Changes for New Hope
Changes for New Hope
“I remember this little girl that humbly and curiously asked me where do I come from. Europe I replied. She then kindly asked to take more photographs of her, wondering whether I would take them back to Europe. I played and told her stories from Transylvania. I think she enjoyed my company because when I left she couldn’t stop hugging me. This truly was a very emotional moment for both of us.”
After returning from Huayhuash we spent one day with Changes for New Hope. This is an organization situated in Huaraz, preoccupied with improving the lives of the poor and underprivileged children and their families in the Peruvian Andes. Through the dedication of Mr Jim Killon, the founder and president of the organization, along with volunteers and supporters worldwide, Changes for New Hope aims to help families living in poverty to become self-sufficient, to develop opportunities for children to reach their fullest potential and to enhance the level of respect, self-esteem and community awareness. We met Jim at Caroline Lodging, a hostel where we stayed while being in Huaraz. Jim invited us to see some of the children he works with, not very far from the hostel in an area known as Challua. The area is pretty much situated in the Rio Santa floodplain and the adobe buildings where the children and their families live lack electricity, continuous running water and basic sanitation. The average age interval was between 4 and 12 years old. We were surprised to be greeted with applauses by the children. They were very happy to see us and showed great interest in our cameras and tripods. We played with Lego, and communicated with the children, showing them where we come from on the plastic Earth as well as photographs from the places we’ve explored so far in Peru. We’ve also photographed and video recorded every activity observed during our visit focusing more on the children. I was particularly impressed by some of the their humble and mannerly behaviour but also their signs of depression and low self-esteem. Very intelligent, they asked perceptive questions about us. The main objective of the organization is to educate the children and eliminate desperation and depression that exists amongst them. Through art projects, health awareness, nutrition and psychological assistance, coping skills and support from people all around the world, these children can become the leaders of tomorrow. “Haz lo correcto” or do the right thing, respect everyone, respect yourself is their core message.