Lukana’s Dream Supplies Funds
To Build Peruvian School

By Mary Anderson

Madeline Daniel of Lukana’s Dream in Bethel, Monique Van de Vin of South Royalton, and Jan Denk of Wilder, recently returned from Andahuaylillas, Peru. They brought with them to Peru 300 lbs. of clothing and $15,000, which is being used to build a school for the children whose parents who work in the cooperative that makes the items sold at Lukana’s Dream.

Daniel and Van de Vin were both extremely grateful to those who contributed toward the cost of the school.

"I especially want to thank the Vermont Women’s Law Group and the Latin American Law Group, both out of the Vermont Law School, because they raised $6000 for the Peruvian school," said Daniel. "The United Church of Strafford youth group and Bethel Rotary also made significant donations."

Daniels added that the school, which is being built out of mud bricks made by the men of the town, "is 70% completed. They expect to move in by July. The total cost will be $20,000."

Van de Vin said that what most impressed her was "the incredible sense that individual people can make a difference, both there in Peru and here in Vermont. By giving even a small amount of money people are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people in Andahuaylillas. The money is definitely going where it needs to be."

Photos from the trip can be viewed at Lukana’s Dream and the women are available to give presentations about their trip. If anyone is interested they can contact Daniel at the store or via e-mail at madphotochick@wildblue.net.

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