By Rodrigo Pereyra | Fundraising Officer
As 2025 drew to a close, Picaflor House was filled with the vibrant energy of Oropesa’s children. This season, typically defined by gifts and smiles, was made possible by your unwavering support. Because of you, our center remains a vital sanctuary for children facing economic hardship and social vulnerability. Your donations are not just numbers; they are the meals, the books, and the safe spaces that allow our students to dream beyond their circumstances. Thank you for being the backbone of this transformation.
At Picaflor House, what might seem like a "routine" tutoring session is actually a life-changing intervention. In Oropesa, many children return from overcrowded public schools to homes where parents are working long hours in the fields and cannot provide academic support.
When a child sits down for our Reading Club, it isn't just a class, it’s the only hour in their day where they are encouraged to find their own voice. What begins as a "daily task" soon turns into a passion. By providing consistent, daily reinforcement, we ensure that a temporary struggle in math or literacy doesn't turn into a permanent barrier to their future. Your support turns these routine hours into a gateway to opportunity.
Quarterly Impact Overview (Oct–Dec 2025)
Key Highlights & Program Development
1. Our computer classes remain some of the most exciting sessions for our students. This quarter, they focused on mastering proper typing techniques and learning the essentials of programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Beyond technical skills, we dedicate time to teaching safe internet exploration, empowering our children to use the web as a powerful tool for curiosity and lifelong learning.
2. Year-End Academic Support: As the school year drew to a close, our center became a hub for intensive study. This is a high-stakes season in Oropesa, and many students relied on Picaflor House to prepare for their final exams and major projects. By providing a focused environment and personalized tutoring, we ensured that our students could reinforce their knowledge, improve their performance, and successfully pass their academic year with confidence.
3. Emotional Intelligence & Social Skills: Led by our volunteer Mia, workshops this quarter focused on emotional regulation. In a community where family stress can be high, learning to say "I feel angry because..." or "I feel grateful for my meal" is a revolutionary act of self-awareness and empathy.
Eco-Friendly Spirits: A Sustainable Halloween Celebration
This October, Picaflor House transformed into a workshop of "eco-creativity." Instead of purchasing new outfits, our students embarked on a mission to give everyday objects a second life. Using only recycled materials, the children learned the vital importance of reuse and environmental responsibility, proving that with a little imagination, "trash" can truly become treasure.
This activity was a powerful way to boost their artistic confidence and problem-solving skills. The festivities culminated in a joyful walk to Oropesa’s main square, where the children showed off their hard work and enjoyed a classic "trick-or-treat" session with the local community. To top off the day, we held a special ceremony to award prizes to the most creative and innovative costumes, celebrating the ingenuity of our young environmentalists. It was a day of pure joy, laughter, and meaningful learning.
Special Event: A Celebration of Achievement & Tradition
In late December, we held our Annual Closing Ceremony, a day filled with pride and gratitude. This event was not just a farewell to the school year, but a powerful recognition of our students' resilience.
Recognition & Growth: We held a particularly moving tribute for our oldest students, those over the age of 14, acknowledging their journey and encouraging them to remain leaders in their community.
The "Chocolatada" Tradition: No Andean celebration is complete without a traditional chocolatada. The children enjoyed hot chocolate and panetón, shared gifts, and even received a surprise visit from Santa Claus (Papa Noél), bringing a spark of magic and motivation for the holiday season.
Showcasing Talent: The students took center stage to show off what they’ve learned. With the dedicated support of our teachers and volunteers, they performed Christmas carols in both English and Spanish, decorated the Picaflor House facilities with their own handmade crafts, and filled the center with a true sense of belonging.
Cultivating Emotional Resilience: The Power of Self-Expression
A highlight of this quarter was our Emotional Intelligence Workshop, led by Mia, a dedicated volunteer from Germany. In a community where children often navigate complex social pressures, developing emotional literacy is a vital life skill. Under Mia’s guidance, students learned to identify, name, and express their feelings constructively. These sessions created a safe harbor for our children to realize that emotions—from joy to frustration—are a universal part of the human experience. By learning to voice their own feelings and listen to their peers, our students are building the empathy and self-awareness needed for a kinder, more supportive community..
Stories of Transformation
Daniela: At the start of the quarter, three-digit subtraction felt impossible for her. Today, she independently completes her worksheets and reads with a fluency that has boosted her entire classroom presence.
Roger: By giving Roger the responsibility of "Mobile Library Monitor," we saw a shy student transform into a confident mentor for younger children. This is the leadership your donations foster.
Carla: Through our "Narrators' Circle," Carla connected her identity with local Andean stories. She went from hiding behind classmates to leading group discussions.
Challenges & Resilience
The end of the year brings challenges: seasonal farming work often calls children to the fields, and intense school exams increase stress. However, 100% of our enrolled children maintained their school enrollment this year—a major victory against the regional dropout crisis.
A Message from Our Families: "I feel grateful because my children are safe, well-fed, and learning. I work all day and cannot help with homework. Picaflor House gives me peace of mind."
Parent of Maria and Raul
A Shared Legacy of Hope: Thank You for Your Support
None of the milestones shared in this report—the academic breakthroughs, the creative workshops, or the festive holiday celebrations—would be possible without your unwavering commitment. Your generosity is the heartbeat of Picaflor House, turning what were once distant dreams into tangible opportunities for the children of Oropesa. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with deep gratitude, knowing that together, we are building a more equitable and compassionate future. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the infinite potential of every child we serve.
By Rodrigo Pereyra Jemio | Fundraising Officer
By Jim Elliott | Project Leader
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