The beginning...

A warm welcome to the photoblog for my new photo book, Children of Cusco.

This book is being created to raise money for the children of Pumamarca region in Peru, a desperately poor village which unbelievable is only 30 minutes from the bustling tourist town of Cusco. Tourists in Cusco will pay thousands of dollars to visit this region (especially to see Machu Picchu - now a "New Wonder of the World" http://www.new7wonders.com/classic/en/index/), and yet this money does not enter the local economy.

The families of farming communities survive on around $2 per day and some of the children are being raised in shocking conditions.

Peru's Challenge O.N.G (Peruvian Registration No: 1100 1558) is a not-for-profit organisation working with volunteers to create opportunities for children living in the Andes of Peru in South America.

Peru's Challenge is an organisation working in this region. Started by Jane Gavel (Australian) and Selvy Ugaz (Peruvian), together they registered Peru's Challenge and met regularly with the Department of Education in Peru to support their work.

Since October 2003, when the volunteer program started, they have helped nearly 1000 families, and started to educate over 500 children in four different communities.

The charity is not affiliated with any other organisation and is purely managed by Jane and Selvy from Peru.

They are an inspiration to me personally and I have decided to share my photos and memories and raise some money for this worthwhile cause.

At this time the book is still in the design phase and I am looking for a printer who will do a short-run job (under 500 copies). I am looking to finish this phase and move on to the actual money raising after April.

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this book, know a printer or canhelp out in any way!

amy_rorke@hotmail.com