When hope disappears, life becomes a daily struggle for survival.
Poverty, unemployment, violence, and uncertainty can leave people believing that nothing will ever change. Yet, in some of the poorest communities of Peru, hope is being quietly rebuilt - not through handouts alone, but by helping people discover their dignity, strength, and potential.
This is the mission of Warmi Huasi, a Columban-supported community centre serving San Benito and Carabayllo on the outskirts of Lima. It is a welcoming place where people are respected, listened to and encouraged, regardless of their circumstances.
The Church calls us to be the “Good Samaritan”, walking alongside those who suffer. Warmi Huasi brings this vision to life by accompanying people as they rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities. One successful initiative is the Women Leadership Empowerment Program. Through workshops on self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, healthy family relationships, violence prevention and leadership, women discover abilities they may not have recognised before.
Camila, a mother of four and a seamstress, describes how the program transformed her outlook. “I have learned to value myself, which helps me improve my relationship with my children. My faith has motivated me because I believe in myself, and I believe that I will always achieve what I set my mind to do.” Like many mothers, Camila spent years putting everyone else’s needs before her own. The program helped her recognise her worth and build confidence, benefiting both herself and her family.
Mia, who sells goods in the local market, experienced a similar transformation. After the emotional and financial pressures of the pandemic, the leadership workshops gave her renewed purpose. Today, she speaks confidently about growing her business, strengthening her family life and deepening her faith.
The impact reaches beyond individual women. Cusi works at a kindergarten and participates in the local Child Protection Committee. Her training helps her recognise and respond to violence affecting children. She encourages other women to participate because she believes stronger families create stronger communities. “Please continue supporting small communities so that we can improve our lives,” she says.
Education provides another pathway to hope. Through a partnership with local education authorities, Warmi Huasi offers an Adult Education Program, enabling women to continue their education while learning practical skills such as nutrition and sustainable gardening.
Zoe lost her employment during the pandemic. After joining the Health and Environment Committee, she learned to establish an organic vegetable garden using recycled materials. The garden now provides fresh food for her family and reduces household expenses. “I value my time more,” she says. “I am motivated, and I want to continue learning.” She hopes to complete secondary education and eventually sell vegetables from her garden.
Hope is also being nurtured among young people. Warmi Huasi provides after-school activities, reading clubs and community workshops where children can reconnect, develop confidence and dream about their futures. Thirteen-year-old Sofia dreams of completing high school, attending university and building a meaningful career. Twelve-year-old Luciana discovered a love of reading through the Reading Club and now hopes to study graphic design or psychology and one day help other children. These stories remind us that mission is about more than financial assistance. It is about restoring confidence, strengthening families, protecting children and creating communities where every person knows they are valued.
Every workshop, conversation, garden planted and child encouraged to dream becomes another seed of hope. Through Warmi Huasi, Columban Mission continues to walk alongside people on the margins, transforming lives, one family and one community at a time. For those who support Columban Mission, these stories are your stories too. Your prayers and generosity help people like these women and children discover renewed purpose and confidence.
Together, we can continue creating places where hope grows.
Columban Fr Ed O’Connell lived in Peru for over 40 years. He now lives and works in Britain.
Listen to "A place where hope grows"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - September/October 2026
