Update from Taucca, Peru Hands of Hope:

Dear friends of Hands of Hope,

      
I apologize for being less than timely with my update from the summer. The summer flew by like the blink of an eye, and this fall has been a continual whirlwind of activity and obligations. Anyways, I would like to share a little of last summer's outcomes with the community of Taucca, Peru. 

      
Instead of remaining a primary school from kindergarten to third grade, the Ministry of Education has now granted permission for the school to expand through 4th grade this year, and 5th grade next year. The 2 teachers and all the mothers seem happy that their children will all attend from ages 3 to age 10 or 11 at one location.Then the children will venture off to secondary school for 6th grade through 11th grade. The school population has grown now from 23 students to 32.
       

As always, Hands of Hope went several times to bring fruit and spend time with the children and mothers. We brought hand made crocheted and knitted hats, calculators, and purchased new dishes for the school to use when serving meals. Our large purchase was new uniforms for all and good quality sturdy school shoes - the kind most Peruvian school children wear. Since they've had the the previous uniforms for 4 years and many of the students have moved on to the next school as well as the increase each year of new incoming students - it seemed like a reasonable request. After much dialogue between children, mothers, and teachers the color was chosen - grape (uva)   

      
Much of the time spent with the mothers in the community was meeting to discuss plans to help them become more self sustaining. They toyed with several ideas from raising pigs to sell, selling eggs, starting a cuy farm. I told them that Hands of Hope was willing to give the initial money for what they needed to get them started. However, we didn't have anything solidified before I left, yet they assured me that they would have a plan when I return. I continually have to remind myself that all will unfold in time as long as we keep taking steps toward achieving the outcome. 

     
Peru, the place I call home, continues to open my heart to the inner peace and that comes with a more simple life. Thank you all for the continued support.

With gratitude,
Dana