Free education for 60 deprived children in Peru

As 2025 drew to a close, Picaflor House was filled with the vibrant energy of Oropesa’s children. This season, typically defined by gifts and smiles, was made possible by your unwavering support. Because of you, our center remains a vital sanctuary for children facing economic hardship and social vulnerability. Your donations are not just numbers; they are the meals, the books, and the safe spaces that allow our students to dream beyond their circumstances. Thank you for being the backbone of this transformation.

At Picaflor House, what might seem like a "routine" tutoring session is actually a life-changing intervention. In Oropesa, many children return from overcrowded public schools to homes where parents are working long hours in the fields and cannot provide academic support.

When a child sits down for our Reading Club, it isn't just a class, it’s the only hour in their day where they are encouraged to find their own voice. What begins as a "daily task" soon turns into a passion. By providing consistent, daily reinforcement, we ensure that a temporary struggle in math or literacy doesn't turn into a permanent barrier to their future. Your support turns these routine hours into a gateway to opportunity.

Quarterly Impact Overview (Oct–Dec 2025)

• Average assitance: 54 students monthly.
• Nutrition: 1,403 healthy meals served
• Education: 138 instructional hours delivered across Computing, English, and Personal Development.
• Growth: 95% of students showed measurable improvement in literacy and math by year-end.

Key Highlights & Program Development

1. Our computer classes remain some of the most exciting sessions for our students. This quarter, they focused on mastering proper typing techniques and learning the essentials of programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Beyond technical skills, we dedicate time to teaching safe internet exploration, empowering our children to use the web as a powerful tool for curiosity and lifelong learning.

2. Year-End Academic Support: As the school year drew to a close, our center became a hub for intensive study. This is a high-stakes season in Oropesa, and many students relied on Picaflor House to prepare for their final exams and major projects. By providing a focused environment and personalized tutoring, we ensured that our students could reinforce their knowledge, improve their performance, and successfully pass their academic year with confidence.

3. Emotional Intelligence & Social Skills: Led by our volunteer Mia, workshops this quarter focused on emotional regulation. In a community where family stress can be high, learning to say "I feel angry because..." or "I feel grateful for my meal" is a revolutionary act of self-awareness and empathy.

Eco-Friendly Spirits: A Sustainable Halloween Celebration
This October, Picaflor House transformed into a workshop of "eco-creativity." Instead of purchasing new outfits, our students embarked on a mission to give everyday objects a second life. Using only recycled materials, the children learned the vital importance of reuse and environmental responsibility, proving that with a little imagination, "trash" can truly become treasure.

This activity was a powerful way to boost their artistic confidence and problem-solving skills. The festivities culminated in a joyful walk to Oropesa’s main square, where the children showed off their hard work and enjoyed a classic "trick-or-treat" session with the local community. To top off the day, we held a special ceremony to award prizes to the most creative and innovative costumes, celebrating the ingenuity of our young environmentalists. It was a day of pure joy, laughter, and meaningful learning.

Special Event: A Celebration of Achievement & Tradition

In late December, we held our Annual Closing Ceremony, a day filled with pride and gratitude. This event was not just a farewell to the school year, but a powerful recognition of our students' resilience.

• Recognition & Growth: We held a particularly moving tribute for our oldest students, those over the age of 14, acknowledging their journey and encouraging them to remain leaders in their community.

• The "Chocolatada" Tradition: No Andean celebration is complete without a traditional chocolatada. The children enjoyed hot chocolate and panetón, shared gifts, and even received a surprise visit from Santa Claus (Papa Noél), bringing a spark of magic and motivation for the holiday season.

• Showcasing Talent: The students took center stage to show off what they’ve learned. With the dedicated support of our teachers and volunteers, they performed Christmas carols in both English and Spanish, decorated the Picaflor House facilities with their own handmade crafts, and filled the center with a true sense of belonging.

Cultivating Emotional Resilience: The Power of Self-Expression

A highlight of this quarter was our Emotional Intelligence Workshop, led by Mia, a dedicated volunteer from Germany. In a community where children often navigate complex social pressures, developing emotional literacy is a vital life skill. Under Mia’s guidance, students learned to identify, name, and express their feelings constructively. These sessions created a safe harbor for our children to realize that emotions—from joy to frustration—are a universal part of the human experience. By learning to voice their own feelings and listen to their peers, our students are building the empathy and self-awareness needed for a kinder, more supportive community..

Stories of Transformation

Daniela: At the start of the quarter, three-digit subtraction felt impossible for her. Today, she independently completes her worksheets and reads with a fluency that has boosted her entire classroom presence.

Roger: By giving Roger the responsibility of "Mobile Library Monitor," we saw a shy student transform into a confident mentor for younger children. This is the leadership your donations foster.

Carla: Through our "Narrators' Circle," Carla connected her identity with local Andean stories. She went from hiding behind classmates to leading group discussions.

Challenges & Resilience
The end of the year brings challenges: seasonal farming work often calls children to the fields, and intense school exams increase stress. However, 100% of our enrolled children maintained their school enrollment this year—a major victory against the regional dropout crisis.

A Message from Our Families: "I feel grateful because my children are safe, well-fed, and learning. I work all day and cannot help with homework. Picaflor House gives me peace of mind."
Parent of Maria and Raul

A Shared Legacy of Hope: Thank You for Your Support
None of the milestones shared in this report—the academic breakthroughs, the creative workshops, or the festive holiday celebrations—would be possible without your unwavering commitment. Your generosity is the heartbeat of Picaflor House, turning what were once distant dreams into tangible opportunities for the children of Oropesa. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with deep gratitude, knowing that together, we are building a more equitable and compassionate future. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the infinite potential of every child we serve.

Empowering Young Minds Through Education and Care 

In the village of Oropesa, near Cusco in the Peruvian Andes, Picaflor House continues to be a vital education and development hub for children living in underserved rural communities. While thousands of tourists visit nearby Cusco yearly, many local families face entrenched poverty and limited access to quality education. 
Thanks to your support, Picaflor House provides much more than after-school tutoring, children find nutrition, motivation, safety, and the chance to thrive 

Building Resilience and Academic Confidence in Oropesa 

From July to September 2025, we delivered 61 after-school classes, with an average attendance of 49 students. During this period, 2,672 nutritious meals were provided to children who rely on Picaflor House for their wellbeing and academic success. 

Our program delivered 122 hours of instruction across a variety of educational modules, including our newly launched computing classes. Children also participated in workshops on rights education, creativity and sports. 
Teachers continue to focus additional time on students who face the greatest challenges in reading, writing, and developing confidence, ensuring no child is left behind. 

Growing Stronger Together in Rural Cusco 

Picaflor House is not only a space for academic learning and tutoring; it’s a place where children learn to connect, build values, and understand what it means to be part of a community. Here, friendships grow stronger, confidence is nurtured, and every child feels seen and supported. Families frequently share that their children return home feeling safer, more encouraged, and more motivated each week. 

In July, we welcomed a special visit from Pipers Corner School in England. Twenty four students and staff joined us for recreational and volunteer activities, creating a meaningful cultural exchange. This experience allowed Picaflor House children to practice their English, expand their worldview, and learn from peers with different backgrounds and global perspectives. 

In September, our volunteer Elena from Italy organized a special recreational activity focused on teamwork, creativity, and cultural learning. The students prepared pizza from scratch, planning and organizing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and baking it together. It was an exciting experience for children who rarely have the opportunity to engage with other cultures beyond their own community. This activity not only strengthened collaboration but also introduced them to new traditions, helping them appreciate cultural diversity while reinforcing pride in their own identity. 

Throughout her stay, Elena also led workshops on human rights, responsibility, and positive social interaction, equipping students with valuable skills for community life. Her volunteering period has now come to an end, but she leaves a lasting impression on every child at Picaflor House. 

Additionally, volunteers from the Piper Corners School, shared dances and traditional activities from their home country, while our students proudly performed a traditional Peruvian dance. These shared moments not only celebrated diversity but also strengthened the children’s sense of cultural identity, helping them recognize the value of their own heritage while discovering the richness of the world beyond their community. 

Third Quarter Performance and Impact Insights 

• 2,672 meals served to support growth and learning 

• 122 instructional hours delivered in key academic and digital-skills areas 

• Official launch of computer classes, preparing children for a digital future 

• Sports and outdoor activities expanded, including Student Day celebrations and a traditional Peruvian dance performance during the Pipers Corner School visit 

• Children’s Day and Student Day events emphasized inclusion, joy, and community 

• Reading club sessions strengthened literacy, curiosity, and a love of books 

Real Impact: Stories of Growth 

Andrés (10 years old) When Andrés, a 10 year old boy, first joined Picaflor House, he was very shy and hesitant to participate in class. Math exercises felt overwhelming, and reading aloud in front of others made him nervous. Over time, with the patient guidance of our teachers and the supportive environment of his classmates, Andrés began to gain confidence. 

Today, he proudly reads aloud with clear pronunciation, solves math problems on his own, and actively takes part in classroom activities. His transformation goes beyond academics, he has built friendships, learned to express himself, and discovered a sense of belonging within our community. 

Andrés often talks about his dream of becoming a police officer when he grows up, a goal that reflects his growing confidence, discipline, and desire to help others. His story is a beautiful reminder of how education, encouragement, and kindness can empower children to believe in themselves and reach for a brighter future.  

• Sahori and Sury (8 years old): When Sahori and Sury first joined Picaflor House, both girls were very shy and hesitant to participate in class. Their academic levels were below average for their age. Sahori struggled to read fluently, and Sury found math especially difficult, often feeling discouraged when she couldn’t solve the exercises. Reading was not something either of them enjoyed, and they tended to stay quiet and apart from group activities. 

Over the past months,both girls have made remarkable progress. Sahori now reads clearly and with confidence, while Sury has developed strong mathematical reasoning skills and approaches new problems with enthusiasm. Beyond academics, they have both opened up socially, they often smile, laugh, and participate actively in class discussions and games. 

Computer Classes: A Path to a Competitive Future: 

With the support of Pipers Corner School, Picaflor House received a donation of 7 computers and 2 iPads, enabling the launch of our computer lab. 
Thanks to donors like you, we also successfully installed internet connectivity, allowing children to learn essential digital skills such as document creation, presentations, and safe online navigation.This is a major step forward in helping them build future-ready competencies. 

Your Support Creates Lasting Change 

With your continued generosity, children in rural Oropesa now attend school, eat healthy meals, and gain confidence for their future. Your partnership transforms possibility into reality. 

Thank you for believing in them and for being part of the Picaflor House story.