• Darwin Calderón

    16 years old

  • Piero Aguilar

    18 years old

  • Nolberto Ruiz

    19 years old

At Manos Que Suman, we believe every teenager has the potential to build a meaningful future. That’s why we work to reduce high school dropout rates by supporting existing educational efforts and providing mentorship programs that encourage students to stay in school and graduate.

However, our vision goes beyond graduation. We inspire young people to pursue technical or university education, promoting personal growth, excellence, and long-term purpose.

Our goal is to raise a new generation of leaders—young men and women whose achievements and values make them role models for the future of our nation.

We support this vision through two hands-on initiatives:

🔹 Metanoia: a practical course for aspiring filmmakers that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and personal ownership while introducing essential skills for visual storytelling and opening doors to potential careers in the film industry.

🔹 Checkpoint 360: a hands-on program for teens and young adults (ages 13–23) that builds basic mechanical skills, fosters teamwork and responsibility, and teaches how to maintain and repair vehicles while exploring practical tools for life and future career opportunities.

Every student who moves forward becomes part of a growing legacy—and with that legacy comes hope for real transformation in our communities.

My name is Piero Aguilar. I am 18 years old and was born in Callao. I grew up in Adesep - Santa Rosa, in the north of Lima, an area without basic services such as water and sewage.

Since I was a child, thanks to my mother, I learned about the gospel and about God’s love, which taught me to serve, share, and be grateful. When I arrived in Santa Rosa, we began to gather in a small growing church where I met David Ayala and Manos Que Suman, who, during the pandemic, supported my family and the community.

Today, I am part of Church Project Lima, where I serve and find my spiritual home. And now we celebrate with gratitude what God has done: I have been admitted to the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, one of the most competitive in Peru—where over 15,000 apply for only 2,500 spots (lamolina.edu.pe), in a country where just 2 out of 10 young people access a national university (MINEDU).

This is not only the result of discipline and perseverance but a clear testimony of God’s grace opening doors where there seemed to be none. I dream of studying Business Management Engineering to help more young people continue their education and discover the transforming power of the gospel.

My motivation is clear: to stay focused on the gospel, to love my neighbor as God first loved me, and to be an example of His love to other young people who need to know what He can do in their lives.

The gospel doesn’t just change hearts—it raises generations, opens new paths, and writes new stories.

I am Darwin, I am 16 years old, I was born in Huanuco, in 2010, I moved with my family to Lima. My big dream is to study veterinary medicine.

I live in Santa Rosa, north of Lima, an area with many difficulties, such as the lack of basic services, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to go forward and fighting for what I want.

My father works in construction and as a baker, and my mother sells products by catalog. They always motivate me to dream big and not give up.

Thanks to Legado, I am taking my first important steps to build a better future, and I am very grateful for that opportunity.

I want my story to motivate other young people who, like me, face challenges every day, to know that, although things are difficult, with effort, perseverance and, the necessary support, you can get ahead. It is to trust in God, in the opportunities He gives us, and in how He can transform our lives with His grace.

Be part of the change!

Support our mission by making a donation.

Needs:

  1. Piero’s monthly budget:

    Equipping for his university journey: USD 45

    Total Monthly: USD 45

  2. Darwin’s monthly budget:

    Transportation (From Adesesep to La Molina): USD 22

    Feeding: USD 33

    Total Monthly: USD 55

Please include "Piero or Darwin" in the memo section to contribute towards Legacy initiative.