Project Launch:

A $500 grant from World Connect's Kids to Kids Program supported a preschool in Calango, Peru in constructing a new classroom, converting space for a kitchen, and creating an organic garden that promotes healthy eating. The new classroom replaces a dilapidated classroom that was constructed from old plywood and corrugated tin, where little or no sunlight entered the room through a cut out "window" and where there was no insulation. "Pre-school is a first step in the formative years of a child's education and a comfortable learning environment can go a long way in positively affecting a child's attitude about education. The old plywood classroom was then converted into a new kitchen. The school, which receives monthly food donations of beans and rice from community organizations, had inadequate space to store and prepare food. Along with the new classroom and kitchen, the unused green space in the school yard was converted into an organic garden. A nutritionist from the Health Post taught the cook, teachers, and students about healthy eating habits. Students were involved in planting the garden and help maintain it, which project leaders hope will build a foundation for creating healthy eating habits.