In August, Solid had the honour of hosting José Finch, former CEO of Cotswold (part of the ASAdventure group), and his family for an unforgettable visit to our projects in Ayacucho, Peru. Far from being a traditional trip, José and his family experienced hands-on activities such as art therapy, storytelling, knitting, harvesting roses, and even feeding cows. This immersive experience allowed both the children and parents to truly connect with the local community and understand the impact of Solid’s initiatives. The projects with the teenagers left the biggest impression, "as children and youth are the future".
José shared some of his heartfelt impressions of the projects and the visit.
The Teenage Mothers Project: Empowering Through Education
One of the most impactful parts of José’s visit was meeting with the teenage mothers who participate in our maternal support project. The challenges these young women face and the ways in which Solid is making a difference in their lives left a deep impression on José and his family.
"We were struck by how young these mothers are, most of them just 14 to 16 years old, and how having a baby has changed their lives. Many of them spoke about how Solid helped them understand what they are going through and how to move forward. Many of the girls mentioned they had no one else to help them. It was heartbreaking to learn that many mothers don’t initially bond with their babies because of many personal reasons. We then understood very well why we were giving a workshop on 'happiness'."
“We were impacted by the sheer number of adolescent mothers in Ayacucho, around 1,200 each year, yet Solid can only reach 100-120. Despite the difficulties, most of these young mothers have a clear goal of helping their children have a better future, which gives them the strength to continue their studies and pursue better job opportunities."
"We also liked a lot, the sexual health clinic, a prevention project. To solve the issue of adolescent mothers, it’s important to address the problem at its root—by ensuring that teenagers receive proper sexual education. We were struck by the fact that there is no comprehensive sexual education for adolescents in schools, and that there are challenges for you to give talks in the schools. We really liked the idea of having a clinic, even though it’s very small (about 15-20 square meters), in a location where many teenagers pass by after leaving school."
Knitting Workshop: Creating Opportunity and Community
During their visit, José and his family also visited Solid's knitting workshop and a rural knitting hub.
"We really liked the project, on one hand, for using the mothers' knitting skills to create and sell products, and on the other hand Solid helps them develop professional skills like knitting, provides a job, and educates them in other areas—when I was there, they were learning about savings and investment while knitting. You help their children receive an education while the mothers work."
"We were deeply moved by the community of knitting mothers in Reyna, just outside Ayacucho. Their gratitude, the conditions of the neighborhood, and their determination to move forward, along with their entrepreneurial spirit, really touched us. You could sense the difficult stories many of them have lived through."
Agricultural Projects: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Another part of the visit that left a lasting impression on José and his family was meeting Rosita, a young entrepreneur who is raising pigs through one of Solid’s agricultural initiatives. José was deeply impressed by how the project is helping to break the cycle of poverty in rural areas.
"Rosita, the young pig farming entrepreneur, seemed like a very serious girl, and her mother seemed extremely hardworking. The pig farming project struck us as very realistic and well-thought-out. After meeting Rosita, her mother, and seeing the environment they live in, we understood the importance of the project and what it can mean for their lives."
"The support from Solid/JOVEM undoubtedly helps break the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of resources in rural areas. The microfinancing, the business plan support, and the hands-on help to build the pigpen—these are all impressive. It’s not charity; it’s responsible support that empowers young people to break out of the poverty cycle. Rosita now has a way to finance her studies and improve her future."
José admired the approach of making the participants work for their success: "The fact that these adolescents have to work for their goals and that the help is not 'free' is much more enriching. They’ll feel more personal pride in their accomplishments, which will boost their self-esteem—a crucial element in breaking the cycle of low confidence in this community, especially in women and girls."
A big desire to make the world better
"You and your team, Luisa, Martha, Rosalvina, and Carlos, are all excellent. Your professional ethics, commitment, and desire to make this world a better place left a huge impression on us. We believe in the work you are doing and hope you receive even more funds to continue to impact many more lives."
With thanks to José, for his input, used in this article.