Mariana Garcia

A few days ago, I was in one of the more challenging parts of the suburb where I work. As a social worker in Lima, Peru, I am committed to supporting the poor and needy and am confronted daily with extreme social inequalities and complex ethnic conflicts. At 38, I’ve learned to find strength in the warm and genuine encounters that come my way, even in the most trying circumstances.

That day, I visited Ana, a mother of three struggling after her husband abandoned them. Her youngest son, Mateo, came home in tears, having lost his only pair of shoes. Feeling determined, I visited a local charity and bumped into my old friend Carlos, who worked for a small nonprofit. Moved by their plight, Carlos joined me at Ana’s house with a new pair of shoes for Mateo and several boxes of food and supplies. He also mentioned a job opening at his organization for Ana.

The transformation in Ana was immediate. For the first time in weeks, she looked hopeful, clinging to the possibility of a job and a better future for her children. Mateo’s joy was infectious, and his siblings soon joined in, their laughter filling the small, dimly lit room. Carlos and I spent a bit more time with them, discussing ways they could access more community resources and support.

As we left, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. The relief in Ana’s eyes and the joy on Mateo’s face reminded me of the power of community and compassion. Despite the immense challenges and inequalities, moments like these fuel my resolve to continue my work, knowing that even in the toughest times, there’s always hope for a better tomorrow.