Only 40% of Peruvian families have regular access to the Internet, making it a struggle for many children to participate in virtual classrooms. Thus, the Instituto Pastoral de la Familia (INFAM), under the direction of Rev. Aníbal Niño Loarte, C.S.C. (C-P), has initiated an innovative program to meet the educational needs of poor children and their families in San Juan de Lurigancho, Perú.
“Ayúdame a Estudiar” (“Help Me to Study”) uses TV commercials and other forms of media to ask for donations of cellular phones, laptops, and tablets that are then cleaned and reconditioned. Thus far, the program has collected over 400 devices that have been distributed to 140 local families. Collaborators include laypeople throughout Lima and recently the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) who have been purchasing chips and phone plans for these same families.
Since the inception of this program began with a Good Friday reflection, Fr. Aníbal is firmly convinced that this ongoing project is responding to Blessed Basile Moreau’s call to “hurry then, take up this work of resurrection” (Christian Education).
A creative, innovative idea that meets a tremendous need. Gracias, Padre Aníbal!
