and Cecilia founded the Madre Oliva Association—a woman-led independent organization. Madre Oliva Association promotes comprehensive and sustainable human development through training programs and income-generating projects. The Association’s programs advance gender equality, environmental stewardship, leadership and community organization.
Watch the video to learn about Madre Oliva Association’s work in 2021 and what they up to this year.