One week left and we will start the celebration of the Summer Solstice on December 21st, or the longest day of the year. People familiar with our newsletter can observe that we speak a lot about celebrations and we give great importance to gatherings.  However, for the Andean Cosmovision, the festivities are not isolated occasions celebrated one by one in the course of the calendar year; instead they form an intertwined fabric of sacred time.

The festivals in December (Sumer Solstice or Kapac Raymi) and June (Winter Solstice or the most famous Inti Raymi) are interconnected not only by ceremonies focusing on the course of the Divine Sun (Inti), but also by ceremonies focusing on the growth and change in human society.
In such context, the school follows the time of the Andean Calendar - marked by the movement of the Sun - and celebrates it in conjunction with human time -marked by the maturation of young people. In ancient times, both the Calendar and our life were predictable. The celebration of winter and summer solstice marked the recurring annual cycle of the season, while the human time followed the predictable pattern of birth, maturity and death. Unfortunately now all has changed due to climate change.
The festival we create to honor the Sun on the Summer Soltice, is called Kapac Raymi: this is the time to celebrate the sun and receive its strength in its most potent point. This heat is more intense this time of year. The abundance of our fields depends on him. He is giving us more now that is old, mature, strong.

Many thanks for you wonderful support for #Giving Tuesday. We started our Annual Fundraising Campaign in October 11st and also after the Giving Tuesday we have raised around $21.600 so far, which is near 54% of the funds we need. A few weeks ago, we received wonderful news that is a big encouragement for us.

The long time supporters of Kusi Kawsay, Jim Epstein and family, Justine and Jules, are making a family challenge gift of $10,000! Once the campaign raises $30,000 they will make the last gift allowing us to reach the $40,000 goal.  So we only need to raise $8.400 more !!! This challenge is an amazing incentive and inspiration that we are so thankful for, so if you’re thinking of joining so many people today on , the global day of giving, please consider contributing to our online campaign in support of the Kusi Kawsay School.  This way we can all join forces and take full advantage of such opportunity, together.

Now another great way to support Kusi Kawsay is to buy our Raffle Tickets and win the chance to Win a Trip for Two to Peru!


This incredibly unique travel experience welcomes the winner to explore the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco, with an authentic cultural immersion. Sponsored by renowned Peruvian businesses dedicated to social responsibility, the accommodations and especially amazing restaurants such as Mil, Chicha & Cicciolina make the program quite extraordinary.   The 7 Days/6 Nights trip is private, hand tailored for two, and is valued at around $10,000.
See the program, what is included, and purchase tickets for $50 each here.
 
What a great gift to give for the holidays, while supporting a valuable cause. All the funds collected through this Raffle will go directly towards realizing another great year of learning and teaching at Kusi Kawsay. Everyone wins, you win the chance to take this unique trip to Peru, and the Kusi Kawsay students win the chance to continue studying in a school that respects their ancestral culture and language.

We are full of gratitude for the solidarity of our sponsors, promoting education that respects cultural identity and protects the environment. Learn more about our award winning and renowned sponsors by clicking on their logos in the program. You will be amazed at what a remarkable trip they are making possible.

The Raffle is open from November 22nd, 2019 until January 31st, 2020. The drawing will take place towards the end February 2020.  The exact date for the drawing will be announced soon.

Please note that buying a Raffle ticket gives you a chance to win the Trip to Peru, but does not give you a tax deduction.

Please share with family and friends, spreading the word about this magnificent opportunity for all.