Vidal from Yanque

If you ever get the chance to visit the district of Yanque, you may be entranced by the beauty of this authentic village. Pre-Inca ruins scattered throughout Uyo-Uyo Archaeological Park, off the beaten path day hikes that lead to breath taking viewpoints, it’s easy to get entranced at 11, 210 ft above sea level.

Behind the mist of all this beauty lies of the history of Yanque. Much of the population is of indigenous Quechua decent. 56.28% of the population here state Quechua as their first language. In case you were curious, the Quechua language dates back to the Incan Empire. 

Quechua is an oral language so much of their history is passed down through traditional fiber handicrafts, spinning various fibers and weaving fabrics for both domestic use and foreign sales. Each community uses their own distinct patterns and anthropomorphic designs.

For Vidal and his family, they see a different Yanque. Vidal is one of six kids in his family. His father was the sole income earner in the family but suffered a traumatic accident and could no longer work. Vidal’s future would have been simple and traditional: drop out of school and start working to support the family financially. As this may seem like a noble route, this perpetuates the cycle of poverty for his family.

Instead, Vidal’s parents made the brave decision to send him to Casa Chapi several years ago.

Thanks to you, our generous Quechua Benefit community, he excelled in his studies during his senior year at Paola Frassinetti High School in Arequipa.

He graduated in December 2021 and hopes to attend university to major in culinary arts and nutrition and become a chef.

“To all the kids at Casa Chapi I would tell them to continue studying, make an effort and be dedicated in every activity they do. For me, education in important because it allows me to have development opportunities such a work and a higher quality of life.”

Vidal, we are so proud of your accomplishments and cannot wait to see what you will cook up in the future.