Our Programs

The Light and Leadership Initiative's (LLI) main focus is to empower our participants through education and to form leaders in the Huaycan community. We believe that lasting change will come to Huaycan through quality education. Most residents live below the poverty line and have little access to quality education. LLI offers educational programs to support both women and children in their struggle out of poverty. We now serve over 150 students weekly in Huaycan and the Ate-Vitarte district, impacting their education for a brighter future!

Women's Programs

The families of Huaycan moved closer to Lima in order to improve their lives and get a better education for their children, but improving the well-being of women has often been left out of the equation. Light and Leadership offers a women's empowerment program, Aristan project, English classes, computer classes, and Spanish Literacy.

Click here to read full descriptions of our women's programs...

Children's Programs

Light and Leadership offers classes and programs for children in four zones in Huaycan: Zone D, Z, S, and R. These programs, typically offered for ages 7-17, balance learning the classroom with fun outside. Additionally, our program site is a safe place for kids to come for homework help, have fun with friends, and learn the importance of education and community leadership.

Click here to read full description of our children's programs...

Why Huaycan?

According to the World Economic Forum, Peru's education system was ranked last in math and science test scores and second to last in overall quality of education (2007). The Light and Leadership Initiative supports Huaycan, a shantytown located outside of Lima, in order to reinforce learning in Huaycan's schools.

Huaycan is comprised of approximately 180,000 inhabitants, nearly all of which live below the poverty line. Huaycan is broken up into several different zones, or districts. LLI offers the most programs in Zone D and Zone Z, as well as other zones. Zone Z is located on the edge of Huaycan and is one of the poorest and the most neglected zones.

View more photos of Huaycan in our Photo Gallery

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