In 2010, a group of friends from university, currently professionals in the area of development communication, dedicated their internship to a social project in the community of Tankarpata. They finally decided to continue with the project because of the various problems caused by the economic and social inequalities.
At the end of the year, the project became a non-profit civil association, known as « CooperarPerú » (registration certificate number : 11116229). The objective of this association is to help improving the development of the rural community of Tankarpata and its children.
Today, CooperarPeru works in the area of education, health and community development, with more than 50 children, between 3 and 14 years old.
This community is located at distance of 20 minutes from the historical center of Cusco. In spite of its proximity to the city of Cusco, the community of Tankarpata does not have access to drinking water and does not have any sewers. It directly affects the health of the families and their children. Besides, it can be seen in the scholar development of the children. Alcoholism is also present in some families, which often generates abuses and violent behaviors.
One example which demonstrates the success of our social collaboration – another departure point for our organization – is the support that we brought in January 2010 when heavy rain left many children and their family with nothing. As founders of CooperarPéru, we got together to support the community of Tankarpata.
This project does not have as a unique objective to teach children how to count and read correctly; but how to become better individuals on personal and human level, and be agents of positive change, responsible for development of their community. We want to create and reinforce the bonds uniting the volunteers with our children. This is not a school but a project of support which combines education and social aspects. The objective is to prevent from academic failure by facilitating the opportunities of learning and supporting children who are socially excluded and disposed to give up their studies. It is first of all a preventing project. Being aware of it, it is only together that we can find solving and change the future of these children.