About the Project

About Project Peru

Project Peru is a non-government organisation founded by Australian nurse, Bev Cooney. It is a multi-faceted organisation helping the town of Satipo, as a whole, by educating the community and giving hope to disabled children, through rehabilitation and love.

The goal is to raise AU$80,000, all of which will be used to construct a multi-function centre which will aid in rehabilitating disabled children, housing orphans and educating the community.

Where is Project Peru?

Project Peru is in Satipo, Peru, a town of 20,000 people situated in the high Amazon Jungle. In the last ten years, it has doubled in size without the infrastructure to handle this population growth. It is situated on a fast flowing river, a tributary of the Amazon. The water supply from the river is contaminated with sewerage and left over waste from mining. The local council works very hard to improve the town, but with little money and the attitudes of many people, it is a very difficult task.

Why was Project Peru started?

There is currently little or no treatment available for disabled children in Satipo. Many of the children are treated in an inhumane manner and are never brought out into the public eye. They are fed like animals and are locked away in cupboards and left to live in solitude. Unfortunately, some of the children who have disabilities are taken out into jungle and killed by their parents. With very little knowledge and education, people believe that a disabled child is a punishment from the gods.

When will the youth be in Peru working on the Project?

The Sunshine Coast youth team are planning to fly to Peru after the wet season finishes, in June 2008. They will be volunteering their time and skills, for 3 weeks in the town of Satipo.

Some of our team are qualified tradespeople, however we will employ local construction workers to build the centre, and assist where we can. A major project like this helps to utilise local employment and in turn boost the local economy.

Who is in the youth team?

The Project Peru team is made up of dedicated young people who are determined to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. The team has taken part in various other local community servicing projects within Australia. They discovered the great need for help in Peru and this will be the first international mission trip for most of the team. Our group consists of people from all walks of life, ranging from students, right up to qualified professionals, living on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

How can you help?

We need people like you to support our team in changing the lives of the special children in Peru.

Contact us to find out how you can help us. Of course, we'd love you to donate towards our target of AU$80,000 to complete this project. We also have money tins available for you to keep for a few months and add any loose change to.

We're also organising a huge auction in May 2008, so if you have a product or service which you could donate for us to auction, that would be invaluable!