Mantay Shelter in Cusco, Peru: Making a World of a Difference
In Peru, one in four mothers is under the age of 18. These are alarming numbers, especially when the majority of these young mothers lack the resources, education and support to raise their children; many times these adolescents find themselves in a state of complete emotional and physical abandonment.
The Casa de Acogida Mantay was created in 2000, by the association, Qallariy ('to begin' in Quechua) Project for Support in Development. The shelter supplies the young single mothers with a safe environment where they are counseled, educated, and given training. Currently, the Mantay shelter is the only place in Cusco that gives these young mothers the opportunity to take on and develop their role as providers while at the same time enjoying their adolescence.
While at the shelter both the mothers and their children attend school. They are also provided with fundamental care to cover their sanitary, nutritional, legal, educational, emotional and psychological needs.
In addition, mothers are offered the option of training in one of the local technical centers. Exquisite, high-end leather goods are made in one of the cooperative centers, and the girls are also taught weaving techniques. The training centers not only provide the young mothers with a life-long skill they can use to support themselves and their children -- but they are also helping preserve Peru's traditional artisan culture.
Even after the single mothers leave the shelter, Mantay continues their support by providing such services as free day-care, or offering the women employment opportunities at the shelter or one of its technical training shops.
The shelter is brimming with success stories, and Adventure life is proud to support the accomplishments of Mantay. During our Peru trips, travelers have the opportunity to visit this organization and meet some of the young mothers, their charming children, and the incredible people who keep Mantay a thriving and loving community.
How you can help?
You're already helping! By simply traveling with Adventure Life, you are contributing to an annual donation made to the shelter. But more importantly, by visiting Mantay and taking the time to learn more about the projects and the people, you are making a difference -- your time and your presence are extraordinary gifts. But if you would like to offer additional support, here are a few items Mantay has requested:
- Clothing for children 3 to 6 years old
- Clothing for moms
- Games, colored markers, acrylic paint, crayons, coloring books, school notebooks, sotry books (Spanish), puzzles, etc.
- Contribute financially to specific needs identified by the shelter administration
- Purchase local handicrafts produced by Mantay
