Author: Lauren Haas

The common room is where our young people hang out, do homework, play games, and watch movies. It’s also filled with books.

We believe sharing chores is a vital part of the family bond. Our young people all work together to keep our house and garden running smoothly.

Watching our young people grow into adulthood and commit themselves to their dreams is the best part of our jobs here at Niños del Sol. And Ada has made us so proud. We couldn’t wait to share this news with you.

We’ve been looking forward to sharing these photos with you! Here’s a description of this year’s big adventure from Avishai.

Recently, our little Gael (the son of Maria Flor) had his hair cutting ceremony, and we wanted to share it with you.

Here at Niños del Sol, we’ve always been dedicated to raising kids who have the tools to be leaders in their communities. As our kids make the difficult transition into adulthood, our program is constantly evolving to meet that challenge in new ways.

Last summer, our generous donors all pitched in to send two of our young women to Israel to volunteer on a kibbutz for one year. I’m very happy to report that Ray Shael and Guadalupe are doing wonderfully!

Love manifests in mysterious and beautiful ways in the universe. This month we got to experience its power in a surprising way.

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Christine McArdle, the director of a school called Om Shree Om currently located in Spain.

I’m really excited to share that we have new laptops for some of our kids!

They’ve been trying to attend remote school with laptops that are 12 to 15 years old. We’ve been engaged in a constant cycle of frustrating malfunctions and expensive repairs.

Outings and adventures are so important for teenagers and young adults.

These experiences our kids the opportunity to learn about the world and build their self-confidence. They’re also bonding as a family and creating a reservoir of positive feelings that can carry them through the inevitable challenges of getting along together in a group living situation.

As many of you know, Doris went to volunteer on a kibbutz in Israel for one year (although the pandemic kept her there another six months!).

She spent most of two years in the desert, doing hard farm work growing organic dates and living in a community of volunteers from around the world.

Here’s her story in her own words for you, with lots of photos!

I am Ray Shael Gutiérres Mamani,

I am now 22 years old , I grew up with the Niños del Sol family since I was 4 years old.

I lived with Mama Kia, after her passing and our going from hand to hand we finally become a family when Viviana and Avishai arrived.

Hello friends.

I am Guadalupe Centeno Tipe,

I grew up at the Mama Kia home since I was 4 years old,. Today I’m 25 years old and I belong now to the Ninos del Sol family with Viviana and Avishai.

Niños del Sol is changing as our “niños” become teenagers and young adults. As in every family we face the gifts and the challenges of growing up.

Jim Cronk is a remarkable man with a long history of connection with Peru and with Ninos del Sol. He’s recently named us as heirs in his will, along with other nonprofits he’s encountered in Peru. It’s so touching and meaningful to be thought of in this way, and we couldn’t be more honored.

I wanted to share some details with you about this exceptional man and his heartwarming gift.

We’re looking for 3-4 self-starting leaders to join the board of our US organization. If that’s something you’d be willing to do, we’d love to hear from you,

Learning in front of computers has not been working well for many kids around the world — including ours. Although the college kids have kept up with their studies, the younger kids need more stimulation and experiential learning.

Hello, Global Family!

We hope you’re all safe and well. For the first time in years, we have nearly all the Niños together. The older youths — who usually enjoy semi-independent living in our Cusco apartment while they attend universities and institutes — are staying with their younger siblings in the Casa in Urubamba.

Before the Coronavirus locked Peru down, the kids had just returned from visiting their extended families on their Summer break. Traditionally, we welcome them back with a trip as a group, so they can return to school refreshed and feeling connected.

Feb 16: East Bay Gratitude Lunch for our friends/ supporters!

This is an open invitation from Avishai to all friends and supporters of Niños del Sol who live in the Bay Area.

We have two new college graduates this year!

This year, after hosting her yoga tour to the Sacred Valley, our dear friend Kristen Stuart returned to spend time with the Niños. She’s shared a wealth of photos so you can see how our Niños are growing into fine young people.

This year, we’re inviting you to send your holiday greetings to the kids (and/or staff) in Peru. We’ll share your messages directly with Viviana, Avishai, and the Niños to fill the casa with love and joy from our Global Family.

In addition, your Giving Tuesday donations will be matched up to $1,750, thanks to a pledge from two of our generous donors!

Your contribution is also part of a beautiful holiday of selfless giving, designed to balance the energy of Black Friday. Namasté.

Dear all,

All our children are thriving, growing, changing. The home in Urubamba with our teenagers is very peaceful and centered; I attribute this to the excellent work performed by Kellye, a young woman showing always love and respect to the children.

This is what mornings look like in our Casa in Urubamba.