Agustin is from Cancha Cancha, a rural community that is home to only about 25 families, sitting at 4000 metres above sea level. To complete high-school, Agustin would walk three hours one way from his community, every day, climbing up and down a mountain, completing his homework en route. He is one of eight siblings in a Quechua-speaking one-bedroom household. Because of Mosqoy’s support and Agustin’s top-of-class status, he will be studying Tourism at CENFOTUR in Cusco - the most prestigious tourism institute in Cusco, accredited across the nation! Agustin wishes to set an example for his siblings and the other youth in his community, and to prove to himself that - despite the adversity that comes your way, and the few back steps you may have to do, “Yes, you can.”

Elim is from the community of Llanchu, above Calca, in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Elim hopes to study Hotel Administration at a post-secondary institute in Cusco, and to one day become a role-model in her community and employ graduates from the Mosqoy Youth Program. She also wishes to use the knowledge and tools she gains to support her mother, who makes beautiful textiles. Elim is currently working hard to pass the entrance exams, as she is facing a lot of competition from her fellow peers, as well as classmates who had better access to high-school education. We are supporting her at every step of the way and providing her with preparatory academies and tutors.

Nohemi is from Mendosayoc, an extremely remote community that is approximately a three-day trip from Cusco, on the border of the Andes and the Amazon. There is no high school in Mendosayoc, so Nohemi left her community at age 12 and moved to Calca, where she completed her secondary education. Now, because of Mosqoy’s support, she will be studying at a post-secondary institute in Cusco. Nohemi hopes to return to her hometown once she graduates and support her community and family. Nohemi is a strong advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women in education. She feels lucky that her family supported her to pursue her studies, “even though she was a girl.”

Alejandro is from the annex of Acopata above the rural community of Cancha Cancha, which sits between two glaciers at 4600 metres above sea level. He has displayed incredible self-determination and hard work, living independently most of his life while working to support himself to complete his secondary education. Alejandro loves to work with his hands and help his community members by being there for them when they need it; he therefore has decided to become a mechanic, and will be enrolling in the Senati Technical Institute in Cusco, with Mosqoy’s support. He also loves languages, so will be learning English while studying with us in Cusco. He already speaks Quechua and Spanish, and hopes to learn many more!