Accommodation and training of young people working on the street

Peru

Cusco

Context

Peru is one of the countries in Latin America with the highest number of working children and adolescents. More than 1 million minors have already engaged in an income-generating activity. The main reason for this is social or financial problems within the family. Preferring the streets to their homes, these children develop coping mechanisms by working and finding comfort in alcohol or drugs. In these circumstances, they are often subject to abuse and social discrimination and are widely marginalized.$

Local partner

Qosqo Maki

Objectives

Promote the rights of children and adolescents in street situations
Care for and support children in street situations from the first encounter in the street until their social and professional integration
Strengthen the operational and organizational capacities of Qosqo Maki and other child-protection actors
Develop Qosqo Maki’s advocacy work to help it gain recognition from local and national authorities

Michael in front of the Qosqo Maki bakery, Peru © Apprentis d'Auteuil

Activities

Qosqo Maki is an association in Cusco providing minors (12–18 years of age) in street situations with a place to sleep and the possibility of integrating into society and building a future. At the heart of the initiative is the dormitory, an overnight shelter managed jointly by the social workers and the users, who live together in a friendly and empowering environment. Young people can go there whenever they want to be safe and to rest.

The centre also organizes various activities that children and adolescents can participate in if they wish. These include a library and a cultural space. In addition, the association offers two training courses, in baking and carpentry, open to teenagers.

Freedom of expression is very important within Qosqo Maki. This takes tangible form in a general assembly consisting of young people and social workers, who meet once a week to give the children a say in various matters that concern them.