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.

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.

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.  

• Messages from our Board Chair, Treasurer and Projects Committee
• Introduction to our 2024 Board of Directors
• Presentation of our 2023 Impact Report
• A fond farewell to long-time staff Ruth Taylor

As part of the celebration, in-person guests can enter a draw for one of two door prizes.

And here’s another special treat: several of our partners will join us virtually from Peru!

When: Sunday, May 26, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
Where: Innovation Works, 201 King Street, London, Ontario

Register for IN-PERSON attendance here.

Can’t make it to the in-person event? Join us virturally by Zoom!

Register for ZOOM attendance here.

When: Sunday, May 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Innovation Works, 201 King Street, London, Ontario AND by Zoom (link to come).

Learn about the impact your donations made in 2023. Help us celebrate another year of working together to create a more just world.

We have invited our partners to join the celebration, too. Virtually from Peru!

What can you expect at this fee-admission event?

• Messages from our Board Chair, Treasurer and Projects Committee
• Introduction to our 2024 Board of Directors
• Presentation of our 2023 Impact Report
• Good company, refreshments and a door prize!

We hope to see you there!

The Sustainable Development Goals are ambitious targets that countries around the world have pledged to meet by 2030. They envision a secure and peaceful world free of poverty, inequality and hunger, with full and productive employment, access to quality education and universal health coverage, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and an end to environmental degradation.

All of the projects Heart-Links funds advance one or more of the SDGs.

The five themes of IDW2024 are Gender Equality, Education, Health, Climate Action and Partnership. These are priority areas for Heart-Links, too.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate International Development Week and learn more about global solidarity and cooperation. To get you started, here’s a list of events you might be interested in from organizations across the province.

Or join us this Thursday at Innovation Works for Share the Love. This musical fiesta and fundraiser is a great way to support and learn more about the community-led initiatives Heart-Links funds in Peru. Register for free here!

International Development Week is an annual initiative held during the first full week in February. A uniquely Canadian tradition, IDW was initiated in 1991 by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in order to promote global peace. The Government of Canada, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), civil society organizations, schools, businesses, provinces, municipalities, volunteers and millions of interested Canadians participate in IDW each year.

#GoForTheGoals #IDW2024 #SolidarityMatters

= A FABULOUS WAY TO BRIGHTEN YOUR FEBRUARY

= SHARE THE LOVE 2024

Join us this February 8 for Share the Love IN PERSON!

This FREE ADMISSION musical fiesta and fundraiser features Peruvian and Latin American music by Freddy Almarza and Peruvian and Latin American desserts.

Our silent auction brings together fashionwear by Carmina Young! small batch Canadian-made horseradish by Dennis’ Horseradish! tickets to the London Knights! and so much more. We have handcrafted Peruvian treasures, too.

You’ll hear about our recent visit with our partners and the projects Heart-Links funds in Peru. Revenues from this evening will help keep those community-led projects going in 2024.

(Maybe you’re thinking about joining our trip to Peru this summer. Learn more at Share the Love!)

When: Thursday, February 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM 

Where: Innovation Works, 201 King Street, London, Ontario (register here for free)

Program:

• 7:00 pm Doors Open, Silent Auction Starts
• 7:10 pm  Welcome Message
• 7:20 pm Music by Freddy Almarza
• 7:40 pm Words and Images about Projects in Peru
• 8:00 pm Music by Freddy Almarza
• 8:20 pm Final Bidding
• 8:30 pm Silent Auction Closes

DO YOU WANT TO HELP SHARE THE LOVE?

• Join us on February 8 (register for free here).
• Make a donation to Heart-Links.
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and share our posts.
• SPREAD THE WORD!

When: Thursday, February 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Where: Innovation Works, 201 King Street, London, Ontario

Join us to hear stories from our recent visit to Peru—the first in 4 years! Meet up with friends old and new. There’ll be a silent auction and food, too. Freddy has added some Peruvian tunes to his repetoire, so don’t miss out.

Proceeds from this FREE-ADMISSION event will go to supporting community-led projects in northern Peru in the areas of education, leadership, health & wellness, sustainable communities and Indigenous & cultural rights.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP SHARE THE LOVE?

There are many ways to get involved.

• Join us on February 8 and bring your friends (registration link to come).
• Donate a silent auction prize. If you have an item or service you’d like to donate, contact info@heart-links.org before January 25.
• Own a business? Consider sponsoring our event. Contact info@heart-links.org for more information.
• SPREAD THE WORD!