Reaching for New Horizons

The Reaching New Horizons project provides academic reinforcement and psychological support to 390 primary school students and their parents in an informal settlement of Chimbote. Many of the families live in extreme poverty – there is no running water, sanitation or electricity in town. The parents from this area are all informal workers who earn their living in low-paid casual jobs. Many of the children live in single-parent households; working hours are long so many children are left at home alone. 

The project provides a safe space for students to learn and grow. The project team recognises the importance of artistic expression for the personal development of children, so they facilitate music, dance, drama and art classes for the entire student body so that they can channel their feelings and emotions into positive expressions. The team also works with the families to provide workshops on many topics, including parenting and positive reinforcement.