Sr. Mary Elizabeth Kirke is currently working in the Amazonas Province in Northern Peru. It is a beautiful region in the Andes Mountains, about 2,300 – 3,000 metres above sea level. Chachapeyas is the nearest town.

On Earth Day 2008 in a small wood the idea was first mooted. All was needed was the finance..

Thousands of village communities (pueblos) live in these mountains. Peru is a country very rich in resources, but many of the people live in extreme poverty. Sr. Mary Elizabeth, along with some volunteers, has been developing two projects to bring about changes to the lives of the people living here.

One Child, One Tree, (Un Nino, Un Arbol), a project to replenish the forest areas, was first mooted on Earth Day, 2008. From an initial investment, seedlings were planted, nurseries were developed and gradually, these have grown and forests are developing. There is a strong sense of community in the area, and everyone is involved in this ongoing project, adults and children alike.

The boys on the night of First Communion

The long-term dream is to provide better pastures, reservoirs and vegetable gardens in the dry season. Through education and investment this can be a sustainable project.

The second project is the setting up of knitting workshops for the women in the communities. They are already producing beautiful garments for their families.

Sr. Mary Elizabeth sincerely thanks all who have helped to finance the first stages of these projects.

If you feel you could help Sr. Mary Elizabeth’s work in any way, please contact us or you can make a donation through PayPal or by Credit Card below. All donations will go directly to Loreto, Peru.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the slidehow: