33 Buckets was built on the idea that people are at the core of our mission: empowering communities through improved access to clean water and sanitation. We believe that personal relationships and collaboration across borders and languages can deliver sustainable, human-centered solutions that result in generational impact.

Since 2016, our team of students, young people, and advisors has worked with 24 communities across Peru's Cusco region. Through these experiences, we’ve learned that the presence of motivated, effective local leaders is one of the most important determinants of a project’s success. As an international organization, we recognize that our projects would not be possible without strong relationships with passionate individuals on the ground. That’s why we’ve focused heavily on organizational partnerships and personal relationships in the Cusco region.

Since 2020, we have been fortunate to work with Angelica, a local engineer who serves as 33 Buckets' “on-the-ground” leader and the primary liaison between our organization and partner communities. Coming from a rural community herself, Angelica ensures that our solutions are catered to the specific needs, desires, and lifestyles of each community. Her unique ability to deliver lesson plans and hands-on activities in Quechua, the native language of the Andes, is crucial in programs like our Water Manager Training and Youth WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) Workshops.

Angelica not only brings her technical expertise to the table but also establishes trust-based relationships with community leaders. This open dialogue is essential to understanding how 33 Buckets can best support each community’s long-term goals. Her ability to conduct both technical and qualitative assessment and monitoring trips year-round ensures ongoing collaboration and success.

One of our latest partnerships, formed in collaboration with Angelica, is with the District of Ancahuasi in the Anta Province of Peru’s Cusco region. We’ve begun developing project proposals for three communities in Ancahuasi, in coordination with the District’s Mayor, José Manuel. While each project is tailored to the community’s specific needs, we expect to focus on three key areas:

1. Water Manager Training Programs
2. Youth WASH Education Workshops
3. Delivery/funding of essential resources and infrastructure improvements

None of this work would be possible without the support of our donors, volunteers, and student interns. It’s their contributions—whether financial, time, knowledge, or skills—that fuel our mission to bring clean water and sanitation to communities in need.

To support our efforts and help continue this vital work with Angelica, visit 33buckets.org/donate. For sponsorship, volunteering, or internship opportunities, email us at info@33buckets.org.

To learn more about Angelica and her incredible contributions, watch her full-length interview on the 33 Buckets YouTube channel: Watch Interview. You can also check out other 33 Buckets projects and partners on our channel.