Following a visit of two of our number to PERU in 1994, we have become involved in a deprived community in PIMENTEL, a fishing town on the north coast. Work is especially scarce there and, in the absence of a benefit system, families suffer considerably.

Since 2000 we have been committed to meeting the basic educational needs of over 200 primary and secondary children. Tuition at school is provided by the state, but stationery and uniform must be paid for, and there are registration and other fees which many parents simply cannot afford.

We try to go out annually and visit families at home to keep abreast of needs. We have been able to help with a number of medical crises, which are also beyond families' means!

The local community is beginning to shoulder more and more of the basic administration, and take fresh initiatives including a little fund-raising. We are in very regular contact and all monies raised go directly to our project, with only minor telephone costs deducted.

We hope very shortly to be a registered charity.

For further details contact Paula Mayer on 01803 558727.