Who we are

In Ollantaytambo going to the university is only a dream for the ones who can afford it. Many students have to balance school, work, and family. Family is always the main perrogative for the students. the High School in Ollantaytambo is an under-funded institution that lacks necessary resources such as materials and college prep courses. Class sizes range from 30-50 students a class. Most of the students have the capabilities for higher education but lack the funds to obtain it and the skills to pass the college entrance exam.
At the center we Offer courses that prepare students for the entrance exam for univrsities in Cuzco and elsewhere in Peru. This entails studying mainly verbal and mathamatic reasoning. The center is also a great place to do homework because many students do not have a place to study since the library of Ollantaytambo was torn down. The course is not mandatory and students give their own time. Currently the class has 25 senior students but we hope to expand and allow juniors to attend as well. Students work at group tables to promote discussion. It is also an easier way of working together unlike the small single desks of the local high school. Since about 10% of the student body comes from Ollantaytambo and 90% from neighboring towns and mountain communities we offer free food for the students to assist them in their studies. Along with college preperation, we have recently created a literature program for the students as well. This program emphasizes advance reading and writing skills. Students read through famous Latin American literature and poetry. Then, they do their own writing and finish it all off with a reading and weekly discussions of award winning book 100 years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, A Nobel Laureate. It is one thing to learn but it is another thing to be able to express your learning eloquently. The goal of our project is that in the future the center will be well funded enough to support funds for food, teachers, resources, and college tuitions. We believe in long-term work and hope to better the country of Peru by beginning to further better the minds that will bring change to not only the community of Ollantaytambo but Peru in General. Thank you.