San Juan Apóstol School: 22 Years Transforming Lives with Education and Solidarity
Holy Mass at San Juan Apóstol School
On November 6th, the community of San Juan Apóstol School, an educational project by Solidarity in Motion (SIM) Peru, celebrated 22 years of serving those in greatest need. The celebration included Holy Mass, a family gathering, and a choir and orchestra concert.
To gain deeper insight into this story, we spoke with Celia Luque, the school’s principal, and Rosa María Cruz de la Cruz, head of treasury and finance at Solidaridad en Marcha Peru. Both shared complementary perspectives on the evangelizing and solidarity-driven impact of this project.
“A Testimony of God’s Love”
For Celia Luque, the 22 years of San Juan Apóstol School are a tangible expression of God’s love for His children. “The school will always be, for me, a manifestation of God’s immense love for us. Witnessing how this journey began, how it grew, and sharing this path with people committed to providing children with a dignified education made me value my profession and reflect on my life, understanding that God has a plan for me here, in this great family,” she shared.
Dance performance by students of San Juan Apóstol School during the Family Celebration.
Since its founding, the school has faced challenges typical of a vulnerable community, evolving into a space that goes beyond academics. “We focus on holistic development: education based on values and virtues, along with the care of students’ physical and emotional health,” Celia explains.
The principal of San Juan Apóstol School expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the growth of this educational institution over its 22 years of service. “I sincerely thank those who have supported the progressive development of our school with such love and dedication. Your commitment has allowed us to address various needs and, most importantly, to invest in the holistic education of our students. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to provide them with an environment conducive to their educational and personal development.”
A Solidary and Christian Perspective
On the other hand, Rosa María Cruz de la Cruz highlighted the challenges the project faces, particularly regarding infrastructure. “Significant progress has been made, such as the creation of suitable spaces for education. However, there are still areas that need attention, like laboratories, recreational zones, and other improvements,” she noted.
The parents accompanied their children during this celebration.
Rosa María emphasized the importance of support from benefactors, volunteers, and institutions. “The role of strategic partnerships, the generosity of many people, and the social responsibility of companies and institutions has been crucial to sustaining the school. Without them, this growth would not have been possible.”
She also added: “The continuous efforts of the promotership to manage and secure the necessary funds to sustain the school bear fruit in the school’s ongoing presence.”
Her experience at SIM has been more than just a job: “In my profession as an accountant, the focus is often on profit. Here, I have the opportunity to develop my humanity and Christian values, contribute in a small way, and live out charity with the people who need us.”
A Celebration in Community
The anniversary included activities such as a Family Celebration, where students and teachers prepared traditional dishes and participated in contests, strengthening the bonds within the educational community. Additionally, the 13th Choir and Orchestra Concert took place, featuring children and young people who delivered a performance full of talent and emotion.
Performance during the 13th edition of the Gala Concert.
This 22nd anniversary not only celebrates the achievements made but also reinforces the mission of Solidarity in Motion , which recently marked 36 years of working for those most in need in Peru. San Juan Apóstol School continues to be a beacon of hope for the Villa Cerrillos community in Arequipa, making a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of children and families.