This past week, Dear Future embarked on a meaningful journey into the mountains of Huánuco, Peru. Our mission was twofold: to purchase the school materials we’ll distribute to students in March 2025 and to bring some holiday cheer to the children we support throughout the year.
Bringing Holiday Tradition to Remote Communities
As part of our Christmas outreach, we distributed panetones—a beloved Peruvian holiday treat. For many families in the communities we serve, enjoying a panetón is a luxury they cannot afford. By gifting this sweet bread to the children, we aimed to share a small but significant joy of the holiday season.
This year, we distributed panetones to 350 students across nine schools in the remote mountains of Huánuco, as well as to the Casa del Buen Trato Hovde, a safe house for girls under 18 near Huánuco. The schools included:
San Isidro de Visag
San José de Cayrán
Caserío Yanayacu
San Juan de la Libertad
San Luis de Llincag
Caserío Carancho
Puca Puca
Buenos Aires de Churubamba
Yarumayo
The logistics of reaching these schools were no small feat. Most are at least an hour away from our hub the city of Huánuco; all these schools are deep in the mountains. The roads were challenging—narrow, steep, and winding—and the altitude was imposing. At one point, we reached an elevation of 13,100 feet, where even walking a few steps required careful pacing. And though it wasn't our final destination altitude, this number was recorded from our phones when we had service.
Due to road closures, we couldn’t visit Caserío Yanayacu in person and we entrusted the delivery of our panetones to the school principal, who was more than willing to help. Similarly, we couldn’t reach Yarumayo and Buenos Aires de Churubamba due to time constraints, but the school principals volunteered to pick up the panetones and distribute them to their students when able. All our principals and teachers understand the value of photos, and before we even asked, they volunteered to ensure we received photographs.
Building Trust Through Presence
While delivering Christmas gifts was a secondary goal of our trip, it is an essential part of our mission to remind the students that we care about them, their education, and their well-being. It also allows us to strengthen trust with the teachers and parents in these communities.
In some areas, parents are particularly wary of strangers due to the rising threats of illegal mining and its impact on their communities, including fears of child abduction. By maintaining regular and positive contact with these schools, we help alleviate these concerns and reinforce our commitment to their children’s safety and education.
Preparing for the March 2025 School Supply Giveaway
The primary purpose of our visit was to lay the groundwork for the upcoming school supply giveaway in March 2025. This trip allowed us to finalize purchases, assess needs, and coordinate with school leadership.
Our presence also reinforces the message to students and parents that education matters, and we’re here to support their journey. The Christmas gifts serve as a bridge, reminding them that we’ll return in March with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
In Great Company: Paul Batson Joins Our Journey to Huánuco
On this trip into the breathtaking Andes of Huánuco, we were fortunate to have a special volunteer join us: Paul Batson. Paul brought with him not only a passion for giving back but also an incredible talent for photography and a genuine warmth that resonated with the children and communities we visited.
Volunteers like Paul remind us of the importance of shared experiences in charitable work. His efforts not only amplified the impact of this mission but also served as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion.
Paul, thank you for joining us on this unforgettable trip and for being such an incredible part of the Dear Future family. Your contributions, both behind the camera and in the hearts of the children, are deeply appreciated.
Looking Ahead
This week was a reminder of the importance of perseverance, planning, and personal connection in our work. Despite the challenges of remote travel and high altitudes, the smiles on the children’s faces and the gratitude of their teachers and parents made every effort worthwhile.
As we gear up for the school year ahead, we’re grateful for the continued support of our donors and partners who make it possible to reach these remote communities. Together, we’re making education accessible, even in the farthest corners of the world.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we prepare for the 2025 school year!
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