The Joy of Learning
Friday has always been the best day of the week. After my first dip into the world of work, I’ve realised there’s no feeling quite like it. Even better, however, is the Friday afternoon atmosphere at Picaflor House. It’s a time when children have free rein, choosing from a range of activities - from competitive board games and football matches to drawing sessions. Last Friday, I popped down to Oropesa to join in and returned with a deeper appreciation for their programme. Here, children are truly encouraged to feed their imagination. Picaflor is the perfect place for that, providing a safe and supportive environment.
Holistic Education at Picaflor: Our Approach
Holistic education may seem like a buzzword with little substance, but it is a crucial part of development. Broadly speaking, it encompasses all aspects of individual growth: not just academic progress, but also physical development, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Now, on Fridays, the team incorporates these skills into engaging activities for every age group.
One of the newest and most cherished games is the weekly football match with Noah, our fundraising intern. Although he's still learning Spanish, the children love communicating with him on the pitch—through the universal language of football. They also enjoy asking me to tell him about their favourite Dutch players, making it a fun way for them to expand their global knowledge.
If football is not your jam, a calmer option is teacher Miluska's crochet workshop. Over the months, the children have learnt to create a variety of accessories, the most popular being a scarf: for the colder evenings in Cusco. It’s the perfect task (at any age) to develop perseverance and creativity as one wrong loop can throw off your design. Notably, the older children take pride in helping the younger ones with their craft, teaching them the importance of sharing and collaboration.
The Simple Delight of Games
A longtime favourite at Picaflor is the games room. From Guess Who and Snap to Jenga, the children have the freedom to choose their games, thanks to generous donations. Most games have an educational twist, encouraging learning whilst having fun. I have a newfound love for Jenga, thanks to my weekly games with Estrella and Andrea—such a simple game with high stakes! Of course, there are times when students disagree, but that’s the magic of this time: they are learning to compromise and express their opinions eloquently.
I could go on for pages and pages about the different games. The children have truly invented some marvellous ones especially on the adored climbing frame. However, just as important as the fun is the safety that Picaflor provides.
Safety and Joy Go Hand in Hand
Offering a safe and secure playground is a vital part of our mission: it’s the very reason our founder, Jim, established the school in Oropesa. For many children, staying safe at playtime just means avoiding a fall from a tree or dodging flying footballs. In rural Peru, safety is a much bigger concern: limited supervision leaves children facing greater risks.
As many of the families in Oropesa work long hours, they are not able to pick up their children when the government school closes at lunch. This when Picaflor enters the scene: it’s not just a place for learning but also a free and safe afterschool club. The families can feel confident that their children are under the care of trusted teachers and volunteers, rather than playing on the street. Fifteen years ago, when Jim first visited Oropesa, he was struck by the number of primary-aged children playing alone in the streets. Today, those children are playing at Picaflor.
Most importantly, these afternoons allow children to be children. Many in Oropesa take on adult responsibilities prematurely, such as looking after a sibling or pet. This is not the fault of the parents; it is simply the reality. Work must come first to put food on the table. For this reason, the Picaflor Kindergarten is vital: it enables older siblings to bring their younger brothers and sisters, knowing they are in the hands of our wonderful teachers. Whilst it is always positive to see siblings play together, it is important for older children to be free and creative without the responsibility of childcare.
Your Donations Matter for Future Fridays
We are always looking for new ways to make Fridays more engaging for the children. Each year, we are fortunate to welcome talented volunteers who introduce innovative games from their own cultures. However, maintaining our play equipment is just as important.
We aim to secure more funding and donations to expand our selection of games and replenish our football stock. Playtime is a vital part of life for the children at Picaflor, and every donation makes a real impact on the quality of our programme.
As Ruth, our school coordinator, puts it so well: "Picaflor is a place where we want children to learn new things every day whilst having fun." This Friday truly encapsulated this message, and with your support, we can continue to provide even more enriching experiences for the children.
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