PERU — An improved broom business became a lifeline for Rocio, a single mother in Iquitos, Peru, and her four children. Every morning, her 13-year-old son Jorge woke up early to help hammer broom heads before heading to school. Together, they worked hard just to survive — but for a long time, their effort wasn’t enough.
“I make food for the kids twice a day,” Rocio said. “But there’s only enough left for me to eat once. Some nights, we had nothing at all.”
“I make food for the kids twice a day. But there’s only enough left for me to eat once. Some nights, we had nothing at all.”
-Rocio
The Family Went Hungry from Lack of Income
Despite their determination, the income from their business was painfully small — just a few dollars a day. Jorge often watched his little brothers come home from school crying because they were hungry. Rocio’s heart broke as she watched her children suffer, caught in the painful grip of poverty and hunger. But then, Operation Blessing stepped in with microenterprise support that changed everything.
Through donor generosity, we helped Rocio scale up by building a more efficient workspace. This included providing the tools, materials, and training she needed to grow. With this support, she’s now building a broom business that is sustainable — and life-changing.
Building a Broom Business Helps Them Build a Life!
“My business is growing day by day,” Rocio shared proudly. “I even have a little savings. Our lives have changed. My children now eat before school, and we are not suffering like before.”
Thanks to her growing broom business, this family is overcoming hunger — and building a future. Jorge continues to help his mom and dreams of going further in school, fueled by the nutrition and stability their expanded income now provides.
This story is a powerful reminder of how hunger relief and entrepreneurship can work together to break the cycle of poverty. Microenterprise support gave Rocio the tools to thrive with her broom business. Operation Blessing, through your support, was honored to walk alongside her.
Because of your support, families like Rocio’s no longer have to go hungry.
