Sociopolitical turmoil and violence largely affected the rural towns within the Andes of Peru during the 1980s. Entire pueblos were destroyed as they were caught in the political battles between a revolutionary leftist group known as Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the state’s military forces. Many had to abandon their homes, men disappeared, and women, children and the elderly were often left in the villages alone. Currently, in this post-war era, these communities are struggling to rebuild themselves and their cultural identity, and are battling the repercussions of the war, including poverty, psychosocial trauma, and fragmented families and communities.

The project funded by the Martín-Baró Fund focuses mainly on the psychosocial development of women, children, families, and the community as a whole. There are two components to the project. The first aims to create three agricultural fields that would produce various foods, such as tomatoes, carrots, onions, etc. Members of the community will be taught how to work the land, and will supplement their diets with the produce, particularly for the malnourished children. The community and families will also be able to profit directly from the production as well. The second part of the project focuses on psychological and cultural healing, and will involve conducting “platicas” or talks, with the goal to build self esteem, promote resilience, learn about human rights, and teach children their cultural identity through the creation of traditional costumes and artwork in workshops.