DIACONIA
Despite continuous economic growth in recent years due to an increase in mineral, agricultural and textile exports, 40% of Peru’s population lives in poverty and 13% experiences extreme poverty; over two-thirds of the latter group inhabits Andean areas.
Lutheran diaconal and development work dates back to the solidarity shown by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru with victims of the 1970 Huaraz earthquake. As its diaconal activities grew, the church transferred responsibility for these to a separate organism. DIACONIA was recognized as a Peruvian NGO in 1983 and, in 2002, became an LWF/DWS associate program.
Currently, DIACONIA works in three Andean areas: Cajamarca, Huánuco, and Ancash, with projections to open up new zones in areas where poverty and situations of exclusion are concentrated.
DIACONIA emphasizes empowerment, integration, human rights, advocacy and food security in all its development work.
The program focuses on:
- Strengthening civil society and state institutions
- Environmental sustainability
- Health and nutrition
- Local economic development
- Emergency response
- Microfinance
Strengthening Civil Society
DIACONIA works to ensure that civil and political rights are respected, including the right to civic participation and good governance. DIACONIA supports capacity-building for local civil servants in the context of government decentralization, and responsible citizen monitoring.
Environmental sustainability
DIACONIA advocates the sustainable use of natural resources and the right to a healthy environment. The organization takes action to reduce the impact of climate change through sustainable water management, increased biodiversity and improvement of vegetal cover.
Health and Nutrition
DIACONIA targets chronic child malnutrition with food education projects and preventive health care.
Local Economic Development
DIACONIA projects in the agribusiness, handicraft, tourism, fair trade and environmental services sectors aim to strengthen producer-to-consumer links as well as promote economic exchange and interdependence between cities and rural areas.
Emergency Response
As a contribution to sustainable development, DIACONIA strengthens local ACT Alliance forums and promotes disaster prevention measures and risk management.
Microfinance
With its microfinance program, DIACONIA aims to improve the incomes of households without access to the formal banking system. The program encourages the formation of community banks and the development of a savings and credit culture.
For more information please contact:
Mr Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, Program Coordinator
Ms Emilie Della Corte, Assistant Program Coordinator
Ms Elena Cedillo, Director
See Also
DIACONIA Web Site | Department for World Service | DWS Country, Regional and Associate Programs
