Help Build Sacha Wawa: Nature Inspired Play Space in Peru

Welcome to Sacha Wawa, an educational, nature-inspired play space for local children in the Andes region of Peru. Our mission is to create a safe, inspiring, and plastic-free environment where children can learn, play, and develop key life skills in harmony with nature. All of these qualities are a rarity in our part of the world and our mission is to bring them into the lives of the children from a young age so that they can be well - equipped and resourced to be responsible, well rounded and conscious adults one day.

What is Sacha Wawa?

In the indigenous Quechua language, “Sacha Wawa” means Children’s Forest. Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we are building a sustainable, community-driven play and learning center designed for children aged 0-12 years old (though all ages are welcome!).

What We Offer:

Nature-Based Learning – Rooted in Montessori & Waldorf principles

A Plastic-Free Environment – Wooden toys, handmade furniture, and eco-conscious play areas

Child-Led Play & Exploration – Open playtime, creative workshops, and educational classes

Community Support – Parent workshops, support groups, and even monthly date-night childcare

Our approach fosters independent, confident, and environmentally-conscious children who will carry these values into adulthood.

Why Sacha Wawa is Needed

The children in our local communities often lack access to high-quality play and learning environments. Many schools still follow outdated educational models, and access to alternative education is limited.

We believe that:

Children learn best through play.

Nature is the greatest teacher.

Every child deserves a nurturing, inspiring environment.

By supporting Sacha Wawa, you are helping create a space that prioritizes curiosity, creativity, and connection to our Earth.

Where We Are Now & What We Need

We began with an empty lot in Pisac, Peru, and have been building everything by hand, employing local builders, artisans, and craftspeople. So far, we’ve invested over $15,000 in construction.

We now need an additional $30,000 to complete and launch Sacha Wawa by April 2025.

How Your Donation Helps:

* Finish building the treehouse & play structures

* Train teachers in Nature Schooling, Montessori, & Waldorf methods

* Create a children’s garden for Earth stewardship & hands-on learning

* Fund a plastic-free environment by hiring local artisans to handcraft wooden toys & furniture

* Provide scholarships for local children from low-income families

Every dollar helps turn this dream into a reality.

The Bigger Vision – Beyond 2025

Once we are fully operational, Sacha Wawa will become self-sustaining, with revenue from programs supporting ongoing costs.

Our Future Goals:

Expand into a fully registered alternative school

Offer more scholarships for local children

Become a model for eco-conscious education in Peru

Your support will lay the foundation for generations of children to experience learning in a way that honors nature, culture, and creativity.

Join Us in Creating This Vision

We, our children, and the children (and parents) of our community will be so grateful for any and all support that we receive. We shall continue to update this page with our progress and express our gratitude through different ways. One of the Andean principles that we are based upon is the principle of reciprocity, Ayni as it is known here in the communities. This is the sacred balance of giving and receiving and we are in the process of establishing how we can give back, to our children, our community, to you, and the whole community of life. All support received will receive a token of our gratitude, Ayllumasicunapaq - for all our families and relations.

How You Can Help:

Donate – Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!

Share – Spread the word with friends, family, and on social media!

Together, we can give the children of the Sacred Valley a space to learn, grow, and thrive. Every contribution brings us closer—thank you for your generosity.