Huachipa

Last week I visited an all girls school/residence in Huachipa.  Girls aged 14-18 come from the interior amazonian regions ("La Selva", or Jungle region) to live and study here.  Girls stay for three to five years and learn different trades like cosmetology, hair dressing, or how to bake bread and run a bakery.  Once they graduate, they return to their communities and are able to generate income for themselves and their families.  The girls also grow their own crops and harvest their own fruits and vegetables (pictures 1 & 3).  Picture 2 is of the dining room where they all gather to eat, and the last one is of a beautiful statue in their own little chapel that is also on-site.   I spoke to a group of girls and they were excited about having the opportunity to learn new skills.  Many also expressed missing their families, but were hopeful and positive about being able to support themselves and contribute to their communities.  I will remember their strength when I feel homesick!