When Ana Dodson was 11 years old, she travelled to Peru. She went on more than just a vacation. She was visiting her native country.
Ana was born in Peru, but she was adopted(领养)by an American family and grew up in the USA. While in Peru, Ana wanted to know what her life could have been like if she had not been adopted. She visited several orphanages, including one in the hills of Cuzco, near her birthplace.
"The orphanage was really cold and dry," Ana said. "The paint was falling off. The girls were in poor health."
When Ana returned home, she kept thinking of the orphanage in Cuzco." I really couldn't get the girls out of my mind, and I really wanted to do something because I could have been one of those girls in that orphanage."
Ana decided to start a group called Peruvian Hearts to help. Her goal was to improve orphans' living conditions. In the first two years, Peruvian Hearts raised about $18, 000 for the orphanage. The group also bought a chicken coop(鸡舍)so the girls can eat fresh eggs.
Ana's efforts have been noticed. She won a Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. The prize is given to kids who make a difference. Ana says any kid can do what she did. "Really believe in yourself, and follow your heart, "she says.
