Access to education in rural areas of Peru is notoriously problematic and Ccorca is no exception. Children from as young as 7 must walk for up to 8 hours each day to get to and from school. Inevitably, they arrive too tired to concentrate and many give up on their education altogether. 48% of the district’s population are illiterate and just 15% of children meet national reading standards. ALMT are supporting the psychological support programme – Abiyay, which means ‘to equip for a voyage’ in Quechua.

It’s a fundamental pillar of Amantani’s work and takes place in Amantani’s boarding houses which currently accommodate 60 children aged between 7-18. Abiyay is built on a multi-faceted approach supporting children through individual therapy sessions, as well as participatory group exercises. Work is also carried out with the children’s parents in order to create a more harmonious family life back home. A specialist team, including two experienced part-time psychologists, is uniquely placed to drive forward this project. Helping children to manage the psychological damage caused by abusive and traumatic upbringings will help them to prosper in every aspect of their lives. Young people will be able to develop their self-confidence, autonomy and ability to connect with their peers. This will help them to become more resilient to the challenges they face as a Quechua person growing up in Peru.