Above: Gregorio Coscohuaman Córdoba

Gregorio Coscohuaman Córdoba was born in Puica, a community in Acomayo Province, within the department of Cusco. At the age of twelve, with the help of his older siblings, he moved to the city of Cusco to begin a new chapter of his life.

Gregorio learned to fend for himself from a very young age. With no home and no resources, he took on any work he could find to support himself while finishing his primary and secondary education. Every step he took was a testament to his effort, resilience, and dedication to building a better future.

Together with his wife Josefina and their two children, he continues to face life’s challenges with courage and hope. The adversity he faced has only strengthened his spirit and deepened his zest for living.

“These days, my family and I strive to move forward against all odds — we’ve learned to appreciate life above everything else.”

Gregorio Coscohuaman Córdoba

Gregorio first encountered ATD Fourth World Peru in 2017. While staying home to care for their children, aged four and six, his wife received an invitation to participate in the Street Library in their neighborhood of Moisés Barreda in Cusco. Due to Gregorio’s work in construction, he initially could not take part in the Street Library as much as he would have liked. Still, he continually urged his wife and children to attend, believing that reading and education are powerful tools for overcoming poverty.

• “My daughter Lucerito has loved reading ever since she joined this program, and I see other children getting excited about books too. It leaves a lasting impression on them,” he said. He draws a parallel between her experience and his own childhood: “If the Street Library had existed when I was a kid, I feel my life would have been completely different […] That’s why I think it’s so important for children to take part from an early age.”

For some time now, Gregorio has been playing a more active role in activities alongside his wife, prompted in part by a construction accident. “I don’t do those heavy jobs anymore because my waist and back hurt. Now I have to take better care of myself, so I do house painting. That’s a job that only takes me a day or two; it’s nothing like before.”

As he has become increasingly involved with ATD Fourth World, Gregorio has discovered how much he enjoys meeting new people and learning from them. “For me, it’s been a pleasure to take part in these activities, because you learn so much. I’ve met so many people, and you learn from each one — you share ideas, and I learn something new every day,” Gregorio says with enthusiasm.

Beyond the knowledge he has gained, he also appreciates the emotional support these gatherings provide: “These meetings and activities often come at exactly the right moment when you’re feeling down or sad. They lift your spirits — you go home in a better mood, or wake up the next day ready to keep going.”

ATD Fourth World relies on the helping hands of allies and friends who bring to life programs like the Street Library, but it also needs its story and mission to be shared across all corners of society. Gregorio embraces this responsibility with boundless enthusiasm, striving to make a lasting impact wherever he goes.

“I think I’m the only participant from my neighborhood […] I want to continue growing, learning, and sharing whatever I know, not just with ATD, but also at my job or anywhere else. In the future, I’d love to invite my neighbors to join, but for this, I’d need to prepare more so I can present things in greater depth. Now I know just a little.”

Gregorio Coscohuaman Córdoba

Driven by his deep desire to continue learning, Gregorio has become even more committed to the work of ATD Fourth World in Cusco. In addition to the Street Library, he now plays an active role in the reflection groups and lends a hand with activities for the teenagers. Gregorio continues to enthusiastically support the various initiatives in his neighborhood of Moisés Barreda.