• Darwin Calderón

    17 years old

  • Piero Aguilar

    19 years old

  • Nolberto Ruiz

    20 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.

To support this vision, within Legado we also walk alongside young people through two initiatives: Metanoia 180 and Checkpoint 360.

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

I’m Piero, and I’m part of Legacy. I grew up in Santa Rosa, north of Lima, in an area where many families face real limitations, including the lack of basic services and very few opportunities nearby. That was my reality for many years, and it taught me that nothing comes easy.

At the beginning of 2025, I moved to La Molina to be closer to better opportunities for my education and personal growth. It has been a big change. It is not just about living in a different place; it is about learning to step into a new season with more responsibility, more discipline, and a clearer view of the future.

I am currently studying Fisheries Engineering at the National Agrarian University La Molina. For me, studying at a national university is a major opportunity, and I do not want to take it lightly. I know it requires effort, consistency, and maturity, and I want to make the most of this season.

Legacy has been an important part of this process. Through Legacy, I have received support, mentorship, guidance, and encouragement during a key stage of my life. It is helping me think not only about my education, but also about the kind of person I am becoming.

I am also part of Iglesia Mosaico, where I continue to grow in my faith and learn what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Being part of a local church has helped me stay grounded, receive spiritual formation, and walk with people who care about my life beyond just my studies.

I also have the desire to serve God and people through pastoral ministry in the future. I am still in process, learning and being formed, but it is something I want to take seriously, without rushing and without pretending that I have everything figured out.

My goal is to finish my studies well, grow in character, and use what I learn to serve others. I want my story to encourage other young people who come from difficult backgrounds not to give up. The road is not always easy, but with support, effort, and faith, it is possible to move forward.

I’m Darwin Calderón, and I’m 17 years old. I was born in Huánuco, and in 2010 I moved with my family to Lima. For several years, I lived in Santa Rosa, north of Lima, an area with many challenges, including the lack of basic services. At the beginning of last year, I moved to La Molina, looking for better opportunities to keep growing, studying, and preparing for the future.

My father works in construction and also as a baker, and my mother sells products through catalogs. They have always encouraged me to dream big, not give up, and keep moving forward, even when things are not easy.

My biggest dream is to study Veterinary Medicine. I really love animals, and I want to prepare myself well so I can serve others through what I learn.

I am currently in my final year of high school through homeschool. At the same time, I am studying at the Discipleship and Evangelism Training Center of Palabra de Vida in Cañete, south of Lima, as part of my personal and spiritual formation.

Through Legacy, I am taking important steps toward building a better future. This process is helping me grow, discover my gifts, and understand that my story does not have to be defined only by hardship, but also by the opportunities God places before me.

I want my story to encourage other young people who, like me, face challenges every day. I want them to know that even when life is difficult, with effort, perseverance, and the right support, it is possible to move forward. I also want them to trust God, the opportunities He gives us, and the way He can transform our lives by His Grace.

My name is Nolberto Ruiz. I am 20 years old, I was born in Santa Rosa, north of Lima. Growing up there taught me that many opportunities do not simply come on their own; they have to be pursued with effort, responsibility, and perseverance.

At the beginning of 2025, I moved to La Molina to keep growing and better prepare for the future. It has not been an easy season. I have had to adapt, take on new responsibilities, and learn to look at my life with greater clarity.

I am currently studying Nursing at Instituto Arzobispo Loayza. For me, this career is not just a professional goal. It is a practical way to prepare myself to serve, care for, and walk alongside people in moments when they need real help.

I also enjoy working on cars. It is something I like because it teaches me patience, attention to detail, and responsibility. Through Check Point, I have been able to develop that interest, learning with my hands, and see that even through practical things, God is shaping my character.

Legado has been an important part of this process. Through the guidance, mentorship, and support I have received, I have been able to move forward in my studies and grow as a person. Legado has helped me remember that where I come from does not define how far I can go.

I am also part of Iglesia Mosaico, where I continue to grow in my faith and learn to walk more closely with God. There, I am learning that the Gospel is not just something we hear, but a truth that transforms our lives: Christ rescues us, shapes us, and teaches us to live in order to serve others.

I am still in process. There is still much to learn, correct, and build in my life. But I am not walking alone. God has used people, opportunities, and community to help me keep moving forward.

My goal is to finish my studies well, grow in character, and use what I am learning to serve others. I do not share my story to make people feel sorry for me, but to encourage other young people not to give up. The road may be difficult, but with support, hard work, and faith, it is possible to keep moving forward.

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 La Molina to CEED): USD 60

    Feeding: USD 33

    Total Monthly: USD 93

  3. Beto’s monthly budget:

    Equipping for his nursing studies: USD 45

    Total Monthly: USD 45

Donate

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