In 2020, 33 Buckets recognized that building a highly effective, on-the-ground team would be crucial to our continued impact in the Cusco region of Peru. In early 2021, Daniel, our Executive Director, connected with Angelica Vergara Cusihuallpa, a recent graduate from her Environmental Engineering program. Working for a national agency at the time, Angelica explained her contract in the Ccorca District would end in a few months, drastically reducing the support available to water managers. While one door closed, another had opened! We presented the opportunity for Angelica to continue supporting the communities in Ccorca, but as a partner to 33 Buckets and our Team.

Since beginning this collaboration in 2021, we have provided essential training and resources for over 50 water managers in the Ccorca District, serving all 14 communities and the 600+ multi-generational families. We’ve begun launching our youth-focused WASH Workshops, in partnership with local schools, providing fundamental education to over 150 students and counting. With a deep understanding of Cusqueñan culture and the Quechua language, Angelica has enabled 33 Buckets to strengthen our bonds with partner communities, form new relationships with key local institutions, and vastly improve the continuity of our clean water projects in the Cusco region.

Screen Shot 2023-08-15 at 11.46.47 AM.png

When asked about her experience working with 33 Buckets, Angelica had this to say:

“Well the experience working with 33 Buckets has been beautiful and very interesting… My work is for them, the local people who need the services. It’s my wish to continue working with the NGO for as long as possible.”

- Angelica Vergara Cusihuallpa

Now, in 2023, we know that empowering local individuals, like Angelica, results in the greatest impact we’ve seen to date. 33 Buckets has adopted this model as a core element of our mission and are looking to scale this approach moving forward. Our aim is to build a local team around Angelica, our Director of Cusco Programs, enabling a full-time presence in Cusco and the opportunity to improve and scale our clean water impact to new levels. During the Ripple Effect campaign, we are asking you, our supporters, to make this a reality. Click the link below to make your contribution that will create a ripple of impact, starting with water managers to school students and to future generations.

Create Your Ripple Effect