What we do...

JOSEPHITES IN PERU

_____________________________________________________________

Since we arrived in Peru (1981) we have worked with people of varying ages and circumstances: prisoners, families, women, children and youth. Our usual way of working is with groups. By encouragement and supportive presence, we aim to help each person to realise her/his own potential and to promote leadership qualities. Some of this work is concerned with faith development while other initiatives nourish personal growth.

At present we are working in various sections of Lima and in the south east of Peru in Pitumarca. We were also at Huasahuasi for a time. The foundation in Peru reflects something of the beginnings of the Congregation. Many of the people of our parishes in Lima are migrants in their own country. They have fled from the rural poverty caused by government neglect of the sector, and from the terrorism that resulted. In the cities they struggle to start new lives in make shift huts without water, light or sewerage.

Casa Betania

A particular emphasis in our ministry has been on working with women and providing 'Women's Houses' where courses and workshops are offered. Casa Betania has been in existence for nearly 20 years and provides a workshop in Lima where goods can be made for sale. Casa de la Mujer has a cooperative kitchen within it where cheap meals are prepared by a local committee. Courses are run such as hairdressing for a set number of weeks. In all course opportunity is provided for self development.

ST JOSEPH'S AUSTRALIAN - PERUVIAN MISSION ASSOCIATES

Many communities of the Congregation, and school and parish groups as well as a range of individual benefactors support our work financially and with prayer. The St Joseph's Australian - Peruvian Mission Associates Incorporated is a formal group who raise funds and receive donations and thus sponsor projects and provide scholarships for our people in Peru. (for example $500 Australian provides support for one student for a month at Teachers' Training College in Peru).