Friendship across continents: Villinger helps Peruvians in need

Friendship across continents: Villinger helps Peruvians in need

What a trip it was! Stefan Storz and Heinrich Schidelko from Villingen went on an exciting tour to Peru with five other passionate travelers. This trip was not just a tour of discovery, but a deep dive into the long-standing partnership between the Catholic parish of St. Konrad and the parish of Ocongate, which has been flourishing since 1986. Storz, an active companion in this friendship since its beginning, remembers how Schidelko made his first contacts with Iquitos as early as 1995. Rarely is a connection as vibrant as the one that connects these two communities.

In Iquitos, the visitors were welcomed with open arms: posters, songs and guitar music greeted the delegation. A special focus of the trip was the exchange with young people who can study thanks to the support from Villingen. This exchange is not only enriching for the completely different cultures, but also for the future of the students. To help families in need in a district affected by flooding, the group brought 37 bags of food, an action that was urgently needed in the region.

Commitment to education and human rights

There is also a lack of food in the mountainous villages around Ocongate, which is why the Minster parish finances school lunches there. In this partnership, education is seen as the key to improving living conditions. To ensure that the traditions of the indigenous population are not forgotten, the Jesuit school in Ocongate promotes local customs and provides students with a library and a games room. Particularly important is the work of a human rights office that provides prevention measures against violence, unwanted pregnancies and recruitment for illegal mining.

In addition, 14 young people are looked after in an orphanage in Cusco and can receive scholarships if they perform well. Such projects are part of the idea of ​​a global church that promotes solidarity and communication across national borders. A reunion with a delegation from Ocongate is planned for 2026, and soon, on July 15, 2025, a lecture will take place in the Münster Center to bring the partnership and culture of Peru closer.

Mining in Peru: Challenges and Opportunities

But while these positive steps are being taken, people in Peru, particularly those living near mining areas, face enormous challenges. On December 2, 2024, a meeting entitled “Mining in Peru” was held where the impacts on the environment and people were discussed. This event, which was opened by Dean Josef Fischer, brought together numerous affected people. The drinking water supply is particularly critical in the capital Lima, which is at risk due to heavy metals in the Rimac River. Many residents in mining regions not only have to contend with health consequences, but also hardly benefit from the profits that arise from mining.

The exhibition “Mining Peru – Wealth goes, poverty stays” highlighted the connection between extractivism, ecological damage and human rights violations. Vanessa Schaeffer, a Peruvian lawyer, gave a powerful talk on these issues.

Economic prospects

Mining remains a mainstay of the Peruvian economy, accounting for around 15.6% of economic output. More than 60% of exports come from this sector, showing how important it is for Peru. But this dependence is also a danger, as over 15 million hectares are currently allocated to mining activities and many indigenous communities are suffering the consequences. Land grabbing, environmental pollution and social conflicts are the order of the day. Around 20% of the population lives in poverty and social inequality is a major issue.

In summary, it can be said that the partnership between Villingen and Ocongate not only represents a piece of hope for the local people, but also brings the importance of education and human rights to the fore. At the same time, the challenges posed by mining and their impact on the lives of people in Peru must not be lost sight of. This is the only way to ensure sustainable development for everyone involved.