Centro Esperanza continues to work with rural women in Coloche, Lambayeque province, to help them develop successful small businesses that improve food security and household incomes. Twenty-five women Women for a Better Future, Centro Esperanza will provide 20 women and 5 men with training and initial inputs (guinea pigs, seeds, baking tools and supplies) for breeding guinea pigs for themselves and the market and making and marketing pastries.
Trainings to be offered include community organization; business planning; record keeping; pasture growing; guinea pig care, production and reproduction; feed preparation; disease prevention; organic farming and composting; environmental insecticides and pest control; pen disinfection and deworming; and pastry making. Related activities for youth and children will also take place.
Community knowledge and resources will be maximized, and sustainable and environmentally sound farming methods promoted. Gender equality and strengthening leadership by women will be a priority as will be developing leadership that is democratic, transparent, supportive and ethical.
Participants will be encouraged to show solidarity with their neighbours and other communities by donating a portion of their litters to others in need.