Our History

Jim Elliott, founder of Globalteer, decides to replicate his successful education project from Cambodia in Peru. He visits 20+ villages trying to find the spot most in need. The Oropesa community opens its arms to us. We start Picaflor House in a classroom in the public school. Our staff consists of the programme director and one teacher who focuses on tutoring and homework assistance.

Due to generous funding support, we are able to rent a building to run Picaflor House. Therefore adding 4 classrooms and an area for the kids to play. The space allows us to set up a formal teaching programme and hire additional teachers. Picaflor House starts maths, literacy, art, and English classes.

Choi comes to volunteer at Picaflor House. During her time she realises that because older kids have to stay home to take care of their younger siblings they are not able to attend our programme. She proposes a kindergarten programme to resolve this issue, which she decides to fund. Choi becomes an avid supporter and returns each year.

The demand for Picaflor exceeds our space. Therefore, new programme director, Luz, has to set a maximum of 60 students to enroll.

Thanks to an increase in funding we are able to add one more member of staff. This enables us to increase the capacity to 80 students. Additionally, Choi also decides to help us tackle nutrition. Some students are late to our 3:00 pm programme because they have to walk long distances between their school, home, and Picaflor in order to receive lunch. Equally as many students come to Picaflor not having any food that day. Choi sponsors our lunch and snack programme to provide much needed support.

Picaflor House receives a grant from LATA to promote literacy and English. We are able to hire a specialist English teacher, Lynn, and purchase materials such as books. Lynn gives the English programme a complete revamp and gives it a much-needed structure which we still use today.

One of Lynn's English students wins a Cusco English competition. He beats out many students who go to elite private schools.

May - July: Intern, Emily, expands our Child Protection Policy to address teaching children about safety and keeping themselves safe. She creates our child safety modules and our Child Safety Programme is born.

July: We receive a kind donation from Khelo to build a new playground that the kids can't get enough of.

October: Interns, Maddie and Alejandra complete the lesson plans for the Child Safety Modules and implement the first lessons into the classroom.

2020 was an unprecedented year due to the pandemic, disrupting daily life worldwide. Despite challenges, we remained committed to supporting families and children. Our child protection program was postponed, but we adapted by distributing food baskets to families struggling during lockdown.

Since July, we’ve provided 89 baskets to 45 families, ensuring 80 children receive essential nutrition. We also monitored children's education, assisting those without internet or devices. Although schools remained closed, our focus shifted to sustaining families and preparing for the future. The crisis reinforced the value of community, resilience, and mutual support.

The first half of 2021 remained challenging, with ongoing restrictions and school closures. To support struggling families, we distributed food baskets. In June, we relocated to a larger space, providing more room for children to play and learn. We also launched a Mobile Library to assist rural children without internet access.

By July, outdoor activities were allowed, and we reopened with smaller groups. Teachers focused on catching students up, as many had fallen behind. Despite setbacks, children made progress, and their enthusiasm for learning grew, marking a hopeful step forward

In early 2022, grant funding allowed us to expand Picaflor House, completing two new classrooms by March. With eight rooms now in use, we provide quality education and nutritious lunches, thanks to a new greenhouse and dedicated chefs. Due to the program’s success, we plan to expand the kitchen.

The Mobile Library, launched in January, serves five rural communities, reaching 90 children weekly. Teachers support literacy development, while interns engage younger siblings in learning activities. Through these efforts, we continue improving education and well-being for children in Cusco and beyond.

In 2023, Picaflor House enriched students' lives through holistic education, child safety classes, and women's empowerment programs. We provided essential eye care, ensuring students could learn effectively. Our food program offered daily nutritious meals, addressing food insecurity.

Partnering with PAWS, we taught responsible pet ownership. The Mobile Library expanded access to books and learning for rural children. Through community outreach and support, we fostered academic, emotional, and physical well-being, empowering students and strengthening the Oropesa community.

2024 was a transformative year at Picaflor House, marked by increased attendance, new volunteers, and diverse learning experiences. From English lessons to Taekwondo, kite-flying, and crochet workshops, children thrived academically and creatively. Our bio-garden flourished, providing fresh meals and sustainability lessons.

The Mobile Library expanded, reaching rural communities to combat literacy challenges. Teachers introduced innovative strategies like Word Hospital to strengthen grammar skills. Despite weather and food insecurity challenges, Picaflor remained a safe, enriching space. With continued support, we aim to grow our programs, ensuring every child leaves saying, "I learned something new today, and I had fun!