7/8 Service Council Introduces "Peruvian Hearts"

Imagine a girl who was raised in extreme poverty studying accounting as a young adult. Or an orphan girl who was malnourished growing up to be a chef. Or a girl who never traveled by airplane becoming a tourism professional. These are just a few examples of how the nonprofit group Peruvian Hearts has helped girls in Peru realize their dreams.
Imagine a girl who was raised in extreme poverty studying accounting as a young adult. Or an orphan girl who was malnourished growing up to be a chef. Or a girl who never traveled by airplane becoming a tourism professional. These are just a few examples of how the nonprofit group Peruvian Hearts has helped girls in Peru realize their dreams.

Graland's 7/8 Service Council supports Peruvian Hearts through fundraising activities during the school year and this week students were introduced to the executive director of the organization. Danny Dodson explained how his sister, as an 11 year old, changed a nation.

"When I was 9 years old, my family adopted a baby girl from Peru named Ana," Danny said. "When Ana was 11, my parents thought it was important that she visited Peru and had a connection to her culture. Our mom took her to Peru and they visited some girls orphanages. At one orphanage, a girl told Ana, 'I know you will never forget us and that you will help us someday.'"

Ana and the Dodsons were inspired by the extreme poverty and the poor living conditions at this orphanage in particular that they began to act in a very tangible way to improve the lives of the orphan girls. They started Peruvian Hearts in 2003 and their first act was to send vitamins to offset the malnutrition the girls were experiencing. Then, they collected toiletries and provided clean water and solar panels for warm showers. They built facilities like a kitchen, dining room and greenhouses. They provided new bedding and a library of books. 

In 2007, Ana was recognized by CNN with an award in its Heroes: Everyday People Changing the World . The following year, People Magazine honored Ana with its "Heroes Among Us" award. 

The family and its supporters were further inspired to help these girls beyond their years in the orphanage. Culturally, girls in Peru are not encouraged to continue their education, so Peruvian Hearts started a new program they call Peruvian Promise. After secondary school, interested girls are enrolled in an empowerment, education and mentorship program that puts them on the road to a professional or vocational career. 

"We are watching girls transform their lives," says Danny. "They walk with dignity and live their dreams."

Graland's Middle School is proud to support this organization through efforts of the 7/8 Service Council. Watch for announcements coming soon about future fundraising opportunities. For information: Diana Quezada.
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.