Who We Are

Our Mission

The Light and Leadership Initiative’s mission is to respond to the needs of the women in the Ate-Vitarte district of Lima, Peru, in their struggle out of poverty by improving the availability and quality of education offered to women and children. Through workshops and classes, women are empowered to better care for themselves and their families by improving both their physical and emotional well-being and advancing their skills in the workforce. Children are offered similar opportunities and learn the value of education and respect for one’s community. We believe the women and children of the Ate-Vitarte district will become positive leaders for change through love, support, and education.

Our Story

2007

Lara DeVries, our Founder, visited Huaycán for the first time and started conversations with community members, who expressed the need for more high quality and accessible educational opportunities.

2008

The Light and Leadership Inititaive established itself as a 501(c)3 U.S. non-profit registered for educational purposes.

2009

LLI’s first educational after-school program to kids in Huaycán.

2014

LLI starts offering educational programs for kids, teens, and women in Huaycán.

2020

LLI launched its first online educational programs for kids and women.

Today

Many years later, and with many challenges and triumphs, LLI is still going strong. We’ve now offered over 16,000 classes to women, children, and teens. And we always look forward to the nex 16,000!