A member visits projects supported by the Fund in Peru

The experiences of Mr. Claude Echard, December 2006

Luis Solorio is waiting for me in front of the gate of this old house on Parra Avenue; quickly he takes me to see the facilities of Lluvia de Sol ("Shower of Sunshine"). It is late and the workshop is already closed. Two large rooms, tables piled with paper, various equipment. A courtyard where one can see a vat and a press. The equipment is not new, but it seems to meet the needs of the enterprise.

The adventure began in 1994. At that time, Luis wanted to undertake an original project: establish a cooperative and make paper from old newspapers and recycled cloth; but he did not have the necessary funds to invest in basic equipment. It was thanks to his contacts in Geneva that Luis succeeded in obtaining financing, first in 1998, and again in 2003. In both cases, it was the 1% Fund that he came to, because every source of credit was closed - no-one was interested in recycling, and commercial loans were prohibitively expensive. The government made a thousand promises, such as the free establishment of a mulberry plantation that would enable them to make paper under the conditions of sustainable development. But that project remained what it was from the outset . . . a promise. According to Luis, it was only thanks to the 1% Fund that they were able to take off and develop. "Without the 1% Fund, we would not have been able to purchase the machines that are necessary for this kind of activity."

A large part of their production is made up of calendars, almanacs and other holiday gift items. Over time, Luis Solorio, Francy Cuenta and their collaborators have organized themselves well. We have arrived just before Christmas, yet there is no rush to get things finished, no feverish activity. The calendars were shipped months ago. This fact is, the cooperative works mainly with foreign partners, particularly in Geneva. Business these days seems to be as good as possible. (Even foreign residents of Peru have become faithful customers.) On the domestic market, not only is the competition fierce, but conditions are less favourable - payments for goods sold often arrive piecemeal and months late, which makes life hard for small enterprises like Lluvia de Sol that have very small budgets for the purchase of raw materials.

Five full-time employees, five workers with more flexible hours, equitable working conditions and unshakeable optimism - these seem to be the ingredients for the success of this small enterprise which is located 6000km from Geneva but could never have seen the light of day without the aid of Geneva's 1% for Development Fund.

Future projects? They have them, such as entering a new recycling market: this time for linen, which seems particularly promising in artistic circles. For this, they need a new grinding machine adapted for linen fibers. A draft budget has already been established. Everything should go well.

When I leave Luis Solorio and Francy Cuenta night has arleady fallen. The 1% Fund can sleep soundly - its project is in good hands.

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