Peru suffers from extremely high unemployment and poverty rates.  The unemployment rate in North Peru reaches over 60 percent, with sixty-four percent of families categorized as the “poorest of the poor” (living on less than $1 a day).  Countless families survive on a budget of under $30 a month, with many families in the area living in sandy, desert areas without water, sewer systems, and sometimes, electricity.  Those that have employment are often underpaid, have to work long hours and labor more than five days a week, including holidays and Sundays, to keep their jobs.  With no jobs available to many, numerous Peruvians are forced to leave their homes and relocate to Lima, or to other countries.  But they encounter similar problems awaiting there.

Due to the high unemployment and poverty rates in Northern Peru, Empowering Nations has chosen to partner with Eagle Condor Humanitarian, a Utah non-profit organization that works with Asociacion ANDES ECH in Chiclayo, Peru. As there are few jobs available, entrepreneurial training and education is essential, since they may help individuals learn how to operate their own small businesses, and even employ others.  Our volunteers will be working with Eagle Condor, participating in programs to help individuals start, as well as expand, their small businesses.  We will train microentrepreneurs in business management competencies and practical skills, consulting and coaching microbusinesses to develop marketing strategies, helping Eagle Condor with staff training and development, as well as teaching English classes, promoting healthy life-style skills, and supporting literacy programs.

We are seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers committed to serve in Peru for 1–3 months during the summer of 2006 to participate in these programs.  Some entrepreneurial and business experience would be helpful.

To learn more about the mission and programs at Eagle Condor Humanitarian, please visit their website at www.eagle-condor.org