Manchay

Manchay is an impoverished suburb (slum) on the outskirts in Lima. In Manchay, the situation at most schools is distressing. Manchay was formed as a community in the 1980‘s, primarily with people who were driven from their homes in other parts of the country by the Shining Path terrorist activities. Manchay’s current population is between 60,000 and 80,000 people, of which approximately 50% live in extreme poverty. Many homes have an income below $20 per month and only 1% of our school community has a regular income.

Manchay children are behind in their development. They are far behind in essential subjects, such as writing, reading and mathematics. The lack of teacher capabilities - their education, academic skills, and motivation – combined with the high number of kids per classroom, the poor building structures, and the lack of stimulation from parents all culminate into severe problems. In Manchay, people are living day-by-day, struggling to survive. There is no long-term vision or hope.