New School Bathrooms for the Shipibo Children

The Shipibo are one of many Indigenous groups of the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. One of the many communities they reside in is known as Bena Jema, located in Pucallpa. Their local school for the Indigenous children does not receive government assistance, and with many children from poverty-stricken families who cannot financially support their needs, many essential resources are scarce. We have previously done fundraisers which have brought much-needed furniture and supplies to the school with much success! The director of the school has notified us that their bathrooms are in very poor condition and they are hoping for support in helping to update them for the children, who start their school year in February/March.

The Bena Jema school teaches subjects including math, science, art, and language. As a school for the Shipibo indigenous culture, they also incorporate teachings of their community, such as weaving, embroidery, making arrows, and other traditional handicrafts. The initial grades teach children ages from 3 years old to 5 years old. The primary grades teach children ages from 6 years old to 13 years old. After they turn 13, it is common for them to work with their family and in their community or farming, planting bananas and yucca.

We are happy to continue our support for this community and the school! The financial goal to make this happens feels so achievable to get the children a few functioning bathrooms in their school.