Kids are kids no matter what!
I recently had the opportunity of visiting some of the Alma projects in Cuzco and interacting with many of the kids. Some of them were shy, some were very excited and spontaneous, some had special needs, and some were super smart!
I have 2 young kids myself, and the entire time I was in Cuzco I was reminded of them. It made me realize that regardless of economic and geographical context, kids behave exactly the same: they have exactly the same needs and should have exactly the same opportunities….but they don’t.
The education system in Peru is getting better. I saw kids in these communities dressed in nice uniforms, using brand new books, but the question is — Is that enough? What is useful in Lima may not really be useful in the remote Peruvian communities. Yes, kids are the same, but the truth is that most of them will live different realities once they reach their adult lives, and they should be prepared for success in each of their unique futures.
And that’s exactly what I like about the Alma Foundation — they do not use a “one model fits all approach.” I realize how key it is to first understand the dynamics of the community. Ian, the project director in Cuzco knows this very well and always gains locals’ trust and respect, which is key for the success of the partnership between the communities and Alma.
Alma touches the life of many kids directly and indirectly. Kids and their education as a foundation for a better life is Alma’s mandate. Seeing this first hand in Cuzco during my trip has been more than a pleasure, it’s been a blessing for me.
