We have seen, read and heard of the problems of poverty that exist in the world. However in the United States, this information typically comes from news broadcasts, late night advertisements with TV personalities or other disconnected modes of awareness. The false reality changes quite profoundly when a person is living in a country and sees first hand each and every day these mendable atrocities…which is what prompted the founding of Hands For Change.
Anyone with eyes and a heart can realize that there are terrible problems with the level of health, poverty
and education here in Peru. These thoughts are what first brought Hands For Change founders,
Drs. Christopher Taylor, Michael Sontheimer and Liam Schübel, from the relatively comfortable environment of the U.S. to the South American country of Peru. With the goal of helping people overcome
the devastating effects of low-level health care, the primary motivator was our ability to give to a country something that is in very short supply, chiropractic care. As chiropractors we see everyday the effects
of the health care system, or lack there of that exists and the need for immediate change and on-going development.
Hands For Change is not specifically associated with nor affiliated with chiropractic. Other aspects that became evident while living, working and socializing with the population led to the founding of this organization. Always having had the United States up-bringing, we could never have imagined the problems that Peruvian people face daily.
Our ordinary problems didn’t seem so ordinary anymore. The problems that we see as so difficult would be graciously accepted by the majority of people here. The realness that it brings…the children on the streets with no parents, no guidance, only themselves…living in a Third World country where the problems don’t just exist but perpetuate and evolve from generation to generation…this is what we wanted to combat. The thoughts that, “We can’t help everyone. Someone else will do it. There are plenty of organizations. It’s their fault.” or the out of sight out of mind mentality that exists became unacceptable. We began to start asking better questions. |
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Such a, “How can we really make a difference? What is the root of the problem? Giving a nickel here and handing out a meal there, how will this really make a significant difference for the future?” We needed a way that we could feel involved, but also a way in which we could include others in the mission. After much thought and many conversations we decided that one of the best times to make a change is in the beginnings of a child’s development. Both educationally and socially this typically begins in the classroom. So we were determined to find a way in which we could give to the enhancement and evolution of the educational processes. The thought of simply raising money went further when we asked, “Is there a way to raise money while at the same time helping the country even further?” The answer was to find a Peruvian product or service that could be sold or given in exchange for other needed items and money. |
There is such a product that we are bombarded with every day here in Peru. The crafts are small puppets that children (and adults) sell on the street corners and in parks. They are not only sold, but made by Peruvians as well. The making of these puppets provides much needed work to many Peruvians.
By selling these to a broader market demand and quantity would increase and create job security and pride to the makers of these adorable little finger costumes. Hence a multi-layered system that includes not only helping the children whom the money will support but also the adults that make the crafts. The proceeds will be donated directly towards schools in need. Such schools will be determined on the socio-economic level of their community and the budget allotted per student.
The questions above are still valid and of course permeate the country and the world. We do not have the answers that will save the world from all hardships but this is where Hands For Change has decided to start.
E-mail: info@handsforchange.com