A School in the Andes

Our compadre René Franco Salas of Pisac, and members of his local community are currently working to build an elementary school in the Sacred Valley of the Incas - the Kusi Kawsay Andean School Project.  They share a beautiful piece of land at the base of the Pisac archeological site with a picturesque schoolhouse where 20 children presently attend kindergarten, and will be offering grades 1-6 for the next school year (2009).

This is a Waldorf-inspired school initiative rooted in the local traditions, respecting the Andean indigenous customs, history, mythology, cosmo-vision and language.  The official educational system diffuses values contrary to indigenous culture, thus further contributing to the loss of identity so fundamental to native sociocultural development.

As adults, the children from Kusi Kawsay, boys and girls equally, will participate in society with all the richness of their culture, and strong self-esteem.   The school's commitment is to provide a dignified, higher level of education for children of low income, with the goal of helping to form future leaders who honor and practice their traditional way of life.

We will be offering part of the funds we receive from our journey to Peru in the spring of 2010 to support the Kusi Kawsay vision. To realize their dream, support is welcome towards building 4 schoolhouses, with infrastructure, bathrooms and a recreational area.

For more information, please see: www.pachamamaspath.org/