by Ken Boche, Director
Giving direct aid can be easy, so why does Heart Walk Foundation (HWF) invest in the slow, complex, and sometimes difficult path of developing sustainability and community development in remote indigenous communities? When communities are empowered to work together to develop sustainable solutions for themselves, they become more economically stable, and they improve in all measures of well-being and quality of life.
Everything Changed
by Michael Dinsdale, Youth Volunteer
After visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, our group traveled to do service for a small school in the village of Hueco Uno. We broke up some “bad” adobe bricks and carried rocks from a nearby field to lay a cobblestone sidewalk to the school's nearly finished toilets. It was tough work, even tougher because of the high elevation (over 11,000 feet). I was using a 15 pound pick axe to break up the hard dirt. I'm the kind of guy who enjoys a good workout, but I could hardly breathe!
When I stepped into that schoolyard in Peru, everything changed. Instead of seeing kids playing video games and texting on their cell phones like I had expected, they were playing with rocks, old tires, and even corncobs! Their lives had not been corrupted by all the modern technology, and they were so happy. It made me realize that I didn’t need all that stuff to make me happy. Read the complete story on page 2Accomplishments in 2010
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| first ever lavatories and first ever bathrooms and Hueco Uno School |
Training in trout aquaculture and equipment for trout reproduction
Construction of greenhouse at one school and donation of 30 pounds of heirloom seeds
Food staples for elderly and infirm and food for children in schools
Construction of 4 classrooms with desks, chairs, tables, bookshelves and cupboards
Construction of toilets, showers, and lavatories at one school
Teacher salaries (4 classes) and education supplies and teaching materials for 8 classes
Expansion of bridge so vehicles can reach trailhead into isolated communities
Distribution of child birth kits for safer childbirth to all communities
Health and hygiene workshops
Construction of greenhouse at one school and donation of 30 pounds of heirloom seeds
Food staples for elderly and infirm and food for children in schools
Construction of 4 classrooms with desks, chairs, tables, bookshelves and cupboards
Construction of toilets, showers, and lavatories at one school
Teacher salaries (4 classes) and education supplies and teaching materials for 8 classes
Expansion of bridge so vehicles can reach trailhead into isolated communities
Distribution of child birth kits for safer childbirth to all communities
Health and hygiene workshops
Goals for 2011: Building Futures
Three board members will sit with Q’ero leaders this June to listen deeply to the concerns of each community. We anticipate they will request partnership for these projects:
Three board members will sit with Q’ero leaders this June to listen deeply to the concerns of each community. We anticipate they will request partnership for these projects:
Expand trout aquaculture into more villages and continue reproduction project
Explore possibilities for cultivation of trout food on land at lower elevations
Continue support of 8 classes at 5 schools with educational materials
Build one or more classrooms and fund more teachers
Construct more greenhouses in high mountain villages
Develop agricultural projects on Hapu land at lower elevation
Develop micro-enterprises (cuy, sewing)
Explore possibilities for cultivation of trout food on land at lower elevations
Continue support of 8 classes at 5 schools with educational materials
Build one or more classrooms and fund more teachers
Construct more greenhouses in high mountain villages
Develop agricultural projects on Hapu land at lower elevation
Develop micro-enterprises (cuy, sewing)
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| Q'ero Tribal leaders in dialog with HWF directors |
We know communities must take the lead in all projects to sustain their accomplishments over time. They understand their own conditions, and their investment is required for future success. That is why it is essential for HWF board to build relationships and understandings with each community by sitting in circles with a listening heart — year after year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Manage our Facebook page
Prepare and post short videos to You Tube
Assist with our silent auction for February 2012
Assist with graphic design of flyers and posted
Manage our online handicrafts webpage
Manage our Facebook page
Prepare and post short videos to You Tube
Assist with our silent auction for February 2012
Assist with graphic design of flyers and posted
Manage our online handicrafts webpage
Our volunteers are the heart and the foundation of Heart Walk Foundation.
Every gift of your time helps families in the villages.
To volunteer, phone Penelope at 435 619 0797
or email us.
