While in Arequipa we visited the homework club at the Cuna Jardin Corazon de Jesus. 17 children from six to 12 years come after their school day ends and do homework under the supervision of two tutors. Upon arrival they have something to eat prior to starting thier homework. I was impressed with the level the students were working at and how focused each one was on completing their work.

Photos here: https://pbase.com/…/2026_04_17_cuna_jardin_homework_class

IRID visit: the entrance and with the Director Mauricio. There’s been some improvements in the yard, with an increased activity area with additional covering for protection from the sun’s high UVA. Also, there are now three new horses for therapeutic riding.

More photos here: https://pbase.com/tracyk/2026_03_19_irid_visit

While I’ve been in Arequipa I’ve visted both the Cuna Jardin Corazon de Jesus and the El Instituto de Rehabilitación Integral para Discapacitados (IRID). While the area where we live is relatively safe there is increased crime in the city which affects both agencies. In discussion with the Director at the Cuna Jardin there are on-going security concerns in the area where the children’s families live and we were not able to go on home visits. For it’s protection, the Cuna Jardin has installed security cameras and now has a night security person

From: Clove.co.uk blog:

Recent data and reports indicate a concerning increase in criminal activities within the Peruvian region of Arequipa. Authorities and local stakeholders are voicing growing alarm over the rise in security incidents, which have affected public safety, economic stability, and social cohesion.

“…, over the past year, there has been a marked uptick in various forms of crime, including theft, assault, and organized criminal activities. Experts attribute this increase to a combination of factors such as economic challenges, the proliferation of illicit markets, and insufficient policing resources.

Local businesses express concerns over the safety of their premises and employees, leading to increased costs for security measures. Additionally, the psychological toll on the community exacerbates social divides, contributing to a climate of mistrust.”

The Cuna Jardin is in full operation with a total of 90 children from two to five years old. As well, there are 11 older children in a homework club. Fortunately, despite the heavy rains in February the only damage was from leakage from an adjoining building which damaged the shared wall and a bookcase that was next to the wall.

Link to more photos, visiting each of the classrooms and with the Director Marianela Fuentes: https://pbase.com/tracyk/2026_03_18_cuna_jardin_visit

Janaury 2026 flooding in Arequipa, including in Sabandia where the Instituto de Rehabilitación Integral para Discapacitados (IRID ) the centre for handicapped children that SUPC supports is located. The rainy season usually starts in February, this year it started early and was been extremely damaging this year: overflowing ravines and mudslides destroying everything in its path including vehicles and homes.

Both IRID and the Cuna Jardin escaped major damage but the children’s families and neighbourhoods in the surrounding areas were devestated.

Six dead and more than 4,000 affected by the rain

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, please donate to SUPC to support IRID and the Cuna Jardin, Corazon de Jesus.

While in Arequipa I visited both IRID and the Cuna Jardin, Corazon de Jesus. When we visited the Instituto de Rehabilitación Integral para Discapacitados (IRID) we were shown the ongoing improvements at the Centre.

Work continues on the new building for the older residents, with one of the training rooms on the lower level almost finished. Rain damaged part of the ceiling and it needs repair.

Massive improvments in the outside play area are also ongoing – a protective canopy covers the area (Outside of the rainy season the sun in Arequipa is intense and has an extreme UV rating), Plans are for artifical turf in the area, as the ground becomes muddy and the area not useable during the rainy season.

Residents are caring for the flock of sheep IRID now has and once the pens are completed in a few months the Centre will have additional animals: cuy (guinea pigs), ducks, geese and pigs.

The Cuna Jardin, now has almost 100 children from two to five years. A health and safety inspection last November required some upgrades for safety including installing an alarm in case of an earthquake and emergency lighting in case power is cut. As well, new paint which hasn’t flaked in the heavy rains (a common problem in Arequipa, with many schools not able to open at the start of school year in March because of damage from rain).

In discussion with the Director she mentioned that there’s increased insecurityand crime in the area where many of the children’s famlies live.

IRID photos here: https://pbase.com/tracyk/2025_04_04_irid_visit

Cuna Jardin photos here: https://pbase.com/tracyk/2025_03_14_visit_cuna_jardin