Kusi Kawsay Andean School
Ayni Scholarship Fund
A donation of $1,850 to the Ayni Scholarship Fund covers an entire year’s tuition for a child to attend Kusi Kawsay (Happy Life) Andean School! Many of our students come from a reality that does not honor their indigenous Quechua language and heritage. In contrast, Kusi Kawsay creates an environment that nourishes each student’s whole
being academically, socially, emotionally, physically and culturally. We’re so inspired by the difference we seen in students attending Kusi Kawsay.
“Before attending Kusi Kawsay, I did not know how to read or write, thanks to my teachers and the school’s Ayni Scholarship Fund, I am receiving a valuable education.” - Eliana* 6th grade (*name change)
The meaning of Ayni: Reciprocity
Andean tradition and life is rooted in community and Ayni (Quechua for reciprocity). Reciprocity is a profound guiding principle that is deeply embedded in most Indigenous cultures. It begins by giving first, giving unconditionally and wholeheartedly without expectations attached. Ayni is not to say today for you, tomorrow for me (commonly referred to as the golden rule). Ayni is like breathing. How long can you survive by only inhaling – it is not possible. How long can you survive by only exhaling – it is also not possible. That is the flow of life that is Ayni – inhaling, exhaling – expanding, contracting – giving, receiving. All the momentous work done by Kusi Kawsay is rooted in Ayni.
Reciprocity is a strong commitment to respecting this web of life, yet it is challenged with the many influences of a changing world that does not recognize the importance of interconnectedness and
interdependence. The Kusi Kawsay children, youth and community learn how to be an integral and necessary part of a community, they learn about the importance of gratitude and reciprocity. Andean belief teaches that reciprocity brings balance through responsibility and a conscious way of life. This practice of reciprocity is woven with respect and love which is fundamental to good living, sumaq kawsay, buen vivir and ensures a Happy Life: Kusi Kawsay.
You have the opportunity of Ayni by giving a child an education of a lifetime. Our hope is that this will enrich your life knowing that you are making it possible to protect the seeds of ancestral indigenous wisdom for future generations through the practice of the important values of reciprocity, gratitude, love and respect so vital to all.
“I came to Kusi Kawsay in 4th grade. I was nervous, shy and timid. At Kusi Kawsay my teachers care a lot about me, they even speak Quechua, which makes me feel very happy. During these last two years I learned so many new things and made new friends. Now I am in 6th grade and I am more confident. In our last class presentation I recited my verse, and explained exponents and percentages from our math block in front of my friends, parents and visitors. It made me feel very proud.” These are the words of Eliana* (12), a 6th grade student at Kusi Kawsay.
Eliana is from an indigenous community above Pisac. When she arrived at Kusi Kawsay, she was behind in all her subjects, her handwriting was barely legible and she covered her face when speaking in public. But at Kusi Kawsay, we’ve seen the empowered Eliana emerge. She has caught up 2 grade levels, speaks confidently in public and attracts a wonderful community of friends with her playful and vibrant personality.
Our teachers, fusing Andean culture and tradition with Waldorf pedagogy, foster a joy of learning by helping students delve deeply into subjects like math, literature, reading, the sciences, geography and regional and world history. Along with life skills and tools to navigate the modern world, our students learn about ancestral wisdom and practices tied to the Andean Agrarian Calendar, gaining a deep sense of pride and connection to all living things.
Making a difference
in the lives of children
Recently, students participated in an all-school harvest celebration called Aymuray, following the Andean Calendar, honoring ancestral agrarian ritual and immersed in their cultural heritage as seen in the video above. Our students sang from their hearts and danced with reverence, joyful pride, and confidence. Many students have the opportunity to study at Kusi Kawsay because of scholarships provided through the Ayni Fund.
Our sliding scale tuition amounts to less than 20% of our operating budget. Your donation not only supports Kusi Kawsay students, it provides an entire support system to community, for the students and their families.
Contribute to the Ayni Scholarship Fund to safeguard the education of students knowing you are enabling a child’s sense of dignity, self-esteem, cultural identity and belief in their future.
Please know that any amount you give is welcomed so that Kusi Kawsay may provide the following:
If you are moved by our vision, please join us by giving to the Ayni Scholarship Fund especially in these times when we all need inspiration more than ever.
Thank you for your ongoing support and contributions.
From the Kusi Kawsay Andean School, our staff, teachers, students and community:
Urpillay Sonqollay
(Expression of gratitude in Quechua)
Giving to the Ayni Scholarship Fund provides an integral educational experience that supports families, builds community, and has a positive impact for the world at large by promoting education for sustainable development, and serving as an inspirational model. From curriculum development to teacher training, from parent workshops to community outreach, from wellbeing programs to nutrition awareness, from cultural celebrations to exchanges, from agrarian practices to classroom learning, your support helps provide an educational atmosphere that is vibrant – academically, artistically, culturally, and socially.
For information on how to contribute to Kusi Kawsay please visit here.
Please contact us with any questions.
Donations for Kusi Kawsay can be made through Pachamama’s Path, our 501(c)(3) in the United States. For ways to give US tax-deductible donations please see here.
Thank you for being part of this transformative exchange. By giving, may you receive the gift of knowing that you are sowing seeds of joy and growth.
GIVING