Peru’s mountain people are outside the mainstream of the government’s attempt to modernize the economy. As a result they are ignored by government services. Helping these village people learn about malnutrition and providing a good meal for the most undernourished children, is a human rights issue: it’s a political, social, and economic struggle for survival by indigenous people. Dr. Jose Miguel Rueda (Pepe) knows the importance of providing these people with a satisfactory life in the village. If they are forced to go to the city, everyone suffers: the culture breaks down, the traditions are lost, the families are divided, and the community’s social values are eroded. The big city alternative is terrible. Lima has some of the worst living conditions in the hemisphere, including a recent epidemic of Cholera. Pepe’s work helps to sustain a beautiful culture. The Inca traditions are strong. The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are still sacred. Pepe is the first doctor to serve this community of 30 villages in Andahuaylas. He was born in a similar village and has a through cultural understanding of these mountain people. Their language is the Inca derived Quechua. He is fluent in Quecha and is dedicated to serving the people of the Peruvian Mountains. Pepe is paid little and works for nothing if he cannot find monetary support for his work. In his words: "Normally the Peruvian doctors don’t bother with the rural area of the countryside. As a result, I have tried to involve myself with the people of rural areas because health education is very important. I also treat the sick but my other important work is to attend to the people, live with the people, be with the people, share with the people, and get to know their health problems, so that together we will resolve them." In the past he has attended more than 100 villages in the region, providing health education and outreach to children and adults. Within the 100 villages, Pepe has helped to educate at least 10,000 people and care for approximately 6,000 children. For this project he has chosen thirty communities, where he is strictly monitoring the growth and care of children less than fourteen years old. Small, income-generating projects will also be instituted for the benefit of the mothers to improve the income of the family. Pepe’s incredible enthusiasm, perseverance, and love for his people is inspiring: "In life we all fight for something. Some want a family, others a house, a good job, a car, etc. For me the mountains are my house. My battle is the one of my extended family, the peasants of the mountains, and my work fills me with great satisfaction… EarthWays has provided solidarity and support of my people, and I am grateful for this sensibility and love for the children of Peru. All of these gestures increase my enthusiasm and courage to continue my commitment." Project Director: Dr. Jose Miguel Rueda / Contact: Apartado No. 19 Andahuaylas Peru, South America or contact EarthWays for more information about this project. Dr. Pepe’s Children is an independent project working in association with EarthWays. About EarthWays | Founder's Letter | Our Projects S.E.E. Projects | Current Events | World Festival Advisors | Contact Us | Join EarthWays | Home