Today we visited an after school program on the outskirts of Cusco, in a neighbourhood named Kallpanchis. We took a cab up one of the mountains with Octavio and several others from Hope, one of Alma’s partner organizations, crossing over the train tracks in the middle of this neighbourhood and arriving at the library.
Once inside, we were introduced to the director, who explained that the children come to this program to study English, mathematics, and complete any homework that they get from school. After speaking with one of the volunteers, I made my way towards a group of boys studying math at the far end of the room. Being from Cusco, these children were significantly more outgoing towards us foreigners than rural children. The boys, Eric, Yhobed, and Jose were full of energy and eager to share their work with me. We chatted about their studies for about ten minutes before they began to explain their true passions to me: computer games and football. Funny enough, the game that they enjoyed the most was one that Phil and I used to play when we were younger. We bonded over the intricacies of the game as well as our favourite soccer players for nearly 30 minutes. Afterwards, they insisted that I add them on Facebook and we said farewell.
Next, Phil and I got some information about the goals and the impact of the project from the director. She then introduced us to Doris, a 15 year old, outstanding student in the program. Doris was friendly, contagiously ambitious, and articulate. See Phil’s recording of our conversation with Doris for more.
After saying our goodbyes we left the library and were immediately stuck by the beauty of the view of Cusco in front of us. A quick photo shoot with Octavio and many steps later, Phil and I arrived home, just in time for a Los Toldos chicken dinner.
– Benjamin
