These children have chronic malnutrition and an unfavorable environment for cognitive development. Therefore, the learning gap between rich and poor children is extensive.

In recent years, economic growth and employment generation have risen in Peru. But to maintain this positive trend is essential to a significant improvement in human capital.

But what is the reality of human capital? Very poor, the result of decades of neglect of the education sector. A recent World Bank publication says that despite the significant expansion of education services in the past two decades, the quality is still inadequate.

It is evident in the national scholastic achievement tests (second degree) and international measure cognitive skills (reading, mathematics). In these tests, the majority of Peruvian students reach a level still sufficient cognitive and occupy the last places in the regional and global context.

Unfortunately, this poor performance in the development of cognitive skills in Peruvian students begins at an early age, because of the high rate of chronic malnutrition (23.2%, according to the standard World Health Organization).

"Despite recent advances, today around 500 000 Peruvian children 5 years and younger suffering from chronic malnutrition (severe delays in growth and cognitive development) and, therefore, begin their lives in very adverse conditions to develop their full potential abilities, "says the study.

Inequality

So no surprise that in Peru the inequalities in the development of skills between rich and poor arising from birth, laying the foundations of social injustice. According to the project "Young Lives" at the University of Oxford, in Peru the difference of cognitive skills of children aged five years the richest quintile and the poorest is up to 200% higher than in countries like India, Vietnam and Ethiopia. Failure to correct these structural weaknesses, improved education and generic skills (cognitive and social-emotional) - will be bottlenecks for long-term development, and sources of inequality in access to employment and income distribution .

"International studies show that a person of generic skills is better able to acquire technical skills and specific professional work throughout life through formal tertiary education and training," says World Bank

The new website is HERE

When Liz visited the Santa Monica prison, one of the first people she saw was a little girl called Ruth, who was soon to be taken from her Mum as children are not allowed in prison past the age of 4.  This week there was the good news that the authorities decided to release her Mum, so now both of them are free!  They are rebuilding their life together and Miriam is trying to help them with that.  She was able to take them to a park – for the first time Ruth would have seen grass and many other things!  Please pray for them in the days ahead , with all the readjustment that is needed, and that they will be able to sort out the complicated paperwork which is required.

Here is an article on the Network Norwich website:

Liz Lake from Oak Grove Chapel in Norwich has returned from a week in Lima, Peru, where she met female political prisoners who are supported by the work of Christian group Hope and Song to Freedom.

There are many political prisoners remaining in jails in Peru who are waiting to be released. Hope and Song to Freedom is there to encourage them and to help meet some of their practical needs through linking supporters here and ladies there.

In recent years, some women have been released, and they meet regularly together to encourage one another. Liz was also able to spend a day with them and hear their individual stories, concerns about their future and pray with them. The ladies also enjoyed a meal in a restaurant together – for most of them, it was the first time they had had a meal out, so it was a real treat and certainly a day they will never forget. more.....

Liz Lake, from the Hope and Song to Freedom team, is off to Peru later this month to spend time with Miriam and see all that is happening. Network Norwich have written a great article about the visit on there webpage here.

As our attention turns to the summer and hopes of good weather and fun here, in Peru winter is making itself known once again.  In the mountaineous regions it is particularly cold this year and it has caused problems already, with many deaths from pneumonia and other respitory problems.  Not only does the temperature drop well below zero at night, but the people there do not have heating in their homes, warm clothes and all the things we take for granted.  They often sleep on a thin layer of animal skin on the floor.  There is less food available if their crops fail and life is difficult.  Juanita, Isamar and Branco (Miriam’s children) have joined many others and gone on mission to this area to take blankets and coats to the needy.  It is their winter holiday and they have given up their time to go and bless the people in the mountains.  Please pray for the team as they minister in this needy area, and pray for those in the mountains too.

The lady who put Miriam up and showed her a lot of kindness when she was far away from home visiting Dinger in prison is going to visit the family in Lima later this month. She will be attending a women's conference with Miriam and several ex-prisoners. In the prison, the fellowship group are gearing up for Mother's Day, when they will be celebrating with a special meal and time together. It is a highlight of the year for them.

If you need something to give someone that explains what "Hope and Song to Freedom" is all about then click here and print off the pdf

An American ministry has recently linked up with Miriam and provided shoes for all the kids in the kids club (around 35) and they also went into the prison with her, where they carried out some foot washing and gave the ladies in the fellowship group some tights and shoes.  They have promised to do more with us again in the future. This was a lovely surprise which came out of the blue and we thank God for His unexpected provision!

P.S. Miriam;s daughter Isamar arrives this evening and will be with us for 6 weeks. We are really looking forward to sharing with the youth here and doing whatever God allows us to in the coming weeks…..

Miriam and Dinger were in the jungle over Christmas, during which time they ministered to many needy families.  Their children put on plays for the children and distributed clothes and presents donated by people back in Lima.

On one occasion they had prepared a big pan of hot chocolate for the children, expecting about 50-70 to turn up.  Instead around 200 did and they wondered what they should do as they didn’t have enough.  They prayed and then went ahead serving the cups of drink.  At the end, everyone had had some, God had answered their prayers and miraculously made it stretch so that nobody went without!