Although Cusco is one of Peru’s main tourist attractions and many residents of the city are prospering from the high tourism flow, the poverty rate still remains at around 30%. When walking around the Plaza de Armas or taking the train to Machu Picchu, tourists are often isolated from observing the high poverty levels in which many children, as well as adults, live. For many families in Cusco, it is common for children to help their parents with daily agricultural work or street jobs instead of attending school or playing with their friends. 

The project is an after school program where we focus on on the importance of education and moral values, as well at the project as at home or at school. When possible, we try to include the parents in this process to improve family connections and mediate during issues at home. We provide the children with help with homework, English classes, educate about personal hygiene and above all provide a safe and loving environment where they can play without worries. The ages vary from only a few months to 15 years old and we take care of roughly 70 kids. Despite the difficult situations they may experience at home, they are very affectionate and loving. Whether it’s make pretend cooking in the garden (best mud cakes you’ll ever have), help with their homework, or simply a hug, they genuinely love the time they spend with the volunteers.  

Follow our Facebook & Instagram pages to meet our sweet kids!