In the lush Pasco Region of Peru, Enma Ballesteros (pictured below) is known as a keeper of ancient wisdom for the Yanesha people. Enma carries the ancestral knowledge of the forest: a way of life passed down through generations and rooted in nature.
Enma’s knowledge sustains the community. From identifying medicinal plants to understanding the behaviors of local wildlife, her knowledge promotes health, sustainability and respect for the environment. With support from The Hunger Project and our local partner CHIRAPAQ, Enma is passing on her wisdom. She teaches children about the healing plants of the forest. She helps women gain the skills and confidence to operate artisan markets. She helps visitors from outside the community experience the richness of her culture and its deep connection to the environment. Through this work, Enma is sharing practical skills and preserving a worldview that values balance, reciprocity and respect.
Passing on this knowledge is an act of resilience for Enma and her community. Like many Indigenous people in Peru, these communities have faced centuries of marginalization and land loss—first through colonization, and now through development and resource extraction. Climate change only heightens these threats by endangering both the forests and their way of life. Yet, Enma continues to teach. She continues to lead. She and her community are actively shaping a future rooted in their values and vision.
Across Peru, Indigenous communities are doing the same. They’re saving native seeds, using eco-friendly farming, reviving traditional stories, launching women-led businesses and mentoring the next generation. These locally driven efforts help families grow food, adapt to climate shifts and strengthen their livelihood.
When you invest in local leaders like Enma, you’re fueling sustainable change from the forests of Peru to communities across Africa and South Asia. While hunger looks different everywhere, the path to a brighter future starts with each community. Thank you for standing with Enma and with all those creating change from the ground up.
Photo credits for images above: Peru 2025. All photos are for The Hunger Project.
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