Test testWelcome to the inauguration of our newest staircase project in the

community of Santa Cruz (on the outskirts of Lima, Peru)!

Test testA local band plays music for the crowd to enjoy before the

inauguration ceremony.

Test test

Silvia Barrera Vásquez, the Mayor of Lima’s district of Villa María del Triunfo (where this staircase is located), greets community members

and MEDLIFE staff. Silvia decided to attend the stair inauguration after some of her staff members alerted her to the development work MEDLIFE is doing in her district. This marks the first time in 11 years

that any high-ranking public official has visited this community.

Test test

Rosa, the Community Leader of Santa Cruz, expresses gratitude to MEDLIFE and to the Mayor. She also expresses concern that the communities need a greater level of assistance from the local

government.

Test test

After MEDLIFE Intern Laura Keen spoke on our behalf, Silvia shared a few words with the crowd – pledging her support to the community.

She also pledged governmental donations of cement and other materials to support further construction projects in these areas.

Test test View from the inauguration stage.

Test test A view of the crowd.

Test test

Women hold signs representing their respective communities, with the word “present.” At one point during the Mayor’s speech, the

audience erupted into a chant, “The people are with you.”

Test test

Laura (representing MEDLIFE), Rosa (representing the community), and Silvia (representing the local government) inaugurate the new

staircase by breaking a champagne bottle.

Test test Group shot at the top of the stairs!

Test testA boy looks down on the crowd as the celebration winds down.

Test test Community members hang out on the new staircase.