In the current context, charities in Peru play a crucial role in the fight against poverty, social exclusion and the vulnerability of thousands of people in the country. These organizations, both public and private, are dedicated to offering support to those most in need, from people in extreme poverty to those who require medical, educational and food assistance. Through a variety of programs and services, charities in Peru seek to improve the quality of life of the most unprotected sectors of society.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main charities operating in Peru, their objectives, the work they do and how they are funded, as well as the importance of their role in the social welfare of the country.
History of Charitable Organizations in Peru.
Charities in Peru have a long history, dating back to colonial times. During that period, the Catholic Church was one of the main institutions responsible for providing aid to the poor, orphans and sick. However, over time, the Peruvian State also began to get involved in the creation and management of these institutions.
On December 17, 1826, President José de la Mar decreed the creation of the Public Charity Societies, which would be responsible for providing social assistance services. These societies were instrumental in the creation of hospitals, orphanages and foster homes throughout the country.
Today, the charity system in Peru is made up of a wide network of organizations, both public and private, that work in different social areas, from medical assistance to education and the care of people in vulnerable situations.
Main Charitable Organizations in Peru.
There are several charitable organizations in Peru that have managed to establish themselves as pillars of support in society. Below we highlight some of the most important ones:
Public Charity Societies.
Public Charity Societies (SBP) are decentralized organizations that operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. They are present in various cities of the country and their main mission is to provide social support services to the most needy people. Among their most notable activities are:
- Management of shelters for homeless people.
- Care for children, adolescents and older adults in vulnerable conditions.
- Provision of health and education services.
- Management of public cemeteries.
- SBPs manage resources from donations, legacies, as well as income generated by property management and funeral services.
Caritas of Peru.
Caritas Peru is one of the most important non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country, with a history of more than 60 years of social work. Caritas works closely with the Catholic Church and its main objective is to promote solidarity and integral human development, focusing especially on the poorest and most vulnerable communities.
Among Caritas' most notable programs are:
- Food security and nutrition projects.
- Sustainable economic development initiatives for small farmers.
- Assistance in emergency situations and natural disasters.
- Health and education programs for vulnerable populations.
- Caritas Peru relies on the support of national and international donors, in addition to collaborating with local governments and private companies.
Telethon Peru.
The Telethon is a charity initiative that takes place every year with the aim of raising funds for the rehabilitation of children and young people with physical disabilities. The Telethon San Juan de Dios Foundation is in charge of organizing this event, which brings together media, artists, businessmen and the general public.
The funds raised at the Telethon are allocated to the rehabilitation centers of the San Juan de Dios Children's Rehabilitation Institute, which provides free care to thousands of children with disabilities. These centers offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, special education and prosthetic services.
SOS Children's Villages Peru.
SOS Children's Villages is an international organisation that also operates in Peru. Its mission is to offer a safe and stable home to children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. This organisation works to prevent child abandonment, strengthen families and provide alternative care for children and adolescents.
SOS Children's Villages programmes include:
- Creating villages where children can live in a safe family environment.
- Support for at-risk families to prevent child abandonment.
- Educational and health care services for children and adolescents.
- SOS Children's Villages Peru is funded by donations from individuals and companies, as well as through partnerships with local governments.
Food Bank of Peru.
Banco de Alimentos Perú is a non-profit organization that fights hunger and food waste. Its main objective is to collect food and non-perishable products that, although they do not meet commercial standards, are suitable for human consumption. These products are distributed to various charities that serve people in extreme poverty.
The Food Bank works in collaboration with food companies, supermarkets and other stakeholders to reduce food waste and improve food security in the country.
Impact and Challenges of Charitable Organizations in Peru.
The impact of charities in Peru is undeniable. These organizations have managed to provide support to millions of people in vulnerable situations, from children and adolescents to older adults and people with disabilities. However, they also face a number of important challenges.
One of the main challenges is the lack of resources. Despite efforts to raise funds, many of these organizations rely heavily on donations and voluntary contributions, which are not always sufficient to cover all needs. In addition, the economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the ability of entities to raise funds.
Another challenge is the lack of coordination between charities and the state. While the government supports some organizations, there is often no clear strategy to integrate their efforts with public welfare policies.
How to Contribute to the Work of Charities.
Contributing to the work of charities in Peru is a way to help the most vulnerable people in the country. There are several ways to support these causes:
- Donations: Most charities accept donations of money and goods, such as food, clothing and medicine.
- Volunteering: Many organizations offer opportunities for people to become actively involved in their activities through volunteering.
- Outreach: Helping to spread the word about the work of these organizations on social media and other means can increase visibility and attract more donors and supporters.
Charities in Peru play a fundamental role in improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable sectors of the population. Through social support, health, education and emergency assistance programs, these organizations are an essential pillar in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Despite the challenges they face, the commitment of these entities to the well-being of those most in need remains a source of hope for thousands of Peruvians.