Clarksville Academy Students help build School Dorm in Peru

Written by Danny Magrans
Spanish Teacher, Languages Department Chair

Clarksville, TN – This past February a group of 25 students and parents from Clarksville Academy journeyed to Peru.

In addition to applying skills learned in class and visiting all the magnificent sites, such as Machu Picchu, the students also committed themselves to serving a small village school in an area called Calca.

Through a non-profit organization and the commitment of volunteers a dorm was built for females who are either abused or have to travel long distances to attend classes.

The students from CA were responsible for building a sewer line and connecting a water line to the dorm. CA students took time from their travels to volunteer building the sewer and water lines.

While there, the students noticed the conditions of the mattresses that were going to be assigned to each of the 22 young ladies who would be housed in this safe house. They were dismayed that these young girls would have to use the mattresses and bedding.

As a result of powerful discussions and reflections, the CA students and parents agreed to purchase each of the girls a new mattress along with pillows and bed sheets.

Through the generous contributions of the students and parents from CA a strong connection was made with the school community in Calca. This trip became more than just a chance to experience a culture they learned about in class, it became a chance to give back to a community needing so much.