Mobile Library
Bringing books and learning to children in rural communities.
On the road
Meet the Mobile Library
Every week, our minivan, two teachers and over 700 books head out to farming villages around Cusco. Watch how the Mobile Library brings reading and learning to children who are often left behind.
The problem
Bringing Education to Children Left Behind by Online Learning
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the nature of learning worldwide has changed dramatically. As schools rapidly shifted their resources online, children without access to the internet or computing devices were left behind. With technology advancing rapidly, this digital divide continues to affect the quality of education in rural Cusco.
Economic constraints further limit educational opportunities in these areas. Many rural communities cannot afford to prioritise schooling over economic activity. In 2021, nearly 46% of primary school children in rural Cusco were also part of the working population, contributing to a widening literacy gap between urban and rural regions.
The shift to online learning has only made this problem worse. According to the Peruvian National Institute of Statistics, only 38% of households in the Cusco region had internet access in 2023, restricting the access to online reading materials. Without sufficient literacy skills, many children are unable to progress into secondary education.
Our answer
Why a Mobile Library?
After discussions with parents and community leaders, we decided that bringing education to the children could be part of the solution. The Picaflor Mobile Library is made up of a minivan, two dedicated teachers and a selection over 700 books and learning materials. The van allows our teachers to travel safely to rural villages and provide fun, insightful classes for over 100 children.
Our focus is on enhancing literary skills, including grammar, comprehension, critical analysis, and reflective reading. According to UNESCO (2024), only one in two people in Latin America demonstrate proficiency in numeracy and literacy. The situation is even more severe in rural Cusco, where farming and religious activities often take precedence over educational activities at home. Poverty and illiteracy are deeply interconnected, each reinforcing the other. This issue persists into adulthood.
With the Mobile Library we aim to stop this cycle and bring enjoyment to learning for the children. One session a week can stimulate the children academically, improve their engagement and stop them from being left behind.
Every week
What We Do
The Picaflor House Mobile Library currently visits farming villages outside of Cusco like Kallarayan on a weekly basis. Every week, our qualified teachers bring new stories and innovative activities. These sessions are tailored to the needs of the children in attendance and might involve helping the five-year-olds with their fine motor skills, or going over more complex language concepts with older kids.
Education isn't only about schoolwork though! The teachers make sure there is time for free-reading, so children of all ages can develop their curiosity and a love for books. Arts and crafts sessions are always a favourite too, so the teachers and volunteers make sure to stock up on art supplies before each visit.
The Picaflor House Mobile Library receives a warm welcome from the children and the parents wherever it goes.
Get involved
Help a Child in Oropesa Thrive
Every donation, volunteer and champion keeps Picaflor House open for the children who need it most.