UNPADS (The Union of Social Development) was founded on 31st August 2002 by Alcides Jordan, Jhonny Olaza and Jackeline Olaza. Our motto is “Rights – Faith – Study – Development – Progress”. Our Capacity Building and Social Capital objectives are to develop and maximize the full potential of young people and children who are found to be in high risk situations, living on the streets of Cusco, Peru.

UNPADS strongly believe that it is our responsibility to shelter, protect and generate opportunities for these children in order to give them the opportunity of a promising future. We focus especially on not only providing them with an education but also training them in vocational fields in order that once they go out into the world they will have applicable skills and the opportunity of starting their own businesses and making a life for themselves. In order to achieve this we use techniques of microfinance to help the children start their own small businesses, This with the focus of teaching them to be responsible in managing their own affairs.

UNPADS is experienced in working with children in high risk situations. We have worked in association with Colibri in Cusco within which we have developed educational and health programs, and also programs using microfinance in order to generate employment for the adolescents. We have also worked with PIMES (Small and medium-sized companies) in Lima in order to prepare adolescents to start their own companies.

Mission statement
“To better the quality of life for children and adolescents in high risk situations using the means of this generation and the educational and technical opportunities which allow the children and youths to have a promising future.