Peru

Peru is the third-largest country in South America and comparable to the size of Alaska. Although the country has stabilized politically, the economy is fairly unbalanced. Education opportunities have improved over the years, resulting in a higher literacy rate among teenagers than adults. Students are staying in school longer than their parents did. The Roman Catholic Church is still dominant, though other Christian churches do operate in the country. Peruvians still continue many traditions from their indigenous roots, especially Incan traditions, thus often calling indigenous gods by Christian names.

Algo Nuevo (Young Life) began in 1974 and is one of the first ventures for Young Life overseas. For more than 30 years it was run entirely by national leaders, but desires a more connected link to Young Life. There are seven national staff who work with eight ministries throughout the country reaching approximately 220 kids. Algo Nuevo also has a Capernaum ministry which focuses on kids with disabilities.