Literacy in Lake Titicaca Peru: December 2010

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

World Challenge Expeditions in Ticanipampa-Atuncolla

World Challenge Expeditions has been a faithful supporter of the Literacy in Lake Titicaca project since 1998. Hundreds of young high school students from England and other countries have passed through Lake Titicaca and its surroundings, building libraries, bathrooms, and playgrounds. They also bring books and furniture for the libraries.

The pictures you see are from a recent 2006 project in Ticanipampa, Atuncolla district. The students, who were no more than 17 years old, rolled up their sleeves and worked side by side with the local people, painting and renovating the library room at the Ticanipampa school.

Today, this library is heavily used by students of Ticanipampa school and we see a positive change in their self-esteem.

Victor Artemio Pauca

Our Story

Peru is a country very rich in culture. Our music, dance, textiles, and archeology are well-known around the world. Peruvians love to express their cultural heritage everywhere, at school functions, holidays, etc. However, in terms of literacy Peru is much further behind due to lack of government funding and the low quality of existing programs. Fine arts, philosophy, and other liberal arts in the high Andes receive very little attention. Currently, many children lack a true joy of reading and learning. This insufficiency in education is encouraging a generation of poorly trained professionals, technicians, and educated parents.

In the Literacy in Lake Titicaca project, our dream is to help change the lives of disadvantaged children in Lake Titicaca and its surroundings by promoting reading, theatre, and other activities. We do so by building libraries in public schools, bringing books to local communities, and working together with local people. We rely on donations made by visitors, companies and other individuals as well as on volunteers who come to work with the children in our libraries.

We hope that through this effort children in Lake Titicaca and its surroundings can become stronger students and benefit from more opportunities than previous generations.