Moving Forward
Roque and Yuli live high in the cold hills of Cocas where they work hard to support their family of eight. Last year they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their 14-year-old son Eduardo who had lived with disabilities and fragile health. His passing left a deep void in their home. Yet in their grief, the couple made the choice to keep moving forward for the sake of their other children.
When Roque and Yuli first joined the program, all they had were a few criollo goats, a small patch of land, and a dream of offering their family something more. Yuli made small batches of goat cheese to sell in the village. It was just enough to get by, but never enough to grow.
Through the program, Roque received seeds to plant improved pasture, nutritious legumes, and grasses capable of thriving in the high-altitude soil. Then, Roque and Yuli made the bold decision to use what little savings they had to invest in three pregnant cows. Not long after, calves were born, bringing with them new opportunities. Yuli expanded her cheese production, using both goat and cow milk to create fresh, wholesome products that quickly gained value in the community. Their income began to grow, bringing them a sense of stability for the first time in years.
Roque joined every training session offered by local partner CEDINCO, taking notes, asking questions and practicing each new technique. He learned about improved animal care, pasture management, hygiene, and cheese making. His confidence and leadership skills grew. Today, he serves as president of the local producers’ association, helping his neighbors organize and improve their production.
Yuli also embraced every learning opportunity, even while caring for eight children, managing the farm, and processing their dairy products. She adopted new hygiene and food safety practices in her kitchen, ensuring healthier meals and safer cheese for her family and customers. She improved their nutrition by introducing more vegetables and sangrecita, a traditional, nutrient-rich, iron-rich food. Today, none of their children show signs of anemia, a remarkable achievement in rural highland communities.
“We are moving forward,” Roque says. “For our children, for our community, and for the future.”
Peru Castrovirreyna Program
Led by Lutheran World Relief and local partner Center for Integral Development of Communities (CEDINCO)