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 Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW), Quechua for "House of the People of the Sun" is a local non-profit organization based in Cuzco that acts as a haven for 50 children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty. The home is open during the day and is run by a staff of volunteer teachers and social workers. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily drop-in to receive help with homework, a warm meal and participate in classes and workshops that teach them valuable skills including jewelry making, leather working, sewing, cooking, music and English.
In December 2006, the children and staff of IRW were evicted forcing them to find a new home to rent. Due to the increasing cost of rent and lack of support from the government, they have been forced to move numerous times within the past 7 years. This has very been disruptive to the children and staff.
 Throughout 2006, we raised $31,500 USD that was needed to purchase a piece of land on which construction of a new home was to be built. However, we have recently been advised by IRW that the house they have been renting as an interim solution is now for sale. It is a big house with a garden and has enough space to expand their program to support more children. It is in a good location, close to the main square and in an area where there are many children living in extreme poverty. Purchasing this home is an alternative that will meet their immediate and future needs.
The cost of the house is $95,000 USD. Our goal is to continue fundraising through events and donations from travellers to help IRW purchase the house as soon as possible instead of having them struggle to meet the high cost of rent each month. This will ensure children have a place where they can grow with love and with people they trust. It will also be a place where they may develop into people with strong values, with self-esteem, with dreams and hope for the future.
Please know every donation helps. Thank you for your support.
Planeterra Donation Breakdown
 2004: $400 - Our donation was used to purchase a stove in order to provide children with daily warm meal and to provide cooking classes.
2005: $815 - This donation provided funding for the children to participate in day trips visiting historical, educational and cultural sites around Cuzco which they otherwise would not have the opportunity to visit.
2006: $31,500 was raised towards our goal to help purchase a home for more street children children in Cuzco.
For more information about House of the People of the Sun please visit their website here
To watch a video with footage from our visit to House of the People of the Sun in April 2006, please click here
To help support this project please donate now
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