Mama Alice

Situation

Mama Alice’s first project is located in Ayacucho, Peru. This is a region with a large economic gap, partly due to the terror of the Shining Path. Peru is known for its social contrasts, nearly half of the population live below the poverty line. In June 2005 a team of 9 persons provides homework support, sport and games to 90 children. We can see a great learning deficit, but also domestic and sexual violence, diseases and few opportunities on the labor market. Our help extends to the disciplines: health care, psychology, social work, streetcorner work and vocational training. The people in the slums trust us and our method produces good results. In 2008 and 2009 already 800 children participated in the activities organized by 35 employees of Mama Alice. In 2009 the local leadership was transferred to Elba Sahara Zegarra Villa. Being a Peruvian she has been active within the project since then. She reports to the board of Mama Alice in the Netherlands who monitor the implementation and budget.

Goal

A new future for all street children worldwide is mama Alice’s dream. Alice is the name of the too early deceased mother of the founder of Mama Alice. The name symbolizes the structure, safety and warmth that street children so desperately need. Our work is built on three pillars: education, welfare and training programs. The children’s mothers (Mamitas) are also involved. Our vision is one of sustainability and long-term thinking. The team in Peru primarily consists of Peruvian employees. We are aiming for a gradual independence of the local leadership. This creates the opportunity for the Mama Alice organization to start a similar project elsewhere in Peru.

Main activities

For children we use the three pillars: education, welfare and training programs. In several slums we have a building which is open for all the children. The work there is done by our teachers in cooperation with our nurses and social workers. We provide nursery education and primary education, special education(individual) and secondary education. We take care of the families in the slums by nurses. We also use street workers to reach children we cannot reach easily. In 2010 we began the pilot project of accompanied living in rooms. As vocational training we offer carpentry, metalworking, manicure and pedicure training.