Romy Belauchaga Trinidad
Romy was one of our most talented and reliable knitters. In addition to working in the fields that she and her husband cultivated, she ran a small shop where she sold groceries and knitted wonderful items for "Alpakita", mainly large bedspreads. With her skill and her undisputed drive, she enabled her three children to enjoy an education and to find a way out of poverty.
When Romy died on July 14, 2023 at the age of 55 following a failed operation, we not only lost an incredibly great craftswoman and friend but also a fascinating and inspiring person.
Hope in Difficult Times
In a moving trip in December, between the festive days of Christmas and New Year, thanks to the generous support of friends of the Alpakita Project, we had the opportunity to visit Romy's family in Yungay. This encounter was a testimony to the strength and solidarity that prevail even in the hardest times of life.
A visit full of emotions
Our arrival at the humble home of the Alejo Velauchaga family was marked by deep emotions. Uvel Alejo, the 45-year-old widower and father of the family, welcomed us with open arms and a grateful heart. He shared his belief that his late wife Romy was supporting him in his challenges from beyond the grave.
The story of the Alejo Velauchaga family
Education as a ray of hope
The eldest daughter, Anna, 18 years old, is already on her way to realizing her dreams at the UNASAM state university in Huaraz, where she is studying economics. Her sister Angie, who just turned 16, shares this educational path with an admission to study food technology at the same university.
Pride and Worries of a Father
Despite his pride in his daughters' academic achievements, Uvel's words reflect his deep concern about how he will manage the financial burden of their education alone. "I am proud, but I am afraid of the future," Uvel admits in a moment of vulnerability.
Romy, the late mother, leaves behind a legacy of love and aspiration for a better future for her children. Her desire for her daughters to enjoy the education that was denied to her is a quiet driving force for the family.
recognition and gratitude
The spontaneous support we were able to offer the Alejo Velauchaga family, from financial help to the promise of laptops for the girls' studies, brought a light of hope into their hearts. "We are infinitely grateful for any support," were Uvel's words, marked by deep gratitude.
Finally, we would like to express our continued support not only to the Alejo Velauchaga family, but also to everyone who has helped to shed light on the lives of this remarkable family. From the Alpakita friends to the generous donors, every contribution counts and makes a difference.