Anita is one of the oldest living Q’ero. She had nevered traveled outside the Q’ero Nations until recently. She has no way to know her actual age. Anita has cataracts, so weaving is difficult, yet she manages to create from memory. Anita has a lively personality, easily confronting anyone and scolding quickly, which is endearing and funny. Humor is a central aspect of Q’ero language and culture, and Anita embodies much hunor! She shares a home with the brother of her deceased husband, Benito, who is probably in his 80s. Their one-room stone hut sits on the hogback of a steep decent into a river valley in the tiny traditional village of Raq’chi. This is a place of tranquility and beauty. Our favorite village.
Anita, an elder
Building a High School in the Clouds
Our generous donors are funding the first high school in the ethnic Hapu Q’ero region of Peru. Children will no longer have to leave their families to attend secondary school. This new high school at 12,000 feet elevation in the Andes will bring relief to many families struggling to help their children get a basic education.
Did You Know…
The Qero cut the hair of alpaca, sheep and llama to sell for cash income and to weave mesa cloths, belts, blankets, bags, and ponchos. They also knit hats and braid ropes with fiber from their herds....