While still in Washington, I had heard from a local friend about the work of Bruce Peru, a remarkably effective shoestring operation. When I found that even my Lonely Planet Peru guide had a section describing the organization, I determined to go north to Trujillo to see this humble operation that has improved lives throughout Latin America. It was my last stop before returning home a few days ago.
Bruce Thornton, an American, came to Peru in 2001 after years of working on poverty programs in Europe and Latin America. He and his wife, Ana Teresa, who is from a noted Peruvian family and is known to all as Ana Tere, run Bruce Peru. They describe their mission very simply: to prepare street children to enter public schools, and by getting an education, eradicate poverty. A simple goal, but not an easy one in countries where as many as 25% of the children can’t attend school. Even the governments’ free schools cost the parents about $200 per year for uniforms, books and sundries, an impossibility for many families, and some children are even out working.
“It’s important to get them early,” Bruce said, “before they are lost to the streets. Then we have to convince the mothers that in the long run, their children’s education will help the whole family far more than the little they may be earning now as child laborers. Some of those mothers become so convinced, they themselves study, and work as our teachers.”
Bruce Peru attracts foreign volunteers. But the work can sometimes be difficult. “It means going into the barrios, the worst slums, to find the children, often with police along for safety. Volunteers who think it will be a fun-in-the-sun job soon learn otherwise. It has to do with dirt and grime and head lice.”
“And I’m not a fun, Mr. Nice Guy,” Bruce added. “I can’t be. There is too much to do. I’m in my office at 4:30 in the morning, planning, corresponding with the authorities, and attending to business.”
He and Ana Tere have a no-frills life; they live in her mother’s home. To keep expenses down, many of the “schools” are mere shanties, like the kids’ homes. When the students have enough basics to enter public school, Bruce Peru’s work is finished, and it launches a new school in another area. The longest it has kept a school open is four years, the shortest three months.
“Last year we got official recognition that our teaching brings students up to the level of government classes, as equals. Then we provide the necessary uniforms, books and aid, and they are on their way to a better life.”
Here is a video of a Bruce school in Huanchaco, Peru, and another in Quito, Ecuador.
Money is a constant problem. Contributions can be made through the Web site, bruceperu.org. If you are visiting the schools, bring extra garments with you, especially shoes and warm clothing, to leave behind.
Bruce Thornton, an American, came to Peru in 2001 after years of working on poverty programs in Europe and Latin America. He and his wife, Ana Teresa, who is from a noted Peruvian family and is known to all as Ana Tere, run Bruce Peru. They describe their mission very simply: to prepare street children to enter public schools, and by getting an education, eradicate poverty. A simple goal, but not an easy one in countries where as many as 25% of the children can’t attend school. Even the governments’ free schools cost the parents about $200 per year for uniforms, books and sundries, an impossibility for many families, and some children are even out working.
“It’s important to get them early,” Bruce said, “before they are lost to the streets. Then we have to convince the mothers that in the long run, their children’s education will help the whole family far more than the little they may be earning now as child laborers. Some of those mothers become so convinced, they themselves study, and work as our teachers.”
Bruce Peru attracts foreign volunteers. But the work can sometimes be difficult. “It means going into the barrios, the worst slums, to find the children, often with police along for safety. Volunteers who think it will be a fun-in-the-sun job soon learn otherwise. It has to do with dirt and grime and head lice.”
“And I’m not a fun, Mr. Nice Guy,” Bruce added. “I can’t be. There is too much to do. I’m in my office at 4:30 in the morning, planning, corresponding with the authorities, and attending to business.”
He and Ana Tere have a no-frills life; they live in her mother’s home. To keep expenses down, many of the “schools” are mere shanties, like the kids’ homes. When the students have enough basics to enter public school, Bruce Peru’s work is finished, and it launches a new school in another area. The longest it has kept a school open is four years, the shortest three months.
“Last year we got official recognition that our teaching brings students up to the level of government classes, as equals. Then we provide the necessary uniforms, books and aid, and they are on their way to a better life.”
Here is a video of a Bruce school in Huanchaco, Peru, and another in Quito, Ecuador.
Money is a constant problem. Contributions can be made through the Web site, bruceperu.org. If you are visiting the schools, bring extra garments with you, especially shoes and warm clothing, to leave behind.
