In the dark days of winter as the year came to a close, our amazing donors delivered bright lights and hope through the power of their gifts to help the Q’ero people of Peru.

Our November 28 Giving Tuesday campaign topped our goal of $8000!  In addition to the amazing individual donations, a dedicated supporter matched all gifts to double the amount raised.

Together with their end-of-year donations, throughout the year Heart Walk Foundation supporters empowered us to meet our 2018 commitments to the Q’ero people to fund three teachers, provide educational materials for the new high school classrooms, and continue small-scale agricultural projects for better nutrition in the remote Q’ero villages.

After the wall plaster has dried in the new classrooms, the parents will paint them bright colors. Then representatives from Peru’s Ministry of Education will dedicate this first-ever high school in the Hapu Q’ero region.

Since 2004, the elders had been asking for schools for their children. Over the years, through the generosity of our donors we have helped fund 17 total classrooms in five villages.  Now every child can attend school starting at age 3 and continue through graduation. Teen boys no longer are compelled to live alone in cities far from home if they want to complete high school. And teen girls are able to attend high school for the first time ever.

In addition to educational instruction, all students receive nutritious meals and develop hygiene practices at school where they clean themselves with soap, washcloths, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Today’s Q’ero youth are now able to become tomorrow’s leaders to direct their community’s future.

Photo Gallery: Our donors recently provided hot chocolate and bread to children for Christmas. After the plaster dries, the parents will paint the new classrooms bright colors. All children can now attend school from age 3 to high school completion.