As we shelter at home through the remainder of the school year, our sister school, Kusi Kawsay Andean School, in Pisac, in Peru’s Sacred Valley, is also navigating the challenges of maintaining community and encouraging learning for its students.

We want to share a few beautiful photos from the school and, below, introduce the concept “ayllu,” which the school shared with its extended community in their April 2020 newsletter.

Our Andean culture and traditions are rooted in building and nourishing community. We share food, music, stories and more as a community. During these troubling times, encouraged to practice physical distancing, is very difficult for the needs our hearth and soul. We are guiding our community through these challenging times as best as we can.

Ayllu means community in Runa Simi. Ayllu – Comunidad – Community. This year, we are embracing our Ayllu, near and far, sharing, as we always do, to build towards a future that respects, honors and celebrates life.

As we all practice patience during uncertainty, we are well aware that this crisis is affecting all of us, emotionally, physically, economically. Our Ayllu is working very hard to ensure our students and their families well-being.

We will also be sharing with our supporters, allies, partners and international community, what is happening in Peru and stories, songs, photos and words to carry us into a hopeful tomorrow.

Click here to visit Kusi Kawsay Andean School’s website and learn more about this amazing community of families and teachers.