Childrens welfare in Peru

Organisation: St Bernadette's Children's projects
Location: Lima, Peru
Project: Disadvantaged children's welfare

St. Bernadette’s Children’s Home was initially established to provide a safe and caring environment for the children of the immediate area, irrespective of race or creed and to provide the children with space to enjoy their childhood. Domestic violence plays a part in the area and the children are often recipients of emotional, physical and sexual abuse so the role of the home is vital. Children who have often been mistreated at home find the opportunity to rebuild their lives through therapy and playing with other children.

The home is the only institution of its kind in Peru, and as a result it also receives cases from the judicial system from all parts of Lima. They are only treating the tip of the ice-berg, but it is so important to many children and families who had once lost all hope of help and recovery.

Over the years Tony Coney and the staff at the home have expanded the operation and with hundreds of children using the centre on a daily basis, there is a focus on educating the children in their play with skills and knowledge that they will be able to take into the wider world and use in later life.

The importance and impact of the centre can be summed up by the fact that every year they welcome over 1500 children from the local area for a Christmas party from which no child leaves empty handed.