The youth are coming to the rescue of Belén, the Peruvian Amazonian city striving to emerge from its problems

In the district of Belén, 4-year-old children are obligated to learn how to swim. This skill, which elsewhere might be a hobby, is here a vital necessity. It’s a self-protection measure to prevent further tragedies in a place where life unfolds over water.

Belén, located in the city of Iquitos (Loreto region, Peru), is globally known as “The Amazonian Venice,” yet unlike having impressive architecture, it’s an impoverished place riddled with problems, housing over 2,600 families. Most lack access to potable water; the water contamination level is so high it’s unsafe for human consumption. There’s no drainage system, and when the Itaya River swells, homes remain submerged for six months (from January to June).

At this time of year, families need to navigate daily by boats or launches to reach work or school. Additionally, they must build their own bridges because the government does not provide support. Houses are constructed from simple materials such as wood, thatch and metal sheets, often accommodating up to three families together, leading to overcrowding and health problems.

During this flooding period, household issues escalate, parental stress increases, and cases of violence become more frequent, further reducing spaces for recreation. According to the Ministry of Education’s ‘Síseve’ portal, 635 children and adolescents were attended to in 2017, a number that rose to 1,014 by 2023. The same source indicates that in 2023, 56% of cases of sexual violence against minors were reported in this region.

Child labor

In this part of the Peruvian jungle, the reality for children becomes as complex as it is sad. There are many obstacles to their proper development and their right to play. This is something Manuel Mozombite knows well, founder of the ONG Jóvenes y Adolescentes Beleninos (JOABE) (‘Youth and Adolescents of Belén NGO’), who has tirelessly worked in Belén for 10 years seeking the socio-emotional recovery of children and youth through free play and education.

Manuel recalls that at just 7 years old, he decided to start working. From a young age, he understood that to improve his family’s economic conditions, he needed to help by selling fruits, vegetables and sweets in the district of Belén, where he was born, raised and now fights tirelessly. Over time, he also realized that he lost part of his childhood working on the streets, but he doesn’t regret it – on the contrary, because of his experiences, he continues working so that more children have access to healthy recreation.

JOABE was founded in 2014, two years after a series of unfortunate events that affected the lives of those living there. In 2012, the first and most severe series of floods in Loreto’s history occurred, with Belén being the hardest hit. That same year, in the lower part of the district, a fire devastated over 147 houses, affecting a total of 1,500 people. The cause of the fire was the improper use of traditional kitchens called ‘tushpas’, which families still use at home to this day.

Additionally, another concern is the diseases caused by stagnant water, emitting foul odors and harboring floating garbage. This affects children and the elderly, causing asthma, malaria, dengue, leptospirosis (a bacterial disease transmitted through the urine of infected animals or contaminated water) and frequent colds.

In 2024, the Loreto department has already recorded an alarming number of malaria victims: two people have died (an elderly person and a child) and over 8,000 have been affected. Regarding anemia, it affected 58.1% of children under 36 months in 2023.

Belén seems to be constantly put to the test. With significant challenges and little assistance, JOABE doesn’t give up its fight and continues focused on promoting values and education through art and play. During flood periods, which coincide with school vacations, children attend JOABE’s facilities where they receive classes in art, drawing, and academic reinforcement.

Currently composed by 28 young people, the organization also conducts cultural, sports and cleaning campaigns involving residents and visitors from Peru and abroad. “We follow an annual plan. Among the planned actions, we visit various communities to play with the children. But undoubtedly, the activity that excites them the most is the ‘Chocolatadas’ we organize every Christmas”, says Manuel.

Tayra Ocumbe, 17, is one of the youngest volunteers in the organization. She helps students with their schoolwork and visits communities, bringing educational materials and games to keep them away from potential chaos that could surround them at home. “During the months when children attend school, we help them on Mondays and Tuesdays for two hours. We see which subjects need reinforcement and work with them while ensuring they have fun”, says Tayra.

The quality of education provided to children is not ideal, nor are the conditions in which they study. According to the Censo Escolar del Ministerio de Educación de 2022 (‘Ministry of Education’s 2022 School Census’), only 6.1% of public schools in Loreto have basic services like water, sewage and electricity.

Despite all the challenges faced in Belén, Tayra assures us that not everything is negative and that she has great hope in the people of this part of Peru. “There are very good people here who want to help and improve the lives of Belén’s residents. As for me, I can only say that JOABE brightens my life; helping children makes me forget my problems so I can transmit only positive energy to them”, she adds.

Do you want to support JOABE?

The ONG Jóvenes y Adolescentes Beleninos (JOABE) (‘Youth and Adolescents of Belén NGO’) receives volunteers who want to support these noble activities aimed at children. To be categorized as a ‘Volunteer’, the mandatory requirement is that you are from Belén. If you wish to help from other parts of Peru or the world, you will become an ‘Ambassador’.

The children in this district need materials to continue learning. If you’re interested in collaborating, keep in mind that they need:

• Notebooks
• Books
• Pencils, pens, markers
• Balls (soccer – volleyball)
• Mats
• Chairs
• Desks

If you want to learn more, get in touch with them through their social media.

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