Our team visited all three regions where Heart-Links’ partners work: Cajamarca, in the northeastern Andes; the Zaña Valley, in the central coast lowlands; and the Chiclayo Metropolitan Area, also in the central coast lowlands, one hour south from Zaña.

In Cajamarca, we met with the volunteers who run the Rural Libraries Network, a 54-year-old association that supplies books to almost 300 remote libraries across Cajamarca and adjacent provinces. In addition to publishing books, the network promotes literacy and records and preserves traditional knowledge and culture. A principle tool is the Enciclopedia Campesina, a project financed by Heart-Links. We stayed at the Rural Libraries guesthouse in Cajamarca. The building is also the home of the main library, offices and meeting rooms.

Also in Cajamarca is ACIES, a community development organization that works in the impoverished city neighborhood of Quiritimayo. In the Quiritimayo Cultural Centre, ACIES offers an afterschool program that includes educational support, ecological workshops and cleanups, reading circles, writing groups, and art classes. ACIES also works with women, delivering workshops in mental health self-care and artisanal training. ACIES runs similar programs in the rural village of Pomabamba, as well an alternative school for impoverished children and youth, where they also learn about water conservation, gardening, and raising small animals.

In Zaña, we met the members of Latidos. In communities up and down the Zaña Valley, this association runs afterschool programs, breakfast and lunch programs, mental health workshops, entrepreneurial training for women and reforestation and forest protection. Latidos is strongly involved in the local business community, including agrobusiness, and works with them to practice corporate social responsibility, such as hiring locally. We stayed in the lovely Latidos guesthouse.

Our other partner in Zaña is Madre Oliva Association. They run an afterschool program in the rural hamlet of Nuevo Mocupe, where children receive educational support and recreation. The association also delivers food aid, clothing, medication and mental health training and counselling  to approximately 20 vulnerable families.

Finally, we went to the bustling metropolis of Chiclayo, and stayed in a charming modest downtown hotel. We first met with members of Centro Esperanza. This agency runs numerous programs from their Chiclayo office and premises, but the program Heart-Links supports is in Coloche, a rural community in Lambayeque. There, Centro Esperanza has started a women’s farming collective called MUFUM (Women for a Better Future). The women of MUFUM raise and market fast-growing guinea pigs. Centro Esperanza has provided production training, ecological workshops, leadership development and mental health programs. The project is thriving.

Our final visit was with Centro Santa Angela. Founded 41 years ago by the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, the centre promotes ecological communities in the impoverished urban district of José Leonardo Ortiz, assisting local residents to rescue parkland, develop community spirit, and end harmful ecological practices. In its downtown office, Centro Santa Angela runs programs, also sponsored by Heart-Links, aimed at ending family violence and misogyny, developing community leaders and good citizens, and exercising vigilance against corruption.

It was wonderful to see the positive impact our partners are making in the lives of hundreds of children, youth, women and men in northern Peru. We can say with confidence that your donations to Heart-Links are helping create a more just world.

The Enciclopedia is a series of 20 volumes that gathers stories and knowledge from Indigenous communities of the region. The new volumes will now be distributed to those same communities—almost 400 of them. Through informal gatherings and reading circles, community members use the books to help each other learn to read and write. These exchanges foster self-esteem, revitalize cultural traditions and build community—between young and old and between different communities.

Reconnecting through Libraries

The Rural Libraries Network also supplies more than 20 schools in the region with books from the series. And a new program is reconnecting youth with elders by inviting them to speak at the libraries. These initiatives foster intergenerational exchange so that young Peruvians know more about their land and traditions.

Heart-Links is proud to fund this revised edition of the Enciclopedia Campesina. Your donations are promoting literacy in remote rural communities and bringing young Peruvians knowledge of their roots.

The book is called Voces y expresiones de la quebrada que quiero (Voices and Expressions of the Ravine That I Love), and it is as beautiful as it is urgent. Entirely written and illustrated by children from the communities of Quiritimayo and Pomabamba, this publication captures their reflections, observations, and hopes for the ravine that runs through their neighbourhoods; once a source of beauty and play, now deeply polluted.

Thanks to your support, the book and programs that led to this book, are made possible.

“The literacy was grounded in their own experience,” shared Gordon Price, Co-Chair of our Peru Projects Committee. “The children reflected on how they felt about the creek, did drawings, made their own personal books… Isabel [Gutiérrez, ACIES director] has combined those into a single publication. The book is amazing…it’s powerful, it’s full of the children’s reflections.”

Why the Ravine?

ACIES launched this project, Quiere la Quebrada (“Love the Ravine”), to help children build literacy skills, strengthen their environmental awareness, and reclaim their voice through storytelling. From the outset, the approach was immersive: children participated in guided expeditions to the ravine, took note of what they saw — piles of garbage, smoke, even dead animals — and asked the tough questions:

Why is this happening? How can we change it?

These observations became the seeds for their stories.

“La quebrada, antes clara y radiante, ahora con basura abundante. Su belleza se perdió, sin voz ni sonido que calma. Hoy, su silencio, es un vacío que hiela el alma.”
(The ravine, once clear and radiant, now full of garbage. Its beauty is lost, without voice or sound to soothe. Today, its silence is a void that chills the soul.)

— Voces y expresiones de la quebrada que quiero, ACIES, 2025

Through these stories the children developed critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of agency over the spaces they live in.

Real Change, Real Community

With your generosity, ACIES was able to deliver weekly literacy workshops to over 30 children and adolescents, offer access to a cultural and educational hub at the Quiritimayo Cultural Center, and publish 1,000 copies of this stunning bilingual book. Each family in the participating communities will receive a free copy.

But the impact didn’t stop there. As detailed in the final project report, your support also helped fund:

• Weaving workshops for women and youth, turning traditional skills into both therapy and income.
• A psychological support group, coordinated by a local woman and weaver, fostering emotional wellbeing and intergenerational dialogue.
• Teacher training and international exchange, connecting rural educators across Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico.
• Community authorship, giving local youth like Esgard — once bedridden — the encouragement and tools to write, draw, and re-engage with the world. His mother said:

“A desk and a chair got my Esgard out of bed and smiling every day.”

“The projects that Isabel submits are incredible,” Gordon added. “The reports that she sends are so well drafted. Photographs that accompany them really tell a clear story.”

📚 You’re Invited: Celebrate This Story with Us

We’re excited to invite you, our community of supporters, to join ACIES for the virtual launch of Voces y expresiones de la quebrada que quiero.

📅 Saturday, July 5, 2025
🕘 10:00 a.m. Peru time – 11:00 a.m Ontario time
🌍 Hosted by ACIES — https://meet.google.com/bpj-opay-eht

Come hear directly from those involved in the project, meet the facilitators behind the work, and see how your donations are helping shape a generation of readers, writers, and environmental defenders.

When you give to Heart-Links, you give more than funding. You give the gift of voice. Of creativity. Of transformation.

Thank you and we hope to see you at the launch.

In Solidarity,

Dani

Not too long ago, Latidos launched a Book Creation Contest with local schools. The response from this has been amazing. Both primary and secondary students jumped in right away, full of ideas and energy. Tnd the Latidos team has been going around visiting them and handing out copies of Fanny’s Storybook to help spark ideas. Sharing this book is a simple but powerful way to spark creativity and remind kids that their stories matter as Fanny shared with us back at Share The Love this past April.

This all ties back to the bigger picture of the Crecer Project, which Heart-Links supported throughout 2023–2024. We’re getting the final reports soon, but even before that, the results speak for themselves. What’s really standing out is how much of this work is sticking. The kids and teachers aren’t just participating, they’re continuing the work on their own which is exactly the kind of long-term impact we strive for with dedication and intention.

Flor, who leads Latidos, shared how meaningful it’s been to reflect on everything that’s happened:

“As we look back, it’s incredible to see how many lives have been touched and transformed. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, and real stories.”

Another big highlight happened in early April, when Latidos was invited to be part of Festi CIX 2025 – “Letras sin Límites”, Chiclayo’s first official book fair. Held as part of the city’s anniversary celebrations, the fair brought together writers, publishers, artists and community leaders to celebrate reading and creativity. Latidos was an intergral part of contributing to cultural activities and was recognized both regionally and nationally for their work.

It’s a great reminder that this kind of grassroots, community-led work doesn’t just make a difference locally, ultimately it is all a part of a bigger conversation.

We’re so proud of Latidos, and continue to be so grateful to be able to support them. Watching them create spaces for young voices to be heard, and seeing how far this project has reached is a powerful reminder of why we continue in solidarity with Peru and international development.

From Observation to Reflection

Every day, children walk past the Quiritimayo stream. What was once a simple path has become a daily classroom, urging young minds to question the world around them. “Why is there garbage here? How did it get this way? What can we do to change this?” These questions have ignited a deeper level of understanding among the children, transforming their casual observations into critical reflections.

Through handmade books, these young authors have channeled their thoughts into stories and illustrations. Eight of these stories capture not just the environmental challenges but also creative solutions to reimagine their community’s relationship with the ravine. Stones once overlooked have become characters in vibrant tales, and clay has inspired colorful creations that bring their reflections to life.

Bringing Stories to Life

One of the most joyful moments this semester was the storytelling festivals. In July, the Quiritimayo Cultural Center came alive with the laughter and voices of children sharing their stories. These monthly festivals are now a cornerstone of the project, fostering a sense of pride and connection between the participants of Pomabamba and Quiritimayo.

For younger children, a new program called Graphic Expressions for Reading and Writing has sparked early literacy in the most imaginative ways. By drawing their experiences, six-year-olds have discovered that reading and writing are not just skills—they are lived experiences.

Weaving Bonds, Building Futures

The women of Pomabamba and Quiritimayo are also writing their own chapter in this story. Through weekly and monthly weaving schools, they have honed their skills, creating beautiful textiles that tell their own stories. These gatherings have become spaces for reflection, connection, and empowerment. As December approaches, the Quiritimayo group is preparing for their first sale, a milestone that symbolizes their growing independence and strength.

A Community of Change-Makers

The ACIES team, comprising women and youth from the local community, stands as the backbone of this initiative. Their dedication has not only driven the project forward but has also fostered a culture of learning and commitment within the group. Their work was even showcased at the Ibero-American Meeting of Teachers in Salta, Argentina, where they shared their innovative approaches to alternative education.

Looking Ahead

As the final phase of the project begins, the community is buzzing with dreams and determination. The book “Quiere a la Quebrada” is now ready for editing and printing, a tangible testament to the creativity and resilience of the children. Plans for a mural on the center’s façade aim to inspire pride and ownership in the neighborhood.

The journey of Quiritimayo is far from over. It is a story of transformation—of a community coming together to reclaim its environment, nurture its children, and empower its women. It is a testament to the idea that through storytelling, reflection, and creativity, even the smallest voices can inspire the greatest change.

Together, we are writing the next chapter of Quiritimayo’s story. One that brims with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of community.

This vision came to life thanks to the tireless efforts of our partner organization, Latidos, and the support of local businesses like Agrícola Cayaltí. Together, they’ve created a safe, welcoming space for learning, where families can connect and grow. But this is just one chapter in Latidos’ incredible story of building resilient communities across the Zaña Basin.

Empowering a Generation

Over the past year, Latidos has reached deep into the heart of their communities, sparking change where it’s needed most.

Take the workshops for children and adolescents, for example. Through sessions on life planning, cultural awareness, and psychosocial risk prevention, 120 students across four schools have discovered their potential to dream bigger and achieve more. These young people aren’t just learning—they’re becoming leaders, equipped with the tools to transform their future.

And it’s not just the kids who are finding their voices. Women in the community are stepping into leadership roles too. Through workshops on entrepreneurship and family well-being, Latidos is helping women harness their strength, build businesses, and advocate for change. They’re forming networks, planning events like a Christmas dinner for women leaders, and showing their communities what empowered women can achieve.

Hope for the Future

Latidos’ impact extends to the elderly as well. Picture senior citizens gathering for a workshop on self-esteem, their laughter filling the room as they share stories and build friendships. These sessions are more than just classes—they’re lifelines, creating a sense of belonging and purpose for older adults in Zaña, Cayaltí, and Mocupe.

Then there are the health campaigns, which have delivered fortified food, organized anemia screenings, and even hosted competitions for healthy cooking. The results? Stronger families, healthier children, and a community inspired to take charge of their well-being.

Cultivating Resilience, Together

Latidos is also tackling environmental challenges head-on. Through their EcoGuardians Program, students are learning to protect their environment by conserving water, planting trees, and reducing waste. These young guardians are already making an impact—250 trees now line riverbanks near their towns, standing as a testament to their dedication.

All of this work is guided by a single goal: to create resilient communities. Latidos connects local groups with regional institutions, private companies, and NGOs, ensuring they have the resources to thrive.

Looking Ahead

The story doesn’t end here. Latidos is already planning for the future. Their upcoming programs include:

• Expanding literacy: Building new community libraries and strengthening school libraries to ignite a love of reading.
• Fighting anemia: Launching Superheroes Against Anemia to protect children under five from this preventable condition.
• Growing leaders: Empowering women and youth to become champions of change in their communities.

Your Role in This Story

This journey of transformation is only possible because of the support of people like you. Every dollar donated, every moment of your attention, fuels the dreams of the people in these communities.

When you join us for events like Share the Love or contribute to Heart-Links, you’re not just giving resources—you’re giving hope. Together, we’re turning the page to a brighter future, one where communities stand strong, resilient, and united.

Let’s keep this story going. Join us in supporting Latidos’ incredible work and become a part of their journey to change lives in Peru. Together, we can write the next chapter.

126 individuals, families and organizations donated almost $100,000 to Heart-Links to make this work possible. At our annual general meeting last Sunday, Trish Gergich, chair of Heart-Links’ board of directors, reflected on the year gone by and on Heart-Links’ recent visit to Peru. “I continue to be inspired and hopeful today,” she said, “because I can see that we are making the world a little bit better together.”

As Trish noted, big change starts with small actions, small conversations and a community. In 2023, the Heart-Links community between friends in Peru and friends in Canada gave rise to many small but powerful stories of resilience, change and hope. You can read some of those stories in our 2023 Impact Report.

“I am honoured to be a part of this amazing group of partners, community members, volunteers and donors,” Trish told the gathering (in person and virtual). “Thank you for being part of it, too.”

Who did your generosity help in 2023? What impact did you make? Who else is part of the Heart-Links community?

Our 2023 Impact Report will answer many of these questions. And we’d be happy to answer any others you may have. You can reach us at info@heart-links.org or by telephone at 226-884-2845.

The achievements of 2023 inspire us to carry on. We will continue to work in solidarity—with you and with our partners in Peru—to create a more just and equitable world.  

We are happy to report that your donations helped Latidos meet their goal of 8 villages and surpass it. They brought health and vaccination clinics to 15 communities in the valley. They worked closely with all five health centres in the valley and strengthened their reach by supplying medical and non-medical volunteers, transportation and lodging.

Latidos also campaigned to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and disease prevention. In the towns of Zaña and Cayaltí, vaccination rates were 99%.

Thank you for responding to our appeal and helping improve health care in the Zaña Valley.

Latidos has helped us health strategies in the communities. Thanks to their support with volunteers and logistics, we’ve been able to reach 90% of the most vulnerable communities.

Karla Jiménez, Zaña Health Centre

I am very grateful for the opportunity Latidos gave us to help. We often have the will, but we do not have the financial means. Thanks to Heart-Links, we were able to travel, have refreshments and to help many people. A unique experience.

Angel David Salazar, nursing student

A lot has happened since this project started four months ago.

The 21 families began by forming an association and electing five women and one man to the board. A woman was elected chair.

Then they built pens for their guinea pigs and planted alfalfa to feed them. They also learned to make compost from the agricultural waste.

As part of their learning, they attended workshops on guinea pig health and hygiene, proper feeding, and reproduction. They also learned about bookkeeping.

Pastry making drew even more interest, with seven teenagers joining their moms to learn to make cakes and turnovers. Some of the women plant to take what they’ve learned to started home-based microbusinesses.

There is one more thing that is not so easy to measure. The families feel united as a community and committed to building a better future together.

The project Heart-Links’ donors funded provided laying hens and incubators, as well as training, to help community members feed themselves and their families. It also helped them organize and learn how to work together—women and men—to build a better, sustainable future.

María and other women saw changes in their relationships with their husbands and their positions in the community. “Some men are also learning the chores that we women do in the home,” María told us. “And well, for me and my family, my husband has also joined in raising animals. Because before, they thought that men only went out to work and we took care of the house and the animals. Not anymore.”

Today in San Isidro, ECODAE members raise chicken and sheep, and grow vegetables, passion fruit and papayas. They no longer need funding from Heart-Links to keep moving forward.

And María? She is now president of ECODAE.

Heart-Links has started helping another community in the region reach their dreams.

That was something María wanted, too. “We also want other women to learn what we’ve learned from the project—to improve their knowledge of raising small animals and to participate in decision-making at home and in the community,” she told us. “That they understand that women should be respected and valued. That household chores, raising animals and farmwork should be recognized and valued as work we women do that contributes to the household.”

Thank you for the support you gave María when she needed it. Investing in women like María is one way Heart-Links, with your help, is creating a more just world.