Peru is a beautiful country with a rich culture that is experiencing rapid growth, but facing the large challenge of distributing that opportunity to all its citizens. In the area where we work, many people don't finish high school and few make it to college. Despite the difficult life many families lead, they value education. For the last 3 years, we have been working with the local community to provide valuable educational opportunities for children and adults. Our main goals are to improve literacy, empower adolescents, present educational tools to those in need, encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and give value to the practice of art in all its forms. At present, we are working to achieve those goals by maintaining a community education center in Coya with the hope of repeating that success in similar communities. Read the full manifesto and see the most recent budget for more information.
We welcome volunteers from every corner of the world. At AbrePuertas our volunteers are encouraged to design their own workshop or series of classes and share their own unique talents. We are here to help every step of the way with translations, advice, transportation, and enthusiasm. We also offer certificates for volunteer work upon request. There is no monetary fee for volunteering, but we happily accept material donations upon arrival. We also request that part-time volunteers make a minimum commitment of one month to the project, in order to be able to form good relationships with the children and families.
Whatever we were doing be it reading books, growing grass out of homemade "Mr. Potato Heads", relay races, scavenger hunts, puppet shows, or making and flying kites, the youth were enthusiastic and cooperative... AbrePuertas, like the town it is in, is a modest place. The funds are limited but the creativity and passion is not and that is what makes the place so special.
Arielle Aronoff, US
Dear AbrePuertas, not only do you open doors for the children of Coya, you have also opened your doors for me and for that I am really grateful! Thanks so much for helping me to do my masters research in Coya and I have loved working with you and the children. Highlights were the painting of the building and the huatia oven that collapsed, haha. Love to all of you!
Nienke Jansen, Holland
I did not realize that my work at AbrePuertas was more than just educating young children until a few weeks of volunteering. Once I became friends with the children I was spending time with, I realized that I, and everyone at AbrePuertas, was creating more opportunity for them; and it is inspiring to imagine how they may choose to take advantage of that opportunity.
Tomas Sowles, US
Nestled in the Sacred Valley, Coya is a gem. And the children in the town are what makes it sparkle. AbrePuertas is a wonderful organization that opens a space for kids to partake in the creativity of learning, while letting the volunteers partake in the creativity of the kids themselves. My first day I was nervous that my rocky Spanish would betray me, but the children were so excited to play and mime that the language was not a concern. We learned about centripetal force through a science experiment with a bucket and water, and one of the girls ended up with a lesson in gravity's strength as the water came tumbling down from the bucket because she didn't quite swing it fast enough. I think she laughed louder than everyone else. Volunteering at AbrePuertas connected me to Peru. I made friends there and learned more about a beautiful country than any four day hike could provide.
Kelsey Kilgore, US
If you have any questions about AbrePuertas or would like to contribute in any way feel free to contact us. We prefer email, but you can call as well at +51 993484404, +51 973582815, or +51 084 238181. To donate please send checks made out to "Asociacion AbrePuertas" to the Lyons National Bank at: 205 Liberty Street, Penn Yan, NY, 14527. We prefer checks because 100% of your donation goes directly to AbrePuertas, however you may also donate via Paypal. For material donations, our mailing address is Asociacion AbrePuertas, Urb. Covituc B-3, San Sebastian, Cusco.
© AbrePuertas 2016
