In 2000, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Arequipa, Peru, leaving many hopeless and on the streets. In the summer of 2002, the YMCA of Peru began a social project in the small, outlying town of Horacio Zeballos in order to help the community recover from its losses. Two distinct programs were created: an elementary and preschool where children can receive a free education, and a medical post in which adults and children alike can receive free medical treatment and have access to necessary medicines at an affordable price. The YMCA of the United States began supporting this project in September of 2004, sending annual volunteers to spend time at the school and medical post.

While this social project has grown a great deal throughout the years, the YMCAs of Peru and the United States cannot provide the financial support necessary for its future development. As a result, two YMCA Go Global volunteers have united to form their own organization, CDCA, in order to continue to improve the healthcare and educational services offered to the Horacio Zeballos community in years to come. The YMCA is currently looking to our organization to lead the progress and development of this social work project.