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Upcoming Events

Take the Lead:  A Journey Into the Andes
Sept. 21 - Oct. 2

Leadership and Service Trip. Space is limited for this unique trip. For an application, contact Penelope Eicher or Julie Williamson. 

 All Travel Programs in Peru

Service opportunities at HWF project sites.
For information contact

email JT Wills Travel
Julie at 435. 817. 6680

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WHAT WE DO

Education Projects

Opening Schools
Elders as Educators
Books by Children

The Incan ancestors of the Q’ero people were sophisticated mathematicians, astronomers, and engineers. But in 2004, when Heart Walk Foundation began work with the Q’ero villages, only a handful of the children had ever seen a school, touched a book, or held a pencil. Because education is essential for a life of dignity and a future that is sustainable, HWF has been funding schools in these remote villages. The children are thrilled to be learning. And now their parents can hold hope for a better future for their children and grandchildren. With your help, HWF can open more schools so that every Q’ero child can attend school.

Opening Schools

Q’ero communities bear the financial burden to start schools for their children – impossible for people living in extreme poverty. HWF donors and volunteers have financed the construction of classrooms and teacher salaries in three communities as well as assisting funding two additional village schools. The parents contribute manual labor, including carrying building materials on their backs across many miles of rugged trails to school sites.

As each school demonstrates success, the Peruvian government has begun to assist with partial funding of teacher salaries and construction materials to expand the schools. Our seed money will eventually lead to lasting education programs for generations of future children.

The success of the school projects exemplifies HWF principles of partnership, cooperation, and collaboration with local communities.


Many children walk long distances for the thrill
of reading the first books seen in their village.
Homework must be completed outdoors
or in unlit huts.

Schools are a great source of pride in each village, although very basic with no electricity or water.
Q'ero parents are proud to have the
first-ever schools in their territories.
Need: The villages of Lekepata and Raq’chi are in urgent need of schools. $5000 will build a classroom. $4000 will fund a teacher for one year.

Elders as Educators

Q’ero elders are the most valued and effective transmitters of centuries of acquired knowledge, skills, customs and values to younger generations. To support this vital means of education, HWF has initiated audio recording of the wisdom of the elders. Younger members of the communities are making digital recordings of the elders as they share their stories, knowledge, and history. These recordings will be transcribed in their native Quechua language, then translated into Spanish and English. Finally, audio CDs and books will be produced for the communities.

Need: $200 for the transcription and translation of each recorded story.

Books by Children

Children of Q’eros communities composed stories about life in their village through a special grant from Heart Walk Foundation. These bilingual books in Quechua and Spanish will be published when sufficient funds are raised.

Children learn to read when they understand the content of the stories. However, there are no books about Q’ero life and culture and only a few books in their native Quechua language. HWF is eager to provide all Q’ero classrooms with meaningful reading material that Q’ero children can understand.

Needs
$5000 to print the children’s books and distribute them to rural classrooms.

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