Interview with Melanie Gonzales Zavaleta by Mary Ward International Peru
For those working directly with the Childhood Without Fear Project, each day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with children and families navigating hardship in Huaycán, Peru. This densely populated urban community on the outskirts of Lima is home to many families living on steep hillsides. They face economic insecurity, high levels of violence, and have limited access to services. “For me, it means actively and directly contributing to children and families,” said Melanie Gonzales Zavaleta, a social worker with the project. “It’s about striving to create a positive impact that encourages change and improves their quality of life.”
Often, moments of hope arrive quietly: in the relief on a parent’s face or the returning spark of hope in a child’s eyes. “What impacts me most is when I see a family no longer feeling alone – when they find their own solutions to overcome challenges.” These small, but profound, shifts capture the true progress of the program: transformation beginning within the families themselves.
The project creates a safe environment where children, especially girls in grades 4 to 6, can break free from cycles of violence and discrimination. Through small discussion groups, educational workshops, and personalised support, students learn about their rights and how to protect them. This empowers them to pursue education with confidence while developing the skills to reach their full potential and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
The work is not without its challenges, yet resilience grows through self-awareness. “I am encouraged by the self-knowledge I’ve developed, recognising my abilities, limits, strengths, and even my fears,” Melanie shares. This reflective practice shapes how they accompany others: with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Melanie shares a powerful insight about her work: listening is the key to the project’s success. “By opening myself to people’s stories and emotions, I recognise their dignity and strength. That trust allows me to support them as they take the lead in changing their own lives.”
Finding Her Voice
Eleven-year-old Cami had always shown great potential in the classroom, yet she often struggled to make sense of the discrimination she saw around her. As part of the project, she joined a safe discussion group for girls and adolescents, which gave her space to express herself and develop her leadership skills.
Cami now speaks confidently when something feels unfair and encourages the project to reach younger children so they can learn about their rights too.
“The right to freedom is very important,” says Cami. “It’s not about doing whatever we want but doing what is right.”
From Chaos to Safety
Twelve-year-old Davide lives in a neighbourhood affected by gangs, drugs, and violence. His class had been known for its disruptive behaviour, making learning almost impossible. Through the project, he and his classmates learned about their rights, including the right to education in a safe, respectful environment.
With the support of their teacher, the classroom atmosphere changed dramatically. Davide now feels safe and focused, yet he is deeply aware of the challenges older students continue to face.
“I would ask the project to also help the first years of secondary school, because here drugs and gangs are a very big problem that stops them from having a future,” says Davide.
Courage to Break the Cycle
Living in a precarious home on one of Huaycán’s steepest hillsides, ten-year-old Isabel faced domestic violence and economic hardship from a young age. Despite her cheerful personality and excellent grades, fear and uncertainty followed her into school.
Through the project’s workshops, Isabel learned she has the right to live free from violence and that her voice matters. She soon began helping to teach other children about their rights, speaking calmly and confidently about emotional safety and violence prevention.
Most remarkably, Isabel used her new understanding to seek external support for her mother, demonstrating courage and leadership beyond her years.
“Now I know that my opinion is valuable, and that it’s important for us to be treated with equality and without violence,” Isabel notes.
By
Kirstin Del Beato, Executive Officer
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