Building Dignity

Building Dignity is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2008 in St. Paul, MN and Lima, Peru. Our mission is to provide community education, empower local leaders, and support neighborhood-led development in marginalized areas. Specifically, Building Dignity works in the community of Lomo de Corvina (Lima) where 55,000 Peruvians struggle against socio-economic exclusion. We encourage local development and positive social change through our three core program areas: Community Education: We provide academic and recreational programs for children, youth, and adults. Specifically, we offer homework help and tutoring; computer, math, and reading classes; English classes taught in conjunction with local schools; as well as music, art, and dance workshops. Leadership Academy: Building Dignity empowers individuals to become agents of change through an innovative leadership program that enables youth and adults to identify pressing needs in their community, propose solutions, and develop the skills necessary to implement their ideas. Leadership Grants: We provide financial and technical support to citizen-led development projects. This program allows Leadership Academy participants to activate their new skills and take effective action towards addressing needs in their community.