Background information
Even though Peru officially is no longer on the UNESCO´s list of poorest countries and the economy is growing steadily each year, a large portion of the Peruvian population is excluded from this new wealth. In Cusco for example, half of all kids are necessitated to work in the streets as a vendor or shoe polisher or elsewhere in order to contribute the family income or even to pay for their school materials.
On March 16, 2004 a more stringent law has been passed in Peru that aims to protect all children by forbidding them to work. Even though the idea of this law is admirable and abolishing child labor is something to strive for, in practice however it is unfavorable to many since the government did not compensate the income made by the kids. Therefore the kids are still working, but often in much more unfavorable circumstances, under severe and unsafe conditions and all without any legal protection. Because of the law, the kids who work in the streets are harassed by the police; they are sent away from the big squares, their products or even their profits are confiscated.
Unfortunately, it is unrealistic to think the social economic situation in Peru will change any time soon. Therefore Pasa La Voz tries to create work that pays well, leaves time to go to school and gives possibilities for personal development.
Pasa la Voz stimulates the kids to be proud of and stand up for their selves. The needs, problems and solutions that working kids bring to the table are the basis of all activities of Pasa la Voz.
The activities of Pasa la Voz exist primarily of creative multimedia projects. In 2005 Pasa la Voz was founded and its first activities were organizing workshops for the existing local organizations. The success of these workshops led to opening of our own building, where we hosted the workshops and courses ever since. Around 120 kids between the ages 12 and 18 years old come twice a week either before or after school. They participate in workshops journalism and video, digital photography or creative writing and graphic design.
With skills they obtain in these workshops they produce the Pasa la Voz! kids´ street magazine . Every thing is being thought of and done by the kids themselves: deciding on the theme, writing, illustrating, designing and selling. Also, they work on several movie documentaries.
During the workshops the kids do not only learn practical skills, but they research a certain theme that they choose themselves. Themes such as ´Me and my neighborhood´, ´Traditions from Cusco´, ´Intercultural relations´ and ´The environment´ were themes in the past year and a half. Researching topics that these kids experience in their daily life will help them develop a critical attitude, formulate an opinion and seek solutions. Pasa la Voz 
feels stimulating their creativity and enhancing their self-esteem and –confidence, is imperative when creating proud and confident individuals.
In the Pasa la Voz building there is also an exposition area, the Pasa la Voz kids’ museum. In the museum the materials the kids produce during the workshops, such as photographs, paintings, etc. are on display and for sale in this museum. Also, handmade products such as candles, bags, key chains, mirrors, etc. made by people from our local network are on display in the kids’ museum and for sale.
