A Young Leader Learns to Practice ‘Ayni,’ Collaborative Work for the Benefit of All

By Shae Davidson

Miguel lives in the Huarocondo district of Peru with his elderly father. Following his mother’s death, he became responsible for the care of his father. Miguel began working at any job he could find in the community while looking for ways to improve his home.

BGR partner Wawasonqo helped Miguel support his father and become a young leader in his community. The nonprofit works with indigenous families to build greenhouses to improve access to nutritious foods, working to eliminate malnutrition and anemia in an area often reliant on carbohydrate-heavy vegetables. The group also helps families learn processing techniques that will help them market surplus crops.

Miguel enrolled in the program and quickly gained attention for his skill as a farmer and his willingness to help others. He began cultivating a range of crops including zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, chard, and spinach. After experiencing difficulties in raising tomatoes, Miguel adjusted growing conditions in his greenhouse to help the plants thrive.

Wawasonqo embraces the idea of “Ayni,” a Quechua term describing work done in mutual collaboration for the benefit of all. Miguel embodies this ideal as he balances caring for his father with raising his own crops and working with other families. He always makes time to help neighbors and Wawasonqo staff members. Miguel graciously invites instructors to use the patio of his home for cooking demonstrations and product processing.

Miguel’s dedication to helping his father and his support for neighbors as they work to build a healthier community is a wonderful reflection of Ayni and BGR’s core values of compassion, service, and cooperation.

Shae Davidson is a member of BGR’s board of directors.