Peru fell into disaster and chaos. Its people, once proud and respected, had become downtrodden and ignored. This past century, Peru has seen a decade of terrorism and horror at the hands of the Shining Path - a Maoist guerrilla army.

houses a third of the population of the country, and more arrive each day from the desert coast and mountains. Shantytowns surround the city – products of the years of repressive government, military rule, unemployment and poverty. These factors have given rise to many adults with no experience of family life or the love of a caring parent. This country of exceptional beauty is now burdened with growing numbers of orphans and street boys.