In  Mazamari, Satipo Province, Junín Department, in the central Peruvian jungle, lies the  Beato Juníperra Children’s Village, an educational institution that combines academic education, cultural training, and religious values ​​for children in vulnerable situations. To reach this educational enclave, you must cross the Andes Mountains in a small plane and then travel by land along roads surrounded by dense vegetation and green hills.

Origin and mission of the village

The village was founded by Father Joaquín Ferrer, who, inspired by faith, decided to create a safe space to welcome orphaned children who were victims of Peru’s internal armed conflict. According to Mother Carmen, the institution’s current director, the father’s decision came after meeting a boy who had lost his entire family and implored him for help:  “Father Joaquín, do something for us.”

With the support of the Franciscan Sisters of Copacabana, the village has established itself as an educational center that respects the cultural diversity of the region and offers comprehensive training based on three pillars:  pedagogical, intercultural, and Catholic.

Inclusive education and training workshops

Currently, the school serves more than 900 students, including 200 children from Satipo’s native communities, many of which are difficult to reach. During their first year of secondary school, students participate in various workshops and then choose one to further their studies throughout their secondary education. Among the options are the clothing industry, carpentry, agriculture, nutrition, and cosmetology.

The educational approach seeks to ensure that students not only learn a technique, but also acquire tools for entrepreneurship and generating income, allowing them to pursue higher education if they so desire. The methodology combines theory and practice, adapting to the resources available in the community, such as natural materials from the region, promoting creativity and innovation.

Cultural preservation and values

The Children’s Village also integrates Amazonian culture into its daily life. Students wear the cushma, a traditional garment from the jungle, and participate in activities that reflect their cultural heritage. The icons and symbols they wear represent the identity of each community, while teachers foster respect for cultural diversity and pride in their roots.

Furthermore, spiritual formation   is a central focus: children pray the Rosary daily and attend Mass on Sundays and holidays, reinforcing the values ​​of faith, solidarity, and mutual respect.

Village Life: Comprehensive Learning

Education extends beyond the classroom. Students participate in the educational farm, where they care for animals and learn about nutrition, responsibility, and teamwork. Daily activities, which include prayer, cleaning, and community life, seek to develop well-rounded individuals capable of facing the challenges of their environment.

An example of social commitment

The Beato Juníperra Children’s Village represents a model of inclusive and transformative education in the Peruvian jungle. Its approach combines academic teaching, cultural formation, and spirituality, demonstrating how education can be an engine of development and hope for vulnerable communities.

With more than three decades of work, this institution continues to be a benchmark for child protection and the promotion of local talent, demonstrating that, even in remote areas, it is possible to provide quality education and preserve cultural identity.