In the heart of San Vicente de Cañete, nestled in the settlement of “Arístides de Merloni 18 de octubre,” an eight-year-old girl named Zoila Milenka Ahuanari Rojas is writing a new chapter in her young life. Living in a community marked by poverty, Zoila and her family have faced challenges that many of us can scarcely imagine. But thanks to the support of the Centro Familiar Comunitario “Padre Wasson”, her story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation.
Life Before NPH Perú
Zoila resides with her mother, Julissa Nicole Rojas Nolazco, her stepfather, José Luis Tasayco Sánchez, and her younger brother, André Josué. The family lives in a house owned by her stepfather’s mother, Rosa Isabel Sánchez Guerrero. Their neighborhood lacks formal access to basic utilities like water, electricity, and sanitation.
Julissa, only 24 years old, juggles occasional jobs to support her family. José, a cook and painter, contributes when possible. Yet, their incomes are insufficient to provide stability. Zoila herself has faced academic challenges, particularly with reading, while her brother André struggles with respiratory problems.
A Turning Point: Joining “Padre Wasson”
In March 2023, Zoila’s family was selected as a beneficiary of the Centro Familiar Comunitario “Padre Wasson”, part of NPH Perú. The program provides essential resources like food baskets, school supplies, and psychological support. It also empowers families through parenting workshops and community-strengthening sessions.
For Zoila, this has been life-changing. She now attends the third grade at Colegio Alfonso Ugarte and has shown remarkable improvement in her studies, thanks to academic follow-ups and personalized support. Her favorite subject is English, and she dreams of completing primary school with excellent grades.
A Day in Zoila’s Life
Zoila’s weekdays begin early. She wakes up at 6:30 a.m., gets ready, and has breakfast before walking to school—a short ten-minute journey. After her classes end at 1:00 p.m., she returns home to eat lunch with her family. Afternoons are a mix of homework and activities organized by the community center.
On some days, she attends psychological workshops that focus on building social and communication skills. Weekends bring family-strengthening sessions, where she and her mother learn together, and sometimes soccer workshops that she enjoys with her brother André.
During school holidays, Zoila participates in free programs organized by the local municipality, exploring sports like volleyball and basketball and engaging in creative activities like dance and painting.
A Caring Community
At the core of Zoila’s transformation is Edith Calixto, a psychologist at “Padre Wasson.” Edith’s close bond with Zoila has been instrumental in fostering her confidence and well-being. Through her guidance, Zoila is overcoming the challenges of her environment and building a foundation for a brighter future.
The Impact of NPH Perú
For Zoila, the support of “Padre Wasson” has provided more than just material assistance—it has offered her and her family a sense of stability and hope. Her mother Julissa has gained parenting skills that strengthen their bond, while Zoila is growing into a confident and capable young girl.
NPH Perú continues to be a beacon of hope for families like Zoila’s, proving that with the right support, even the most vulnerable children can thrive.