Read about our 2019 trip!

In Peru, indigenous communities are dispersed throughout the Andes Mountains and lack access to many public services, including education. Children must walk several hours to the nearest elementary school and high schools which are often only located in larger town centers, often a distance that is too far of a journey to be made by foot. This lack of access to education presents an even greater challenge for indigenous girls. While many boys move to urban centers to pursue educational opportunities, this same option is not available to most girls.

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Only four in ten Peruvian girls from rural Andean communities will graduate from secondary school. Education for women is an especially important investment as the benefits impact future generations and families. Female education is proven to have a substantial impact on reducing poverty. Studies show that an educated woman is more likely to have a smaller and healthier family, a stronger voice in family negotiations and the ability to advocate for herself and her children.

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Currently the Sacred Valley Project has two dormitories, each supporting separate communities. One dormitory is located in Ollantaytambo, and the other about an hour and a half away in Calca. Some of the girls commute from as far away as a fifteen hour trek from their home village in the Andes. 

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Each dormitory houses twenty girls, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years. An additional ten girls come for tutoring and mentorship. Each dorm has a house mother who is at the home for support and assistance in all aspects of life. 

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Building The Sacred Valley Project, Calca, Peru

Building Humanity will be returning to the Sacred Valley to continue working with The Sacred Valley Project. We will be assisting with building out the 3rd floor which will house extra dormitories and additional study rooms. We will also be helping to finish a retaining wall and add a volleyball court.