We have been fortunate enough to be part of this incredible project since the start of 2019. The Sol y Luna Foundation provides education and support to children from extreme poverty, in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
It was founded by Petit & Franz, a French/Swiss couple who settled in the Sacred Valley following their relocation to Peru. Almost immediately, Petit started volunteering at schools and shelters and witnessed the significant need for education and support for the children living in this remote region. She also spotted another need, a quality hotel for travellers wanting to explore the stunning landscape and rich Inca heritage of the Sacred Valley, with its close proximity to Machu Picchu. In 1998 the building of the school began, which would eventually be an educational refuge for 200 underprivileged children. Hotel Sol y Luna, the region’s first sustainable hotel, followed two years later and continues to fund the running of the school and foster home.
The project was born with the purpose of providing a safe and caring home for children across the Sacred Valley, many of whom are victims of abandonment or domestic violence. The region is the agricultural heart of the country, and lack of basic infrastructure in remote areas limits families to farming and housework. The Foundation’s vision is to offer access to free education to children aged four to seventeen, as well as food, clothing, school equipment and vital psychological support.
In 2015, Paqari was created as a centre for children with different abilities. Besides special education, the students receive therapy and rehabilitation according to their needs, as well as psychological counselling and social support, which is also offered to the entire family. Paqari works alongside the school so the children can play and eat lunch together, with the intention of integrating the students and in turn, removing any stigma.
In 2017 the first Sol y Luna students graduated. By this time, the school was taking over 200 students, taught by an amazing team of qualified teachers from Lima. Two years later, the Sol y Luna House was born, providing a permanent home to children who are victims of abandonment, or are living in extremely poor or violent conditions.
We encourage guests at Sol y Luna to visit the school, which can be done via your travel designer or the hotel concierge with a little advance notice and a small donation. As our charity partner, we contribute $50 per traveller towards much needed school & medical supplies, clothing and food.
The incredible work of Petit and the team has led to the education, health and happiness of hundreds of children and we are thrilled to be supporting this incredible cause.
