CULTURAL STRENGTHENING CENTERS
Cultural Strengthening Centers (CSCs) are community spaces sponsored by EKOAMAZON that promote culture, education, and sustainable living. While EKOAMAZON establishes these centers, they are run by local committees composed of teachers, students, parents, and community leaders. The first CSC in Santa Maria de Fatima was built two years ago.
Returning to Peru for the second time, I was eager to visit the Cultural Strengthening Centers. After last year’s experience, we organized an event called Night of Exploration, where we invited friends, classmates, family, and staff to hear our stories. During the event, we sold crafts that we had collected through trade in the villages in exchange for clothing. By the end of the night, we had raised enough funds to help sponsor the construction of three additional CSCs.
On our first day, we visited each center to see how the construction had progressed. While all the centers were completed, they had not yet been put to full use. We had meaningful conversations with community leaders and teachers about how these spaces would enhance education and serve as gathering places. We visited Manati Zona I, Rafael Belaunde Zona II, and Timicuro I Zona—each community welcoming us with warmth and excitement. Many residents expressed their gratitude for our support and eagerly shared their plans for how the centers would benefit them in the future.
As we stood in the packed rooms, taking in the energy and enthusiasm around us, we couldn’t help but smile. These centers were more than just buildings; they were a testament to the impact of our efforts. For the seven girls who had returned, it was a powerful reminder of how our hard work was making a difference. For the first-time visitors, it reinforced an important message: our nine days together were just the beginning—there is so much more we can accomplish.
Cultural Strengthening Centers (CSCs) are community spaces sponsored by EKOAMAZON that promote culture, education, and sustainable living. While EKOAMAZON establishes these centers, they are run by local committees composed of teachers, students, parents, and community leaders. The first CSC in Santa Maria de Fatima was built two years ago.
Returning to Peru for the second time, I was eager to visit the Cultural Strengthening Centers. After last year’s experience, we organized an event called Night of Exploration, where we invited friends, classmates, family, and staff to hear our stories. During the event, we sold crafts that we had collected through trade in the villages in exchange for clothing. By the end of the night, we had raised enough funds to help sponsor the construction of three additional CSCs.
On our first day, we visited each center to see how the construction had progressed. While all the centers were completed, they had not yet been put to full use. We had meaningful conversations with community leaders and teachers about how these spaces would enhance education and serve as gathering places. We visited Manati Zona I, Rafael Belaunde Zona II, and Timicuro I Zona—each community welcoming us with warmth and excitement. Many residents expressed their gratitude for our support and eagerly shared their plans for how the centers would benefit them in the future.
As we stood in the packed rooms, taking in the energy and enthusiasm around us, we couldn’t help but smile. These centers were more than just buildings; they were a testament to the impact of our efforts. For the seven girls who had returned, it was a powerful reminder of how our hard work was making a difference. For the first-time visitors, it reinforced an important message: our nine days together were just the beginning—there is so much more we can accomplish.
Cultural Strengthening Centers (CSCs) are community spaces sponsored by EKOAMAZON that promote culture, education, and sustainable living. While EKOAMAZON establishes these centers, they are run by local committees composed of teachers, students, parents, and community leaders. The first CSC in Santa Maria de Fatima was built two years ago.
Returning to Peru for the second time, I was eager to visit the Cultural Strengthening Centers. After last year’s experience, we organized an event called Night of Exploration, where we invited friends, classmates, family, and staff to hear our stories. During the event, we sold crafts that we had collected through trade in the villages in exchange for clothing. By the end of the night, we had raised enough funds to help sponsor the construction of three additional CSCs.
On our first day, we visited each center to see how the construction had progressed. While all the centers were completed, they had not yet been put to full use. We had meaningful conversations with community leaders and teachers about how these spaces would enhance education and serve as gathering places. We visited Manati Zona I, Rafael Belaunde Zona II, and Timicuro I Zona—each community welcoming us with warmth and excitement. Many residents expressed their gratitude for our support and eagerly shared their plans for how the centers would benefit them in the future.
As we stood in the packed rooms, taking in the energy and enthusiasm around us, we couldn’t help but smile. These centers were more than just buildings; they were a testament to the impact of our efforts. For the seven girls who had returned, it was a powerful reminder of how our hard work was making a difference. For the first-time visitors, it reinforced an important message: our nine days together were just the beginning—there is so much more we can accomplish.
by ALLY ZEMKE