Cuncani is a rural community in the province of Calca in the high Andes of southeastern Peru. It is in the Lares district, which is the poorest district in Peru. The community is a 3-hour walk on a dirt road from the nearest village with any shops or commerce. In Cuncani, electricity is available only at the school and community center; most residents burn wood for energy in their rock homes. At an altitude of 13,228 feet, geographically isolated, and with extreme weather conditions, the majority of the estimated population of 350 residents (70 households) are involved in agriculture and/or raising llamas, alpaca, and sheep. Quechua (a Native South American language) is the main language; only about 5% of the population speak some Spanish; and fewer than 10% have attended secondary school.
All things considered, the school in Cuncani is quite impressive. Built with the assistance of Operation Blessing International, it consists of six single story concrete buildings including a new (opened June 2107) library/multimedia center and dining room/kitchen built with a donation from David & Betsy Ahl. It is attended by 70 students and has classes from grades Preschool to Grade 6.
During the tourist season, Cuncani residents often see outsiders camping nearby as the valley is a popular stopping point for hikers on the Lares Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Click on any image for a larger image.
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 Four of the six school buildings. |
 New David & Elizabeth Ahl library and multimedia center. |
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 Dave Ahl raises Peruvian flag for dedication ceremony. |
 Students sing the national anthem. |
 Sandra Arbaiza (OBI) and students wait for ceremony to continue. |
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 Sandra Arbaiza (OBI-Peru), David Ahl, Israel Ramos (Sembrando Vision), Ronda Sherman (OBI), T. Ramos. |
 Plaque on new building. |
 Breaking the traditional bottle of champagne at the new Dining Room entrance. |
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 The old kitchen left much to be desired. |
 Israel Ramos and his twin sons in the new kitchen. |
 The children were eager to try out the new dining room. |
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 Outside the new library / multimedia center. |
 Children were given an Operation Blessing backpack with supplies. |
 The reading end of the new library has 12 desks. |
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 Children were delighted with the balcony in the new library. |
 All the children received new books and a Bible. |
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 For the dedication, the women of Cuncani cooked up a tasty soup |
 and also a huge platter of chicken, lamb, and cheese. |
 People from Operation Blessing with some of the children. |
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 Dave Ahl surrounded by some of the Cuncani school children. |
 With two less-than-thrilled children. |
 Saying our goodbyes. |
Plaque on new building.
