Cusco: the most renowned city in all of Perú due to its position as the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The majestic Inca ruins which dot the countryside are a distant memory of what has been, yet they continue to tell the story of a great civilization that has come and gone. What they don’t tell is the story of the descendants who continue to occupy the land of their forefathers in dire need of a helping hand and a guiding voice.
In Cusco exists a massive tourism industry that seems to overlook the plight of the many and instead focuses on the enjoyment of the few. Due to our proximity to the airport, all day long we hear planes landing and taking off again carrying passengers whose lives are miles away from the challenges faced by everyday Cusqueñans and their neighbors in the countryside. Families struggle to put food on their plates; they live with easily curable maladies because they can’t afford to go to the doctor; they lack basic things that we take for granted and their education often leaves much to be desired.
As interns for the Ascend Alliance we must put the needs of the many over our desires to partake in the bustling nightlife of Cusco or visits to the beautiful backdrop that surrounds us. The activities that go on here are will be a welcome distraction from long days of hard work. However, there will be a time for fun once the toils and troubles of the day are put to rest.
With the closing of the office in Lima, we are an office in transition. Being so presents unique challenges for us and gives us additional motivation to give all our effort in order to fine tune our operations. It means taking the initiative due to the fact that our supervisors are miles away physically and culturally, and they can’t watch our every move or predict every twist and turn. It means assessing how we can fit with the Ascend model of regional sustainability and mutually beneficial networking that allows for much of our funds to come from in-country operations and contributors. It means thinking of new ways to avoid old problems and putting the pieces back together with a better fit than before.
With that being said, Ascend Perú is making a positive difference in the lives of many people. We are helping to build a school in San Sebastian; a school about a half mile from our office. We are teaching basic business skills to adults and children in Huaro, about one hour outside of Cusco. We are undertaking mental health campaigns that help parents understand the implications and complexities of parenthood. And English classes start next week…!
A new chapter is about to unfold…
