This past February, CHILDREN AT RISK led a transformative learning tour to Lima, Peru. Over six days, our group explored the intersection of healthcare, education, and community-driven initiatives while immersing ourselves in the rich cultural landscape of the capital city. This wasn’t your typical tourist expedition—it was a carefully curated and balanced journey into the heart of Lima’s pediatric health initiatives and educational programs for vulnerable youth with cultural immersion.
Our journey began with a culinary exploration of Lima’s renowned food scene. We walked through a lively fish market, where vendors proudly displayed the morning’s fresh catch, and discovered native fruits like lucuma and cherimoya at a local supermarket. A hands-on cooking class led by a seasoned chef taught us how to prepare classic Peruvian dishes, including ceviche and pisco sours, giving us a firsthand appreciation for the country’s deep culinary traditions.
Beyond the flavors of Peru, our focus was on organizations making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. At Proyecto de Desarrollo Perú Cordilleras, we learned about their work supporting remote Andean communities. Their programs provide essential resources, education, and healthcare to families who would otherwise have little access to such services. The dedication of their team highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts in addressing systemic challenges.
Healthcare access was a key theme of our visit, and our time with Socios en Salud gave us a closer look at how medical professionals are working to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Despite limited resources, their commitment to pediatric care and preventative health measures has made a profound difference for many families.
Education was another critical focus of our tour. While visiting Kantaya, an organization providing afterschool programs for at-risk youth, we saw firsthand how their programs empower children academically and creatively. The stories shared by their team illustrated how safe, structured learning environments can change the trajectory of a child’s future.
The dinner at Astrid y Gastón unfurled as a transcendent culinary journey through Peru’s diverse gastronomic landscape. Housed in a stunning colonial mansion in the San Isidro district, the restaurant—founded by celebrated chef Gastón Acurio and his wife Astrid Gutsche—welcomed us with elegant ambiance and impeccable service. Our tasting menu began with artistic amuse-bouches that playfully introduced native ingredients before progressing through courses that showcased both coastal treasures and Andean heritage. Each dish arrived as a masterpiece of technique and storytelling. Beyond mere dining, Astrid y Gastón offered a profound experience that honored Peru’s culinary traditions while boldly reinventing them, exemplifying why Lima stands among the world’s great food capitals.
Perhaps our most emotional visit was to Inspira, a shelter serving low-income children battling complex diseases and cancer. The courage displayed by these young patients and the dedication of their caregivers left an indelible impression on all of us. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, the children’s spirits remained unbroken, their smiles genuine, their hope palpable.
As we reflected on our time in Lima, we also took moments to appreciate the city’s beauty. Some of our group ventured out to the Palomino Islands, where they encountered sea lions in their natural habitat, while others explored the artistic Barranco District, soaking in the creativity and energy of Lima’s cultural scene.
As we gathered for our final dinner, the conversation flowed with a mixture of gratitude, purpose, and plans for continuing our support from afar. What began as a service trip had evolved into something more profound—a deep connection with Peru’s children and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to improve their futures.
CHILDREN AT RISK is grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with these incredible organizations and looks forward to continuing our work in support of vulnerable children. Until our next journey!