Maria's experience in Valle Sagrado ecovillage (Peru): "In this centre children can see that another world is possible".

At 13.15 we have lunch and at 15h the children start to come in little by little. We do homework with those who have homework from school (usually a couple of worksheets or about four pages of an activity book), then when we finish we prepare a game or joint activity if we see that it is feasible or we separate the children by age or interests so we can play with them. 

The outdoor spaces are used a lot, it is an unbeatable environment and they enjoy it a lot. We have played spinning tops, table football, volleyball, ball games, we have made collages with recycled material, face painting... and Fridays are movie day, so children and adults take the opportunity to watch a film together. 

At the end of the day the children are given a cup of milk and we do a little evaluation. At the end of the day, the little school is tidied up and cleaned and then we leave for dinner at about 19h (it is already dark and cold there). After dinner we usually plan activities of interest to the guests: stargazing, campfire, meditation, games... Life here is very familiar and quiet.

The children of Lamay have great confidence in the project and also in Yuri. This is a space that is far removed from their conventional day-to-day lives. where there is homework, bad humour, disrespect, alcoholism, machismo, violence... and when they come here they see adults who give them love, a lot of love. They are listened to, their motivations are taken into account and it is a space where they can be free, relate positively and see that another world is possible.. More and more children are coming to the project because they are spreading the word among themselves. I think it is a very nice project that has to be consolidated over time but it is gaining the trust of the children and families.

During these days we have made a couple of beautiful collages about Pachamama and the Qechua symbols Amaru Pumac Kuntur. This is a way for them to relate to their culture and to see how people from outside show interest in knowing more about their daily life. All the children have actively participated by painting, looking for the materials... it has been a very nice experience".
Maria, Solidarity trip in Ecoaldea Valle Sagrado (Peru)from 11 to 22 July.