Summer 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We’re excited to share the latest updates from our children’s home in Urubamba, Cusco! Over the past three months, the home has been full of celebrations, learning, volunteer support, and growth. Thanks to your generosity, the children are thriving both academically and personally.

Celebrating Our Children 

Birthdays and Special Moments:

May:
Vanesa turned 13! Despite her mother’s illness, Vanesa’s leadership and faith uplifted her family. Her birthday celebration helped her feel loved, valued, and remembered.

June:
Mariela celebrated her birthday. Now in her 4th year of secondary school, she continues to demonstrate
responsibility and maturity.

July:
The little sisters, Flor de Maria and Ruth Mery, celebrated back-to-back birthdays on July 22 and 23. The joy of cake, hugs, and attention made them feel truly special.

Health & Wellbeing

Most children experienced seasonal colds and influenza. With support from Vida Wasi, a specialized pulmonology clinic, they received care and treatment.

A MINSA health visit screened children for height, weight, and hemoglobin. Results showed healthy growth, good nutrition, and no anemia for most children. New arrivals with slightly lower hemoglobin levels are recovering with a balanced diet.

Vision & Dental Care:

Children received vision screenings and guidance on dental hygiene through creative storytelling.

Learning & Creativity:

Children continue to participate in weaving and arts projects, which help them develop focus, creativity, and relaxation.

Activities such as International Week introduced children to cultures around the world, including cooking Venezuelan and Italian dishes, making flags, and exploring virtual tours of other countries.

Children have been engaging in movement, coordination, and cognitive exercises to strengthen their memory, attention, and creativity.

Maintenance & Home Care

Repairs and upkeep continued: printer fixes, lock replacements, solar reflector adjustments, and addressing sewer pipe clogs to keep the home safe and functional.

Special attention has been given to infrastructure and maintenance to ensure a comfortable environment for the children, especially during Cusco’s coldest months.

Looking Ahead

Psychologists will begin working with children 3-4 times a week in August, supporting emotional well-being.

We continue exploring educational opportunities for children finishing high school, like Flor de Maria, ensuring they can pursue higher education despite funding challenges.

How You Can Help – Current Needs at the Children’s Home

Your support makes a real difference in the daily lives of our children. Here are some of the most urgent and impactful ways donations help:

1. Health & Nutrition 

Seasonal colds, flu, and occasional anemia in new children require medical visits, medications, and iron-rich meals.

Eye and dental care are ongoing needs; contributions help cover vision screenings, dental supplies, and educational tools for proper hygiene.

2. Educational Resources

Many children need extra support with schoolwork, English lessons, and literacy, especially those new to the home.

Supplies such as books, notebooks, educational games, and art materials enable them to learn and grow creatively.

3. Home Maintenance & Safety 

Repairs to plumbing, solar reflectors, locks, and other infrastructure are crucial to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.

Heating and bedding support is especially important during Cusco’s coldest months, keeping children healthy and warm.

4. Higher Education & Educational Opportunities. 

Teenagers finishing high school need assistance to continue their studies at universities or technical schools.

Financial support can cover tuition, transportation and learning materials for motivated students like Flor de Maria and Andrea.