For many years we have been supporting the Huchuy Yachaq community project in the marginalised neighbourhood of Hermanos Ayar, Peru.
This small neighbourhood, perched on the outskirts of the Cusco hills that overlook the city, is home to many people who have come to the city in search of work.
Each year we donate around USD 3,000 to this community association to fund the salary of a teacher, school packs, snacks, classroom materials and holiday group activities.
2023 was challenging for the country’s economy, which made the work of Huchuy Yachaq more difficult but also more important. However, they rose to the challenge and around 300 children and their families benefited from the association’s support over the year, including another successful “Maxi Vacaciones” summer school programme attended by over 120 children.
It’s really heartening to hear that a number of volunteers in the “Trotabarrios” (mobile library) project are former pupils of the foundation. Others are local young professionals and students who gave up their time to help with workshops.
Huchuy Yachaq is asking for donations to provide school packs that contain everything the kids need to head back to the classroom in 2024. Each pack costs USD 40 and includes a backpack, stationery, and folders.
Please contact us for more information and how to donate to this wonderful project that really makes a difference to a neighbourhood in need.
You can read about some of our friends and customer visits to the project: read Maria’s week volunteering in her blog, as well as Nigel’s visit.
This project was set up by volunteer social workers and teachers to provide much-needed social and educational support to the children and families of this impoverished neighbourhood.
Children are encouraged to attend extra classes to study each day after school. We help by paying for a teacher.
Games sessions are held each afternoon and the kids also participate in holiday projects.
Over the years our contributions have paid for educational books and games, tables and chairs, structural improvements to the community-owned building including adding toilets, school materials, and books for the children, plus holiday programmes and a teacher.
You can volunteer or help by donation. If you would like to donate materials, please get in touch with us to work out logistics.
In this neighbourhood there are high poverty levels and little in the way of guaranteed income.
Most houses have had water and electricity installed recently, but most adults work long hours in poorly paid insecure jobs. Many of the children also used to work, usually on the street selling postcards to tourists, cleaning shoes, washing cars etc.
In 2006 the project started a programme of “useful holidays” with a 2 month programme of educational activities for 120 children involving five teachers.
During the holidays courses are run in logic and maths, communication, dance, theatre, crafts, and the kids go on organised visits to local attractions etc.
Also in 2006 a small library was established, to provide support to the children that come to the centre after school to do their homework and school projects.
Assistance is also provided to some of the children so they could register for school, providing text books, note books, pencils, school clothes and so on.
How can I help?
If you wish to contribute please send a donation to the Andean Trails office stating what it is for.
Every penny donated will be given to the Community – it costs USD 40 for a child to receive all the materials necessary for one year at school.
The project has also encouraged mothers to generate their own income by providing training in handicrafts, which the project sells.
Items available to buy include leather bags, jewellery and textiles such as wall hangings.
The project is very happy to receive volunteer workers on a short or long term basis. Daily help is required with the kids, helping with games and studying. Help is also required to look after the building, and volunteers are always made welcome.
Please contact the office for more information on how to get involved.
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+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
After an initial chat on the phone, Tom received our general brief for a month-long trip to Patagonia, to include a few specific places and activities with an emphasis on trekking. His first comprehensive draft arrived soon after. Subsequently, it was a joy to work with Tom as he swiftly and effectively amended the plan to reflect our evolving appreciation of where we were heading. Nothing seemed too much trouble, repeat questions included. The result was a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to South America. The itinerary was thorough and well briefed, the travel arrangements practical. All the necessary paperwork and ticketing clear and correct. There was never a hitch, doubt or wasted day. The in-country agents were also on the ball and supportive on the occasion we made a minor change at short notice. No drama, no problem. We recommend Andean Trails, and Tom, without reservation and aim to use their services again. We heard about Andean Trails from family & by reading travel books. (On spotting a puma on the Paine W trek) The puma was around the Central hotel area on our way up to the Torres, initially seen as two green eyes in the dark at about 30m. We waited at the hotel until half light, tried again only to face it coming aound the corner here. We finally continued 15 minutes later passing it lying in the grass about 20m off the path. Seen by others up to an hour later. One of a pair apparently. Kind of (not) cuddly!
Lars and Susie Smith » Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek
We had a great time. All arrangements were smooth and the guides all great - Jorge in Quito, Gabriel in Mindo and Sebastian for our hiking week. We had walks on the Cotopaxi paramo, and great lunches! And we had another great walk around Quilotoa crater. Our week cruising on Tip Top II in the Galapagos was everything we could have asked for, a fantastic time. Thanks again for organising this trip.
