Barber offers hope in Peruvian barrios devastated by virus

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Once a week, barber Josué Yacahuanca makes his way up the dusty hills of Peru's capital, heading into its poorest neighborhoods carrying a treasured golden briefcase that holds his life's passion — five clipper blades, 20 combs, four scissors and a bottle with alcohol.

Yacahuanca seeks out clients devastated by a coronavirus lockdown that has gone on for nearly 100 days in an attempt to stem the wave of new infections. He does it for free.

“I want them to look in the mirror and see a bit of hope,” said Yacahuanca, who though just 21 years old is a veteran barber, having started cutting hair at age 13.

With ease, he moves between clients who want a clean, classic cut to those who ask for modern styles. Most recently he set up shop at the “December 24″ neighborhood, where almost everybody has lost their jobs because of the pandemic, forcing many to work as street vendors.

Yacahuanca had a rocky start in life himself. Abandoned by his mother, he was raised by his godmother, Gloria Alvarez. Despite obstacles, he discovered a business savvy at a young age. He hustled at odd jobs, selling sweets, cleaning houses, working in outdoor markets and at a bus station.

“My life was hard,” he said, working under a shade tree with a bird's eye view of the neighborhood populated by single mothers and their children who wear torn cloths and lack running water at home.

“I look at them and I see myself,” he said.

Peru has been one of Latin America's hardest hit by recession brought on by the virus outbreak. Its gross domestic product has already shrunk 12% this year, a rate outpacing the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, according to the World Bank.

Every day, the toll mounts in Peru, where officials reported Thursday a total of 7,400...