Project Launch:

Reque is located in the department of Lambayeque, Peru. Most families have traditionally focused on agriculture, and there has been significant population growth in recent years as families come from the surrounding mountainous regions in search of jobs and economic opportunity. These migrants often come without resources and build one room adobe houses on the outskirts of Reque without running water or trash pickup, and most young people in the area do not attend university because of the cost.

With such a limited resource context, most folks aren't interested in environmental and/or sustainable farming solutions, but rather in those that can get them the most crops the fastest. But with this project, Reque's Peace Corps Volunteer, in partnership with a local community-based organization, will lead trainings to teach local residents about five sustainable income generating activities: raising guinea pigs, bee keeping, making dairy products, organic gardening, and cultivation of sweet potatoes. In addition to increasing skills and sustainable income generating activities in the local population, each of the five training modules will culminate in the founding of one small business, led by the standout students.