Support 55 Peruvian Community Health Workers

Teresa has been a community health worker with Sacred Valley Health for 4 years in the High Andean community of Huilloc. Originally elected by her community to represent them in the SVH Promotora Program, Teresa fell in love with her health promotion work. After two years of hard work, she was hired by SVH as a Docente, or trainer, to help teach new generations of community health workers. Teresa is shy, but quick to smile, and loves to talk about the opportunities afforded to her by her work with SVH.

During a recent training in the SVH office Teresa, dressed in the bright textiles typical of her community, took a moment to sit down with another staff member to discuss these opportunities.  When asked why she enjoys being a Docente, she explained “I feel like someone important, I have a higher self-esteem. For example, the promotoras who I teach, they say ‘teach us, professor!’ and I feel...happy.”

Teresa is busy. She has three young children to care for, as well as a variety of farm animals to tend to, and her husband is often away working with tourists on the nearby Inca Trail. Despite these many responsibilities, Teresa is always an enthusiastic trainer, and is eager to continue working with SVH.

 “It’s the first time I’ve ever received a salary” She says, adding with a smile “That’s the truth!” In an area where there are limited economic opportunities, especially for women, the chance to earn a salary is an incredibly empowering and life changing opportunity. "For me….since it’s the first time, I feel very proud that I am earning a salary as well.”  Teresa expresses sentiments often shared by the other 5 SVH Docentes, who are all women. They are proud of their work, and their economic independence. Their devotion allows SVH to succeed.

These powerful women are the heart of Sacred Valley Health.