PEI Frequently Asked Questions

Why Peru?
Two reasons: Peru currently has one of the highest economic growth rates, and it also has arguably one of the worst public educational systems in Latin America. The economic stability of the country will assure that the cost of funding educational programs will not increase by a large percent on a yearly basis.  As of right now, Peru´s inflation rate is 2.5%, the lowest in South America (CIA Factbook). Peru has the foundation for major economic and social growth, but also the third highest poverty rate in South America, slightly behind Bolivia and Guyana (CIA Factbook). Peru´s income distribution, a good indicator of educational resource distribution, is also one of the worst in South America (CIA Factbook). Peru´s economic growth is helping to alleviate the plight of its poorest citizens at a much slower rate than it is improving the lives of the middleclass. PEI is less concerned about the politics of these asymmetries than with helping those in need. The stability of Peru, the dire need for poverty alleviation, and its receptivity to outside help make Peru a perfect place to help the needy.

When will students be chosen?
Students will be chosen between December 1st and January 10th of every year. An application process will be held from October 1st until January 10th at participating primary schools. Students that have shown academic excellence will be given a chance to fill out the application and earn a spot at a private school. From three participating schools, there will be forty-five total applicants. Three will be chosen for the 2008 school year and more every year thereafter depending on funds.

Why private schools?
Peru is consistently rated as one of the worst scholastic systems in Latin America. State-run schools are making progress, but are still painfully inadequate. Simultaneously, Peru has one of the fastest growing economies in the region. The difference between public and private education is, like the income gap, closing at an extremely slow rate. That being said, education is more important now than ever before. The opportunities that are available to students educated at private schools have grown tremendously. Students from private schools have the chance to access universities and take advantage of the growing economy. Those from public high schools have a much lower rate of high school graduation and an even lower rate of college matriculation. Although Peruvian universities have grown, the schools that feed into the university system are becoming more and more difficult for the poor to access.

Why so much?
Lima is the capital city of Peru. It is also one of the few areas where the extremely poor are geographically proximate to educational resources. Rural poverty is extremely high in Peru (64 %) (World Bank). However, lack of educational opportunities is often a secondary concern to running water, medical care, proper nutrition, and the continuing internal conflict. Lima provides a unique opportunity for the poor to access the resources available to the middle and upper-class.

Will there be culture shock, and what will you do to assuage it?
Yes. Students will be coming from poor backgrounds, and will be attending schools with predominantly middle to upper-middle class students. There will be socioeconomic and often times racial differences. But, it is integral to the development of Peru that the tradition of social stratification be undermined. Students will also be tutored during their summer break (January-February) to help them acclimate to the new academic rigor and their new experiences. Additionally, the schools that have committed to participating in this program were specifically chosen because of their willingness to help these children.

I see that a lot of the schools are parochial or have a religious affiliation. Why?
Private schools started by and maintained by church parishes make up the majority of schools based in Lima. The Catholic Church, as in the United States and Europe, is very involved in the education of the population. Peru is 89% Catholic (Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática). Altruistic institutions, educational or not, are almost always religiously based. PEI is not affiliated with the Church, although it does seek donations from any and all religious organizations that are concerned with poverty alleviation. Private secular schools do exist, but most cost even more than the already hefty price of a private Catholic secondary education, largely due to the fact that public schools don't receive funds from tithing.

Does Peruvian Education Initiative have a religious affiliation?
No. We work with all organizations and institutions committed to helping others, and that does oftentimes include religious organizations. There is no requisite affiliation to serve, be associated with, or to be assisted by PEI.

Why are the fundraising goals higher than the costs?
In order to create a sustainable program, we must make our money work for us. That means that a fund must be started that can earn a return on the money raised. This will allow future students to benefit. Additionally, such a fund will create financial stability for the students who are already sponsored by giving them a rainy day fund. Currently, PEI is looking to save for the upcoming year and looking for ways to invest the money so that a self-sustaining income stream will allow for growth of the project.

Why not sponsor a whole school?
Changing the shortcomings of a whole school is something that can only be done with a significant amount of time and commitment. It would involve raising teacher salaries, lengthening the school day, raising standards (and providing the support to help students meet them), and assuring that schools have proper teaching materials. Peru’s educational system will take many years to reform. This program aims to help the students who have shown the desire and potential to further their education. This is our most efficient use of time and money. High quality students exist; they just need to be given a chance.

How were the public schools chosen?
Public schools in Manchay, a poor district in the Pachamac section of Lima, that showed a high level of administrative competence were asked to partner with PEI. PEI is committed to working with schools, not to working around them. Because it is imperative that students be guided through their imminent challenges, PEI sought to partner with schools that 1) showed a demonstrated enthusiasm for the program, 2) had good school leadership, and 3) understood the principles behind the program. Schools were chosen based on their ability to contribute to their students’ future success.

How were the private schools chosen?
Private schools with moderate price level ($100-200 per month) that demonstrated evidence of high university matriculation rates were asked to participate.

How to contribute?
Several ways. 1) Donate directly to the schools on behalf of the student. 2) Donate to PEI. 3) Participate in our events 4) Purchase items being sold to benefit PEI.

When will students matriculate?
February-March of 2008. The start date differs for the three different schools.

Why Manchay?
Manchay is an economically depressed section of Lima that is close to La Molina, a district that has the majority of elite private schools in Lima. The physical proximity makes Manchay a particularly good candidate amongst the many poor areas of Lima in which to find needy students. Students will be a short commute away from their new schools.