Awamaki's Teach-to-Teach program organized and trained a cooperative of young women to be Spanish teachers. Though tourism is a powerful economic force in the Sacred Valley, rural women lack access to the opportunities that it brings. As Spanish teachers, these women are able to participate in the tourist economy and earn an income to support their families. This project supports the cooperative by funding ongoing teacher training and helping market the school to increase the number of students.
The town of Ollantaytambo is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Tourism is a powerful economic force here, driving significant economic growth. However, economic growth has failed to change the lives of the most marginalized populations. Women especially have faced limited access to economic opportunities, as they are left responsible for all childcare and heavy domestic chores. The little paid work that available to most women is part-time and menial.
By providing ongoing training and support to the teachers, Awamaki enables them to develop and launch a high-quality, well-respected Spanish school. To do this, the teachers require not only teacher training, but also skills in leadership and business administration. This project funds investments in the teachers' skills, in their school's infrastructure, and in the long-term reputation and marketability of their school.
Before undergoing teacher training with Awamaki, the women had no skills or reliable income with which to care for their children. By offering the opportunity for both, the project has changed their lives and the lives of their families. The women earn a steady income to support themselves and their families. Their children attend better schools and they have invested in their homes and land. Their work is part-time, flexible and allows them to fulfill their domestic responsibilities. Moreover,
