The small but excellent Swiss charity is committed to helping people in need in the remote regions around Cusco in the Peruvian Andes. For 15 years now!
How it all began
Es begann im März 2010, während der Regenzeit in Peru. Die damals 28jährige Aarauerin, Danièle Turkier, befand sich auf einer sechsmonatigen Weltreise. Ihre Idee war, auf dem berühmten Inca Trail zum Machu Picchu zu wandern. Soweit sollte es allerdings nicht kommen: Erdrutsche und Überschwemmungen stürzten unzählige Menschen in eine grosse Not. Solche Bilder häufen sich leider bis zum heutigen Tag.
It all began in March 2010, during the rainy season in Peru. Danièle Turkier, a 28-year-old from Aarau at the time, was on a six-month trip around the world. Her idea was to hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, it was not to be: Landslides and floods caused great hardship for countless people. Unfortunately, such images are still common today.
The desperation and poverty of the people affected shocked the young woman so much that she bravely contacted the local Red Cross. She spent the first week sorting clothes and registering the affected families. At the same time, she collected money from her friends and family in Aarau. But what is the best way to use this money? How can unnecessary outflow of money be avoided? She discussed the matter with three local friends from Cusco: Ana and Sonia (both nurses) and Juan (psychologist). The idea of her own aid organization germinated and became reality. The first donations in the form of salt, pasta, rice, oatmeal and sugar were given to families from the community of Piñipampa, one hour south of Cusco. This location was chosen because the people there were already well organized and contact persons were available. Until then, however, the population had received only meagre support. The foundation stone for our own NGO Con Corazón was laid.
After her return to Switzerland, Danièle Turkier coordinated her help via the Internet. She was in daily contact with her local supporters whenever possible. The three Peruvians operated from Ana's home. They regularly supported the population in Piñipampa and brought food, clothes and medication to those in need. The focus was and still is on people's health. The climatic conditions are challenging. Winter in the highlands begins in June and brings fairly low temperatures averaging 0° Celsius at night. The high humidity and the poorly insulated and heated interior rooms make it feel much colder.
Danièle Turkier quickly built up a network thanks to her communicative talent. On the one hand, she succeeded in generating the financial resources to implement the vision. She also managed to organize the work of her teams in Peru and Switzerland. She is still aware that without like-minded and committed people, such continuous support in Peru would not be possible. Her mother, the well-known former restaurateur Katharina Turkier, took Spanish lessons in 2010. She really wanted to understand all the receipts issued in Spanish, because she took over the accounting! This and the controlling are still her tasks at Con Corazón today. She was also practically active as a pioneer for the “mamas”, the knitters in Peru. She used her knowledge to teach the women how to knit. In this way, they can regularly help to improve the families' income - helping them to help themselves. Under Ana's direction and responsibility, accessories such as wrist warmers, scarves, hats and headbands are currently being produced. Development has also taken place here. Today, even knitting machines are in use - this handling also demanded some enthusiasm from the “mamas”. The unique items made from pure alpaca wool are distributed by the Swiss fair trade retailer “El Tucan”. The first-class creations can be purchased at markets and via the web store.
In Peru, Danièle Turkier is now receiving great support from Dr. Saulo Gamarra's team. She got to know him and his dental practice through his own NGO “Dentist Serving the Poor - Latin America” (DSP-LA). This was later integrated into Con Corazón. He is a dentist and the current director of Con Corazón in Peru. Thanks to his in-depth expertise and shared convictions, he implements jointly developed ideas and contributes his know-how. The Medical Center was established in 2016 thanks to the financial support of the Rotary Club of Aarau. Here, people can find support for dental and medical problems. This provides underserved communities with important medical services. This improves access to healthcare. The service also includes a simple laboratory and a pharmacy. Trained medical staff treat common diseases, offer preventative measures and educate the population about hygiene and health practices. They are also constantly learning that they can take care of themselves. The sense of responsibility increases.
The installation of smokeless metal stoves goes down in history as another milestone. It is an innovative solution instead of the conventional open-fire cooking method. It reduces indoor air pollution and exposure to toxins that cause respiratory diseases. This project was also realized thanks to the Rotary Club Aarau.
In 2023, a major expansion step was taken with the mobile dental clinic. This was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsor Ivoclar. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Con Corazón became part of the Ivoclar Joy program. The mobile dental clinic travels to rural and marginalized population groups. Services such as prevention, cleaning, fillings, extractions and oral health education are the basic services offered here. Volunteer dentists, dental assistants and volunteers from different backgrounds work tirelessly.
Con Corazón is currently devoting another important topic to healthy nutrition. Almost 50% of Peruvian children under the age of five suffer from anemia. Nutritious meals are offered in local schools. To combat malnutrition, children and their families are taught to prioritize the intake of iron. Knowledge about the cultivation of pulses, fruit, protein and vegetables is also transferred as far as possible.
Con Corazón acts as an NGO. People from industrialized countries who want to volunteer in the Peruvian Andes are very important, as they bring expertise, resources and new perspectives to the local communities.
2024 was a year of consolidation. The programs were strengthened. The work in the local communities deepened. It is exciting to see that the efforts are bearing fruit. Of course, there have been and will continue to be challenges that need to be overcome. Con Corazón is dependent on financial support in order to continue its work. Every contribution helps to expand efforts in the areas of health, nutrition and sustainable development. Donations large and small are very welcome.
Various local activities are planned for 2025, the anniversary year.
January 2025
