1. Welcome to the inauguration of our newest staircase project in the community of Santa Cruz (on the outskirts of Lima, Peru)! Test test

2. A local band plays music for the crowd to enjoy before the inauguration ceremony. Test test

3. Silvia Barrera Vásquez,the Mayor of Lima’s district of Villa Maríadel Triunfo(where this staircase is located), greets community members and MEDLIFE staff. Silvia decided to attend the stair inauguration after some of her staff members alerted her to the development work MEDLIFE is doing in her district. This marks the first time in 11 years that anyhigh-ranking public official has visited this community. Test test

4. Rosa, the Community Leader of Santa Cruz, expresses gratitude to MEDLIFE and to the Mayor. She also expresses concern that the communities need a greater level of assistance from the local government. Test test

5. After MEDLIFE Intern Laura Keen spoke on our behalf, Silvia shared a few words with the crowd – pledging her support to the community. She also pledged governmental donations of cement and other materials to support further construction projects in these areas. Test test

6. View from the inauguration stage. Test test

7. A view of the crowd. Test test

8. Women hold signs representing their respective communities, with the word “present.” At one point during the Mayor’s speech, the audience erupted into a chant, “The people are with you.” Test test

9. Laura (representing MEDLIFE), Rosa (representing the community), and Silvia (representing the local government) inaugurate the new staircase by breaking a champagne bottle. Test test

10. Group shot at the top of the stairs! Test test

11. A boy looks down on the crowd as the celebration winds down. Test test

12. Community members hang out on the new staircase. Test test