Introducing the Sol Y Luna Foundation
The True Travel Foundation is extending its reach into Latin America, partnering with the Sol y Luna Foundation. The Sol y Luna Foundation, based in Peru, joins the Female Empowerment Program in Africa and the Rucksack Project in Asia as the lead grassroots projects the True Travel Foundation will be supporting in 2024 and 2025. Vital funds through the sale of True Travel holidays and other initiatives will start to go towards the educational programs, therapies, and meals provided by the Sol y Luna Foundation, helping projects such as the Paqarí program, the Sol y Luna School, and the Roots & Wings program thrive – directly shaping the future prospects of children in the Sacred Valley.
The Sol y Luna Foundation started through the vision of Petit Miribel, who fell in love with the Sacred Valley of Peru during her first visit in 1998. After leaving her successful corporate job, she and her husband, Franz, began a new journey focused on reducing the effects of extreme poverty in Peru’s rural areas, giving the children of the Sacred Valley what every child deserves: love, support, and a quality education.
“I have tons of ideas for how to educate these children, and Franz possesses the gifts to build and realise these audacious dreams,” says Petit.
What began as a mission to fund local schools soon grew into something much greater. In 2009, the Sol y Luna School opened its doors, followed by the Paqarí program in 2015 and the Sol y Luna Home in 2018. Today, the foundation also supports higher education through the Roots & Wings program, giving children the tools and opportunities to build bright futures.
A Journey Through Sol y Luna's Transformative Programs
The True Travel Foundation’s commitment to the Sol y Luna Foundation makes sure that each program receives the necessary funding to continue offering vital support:
Sol y Luna School: Since 2009, the school has provided quality education for over 160 children, from kindergarten through secondary school, nurturing the next generation. At the heart of the school is the Sol y Luna Canteen, where 191 students, volunteers, and teachers receive nutritious meals that support their overall well-being. Donations help cover educational supplies, teacher salaries, and facility maintenance. For example, $500 can provide a child with a year’s worth of meals. For many, the school is more than just a place to learn – it’s a haven where they feel supported and encouraged every day.
Paqarí Program: Launched in 2015, “Paqarí” means “rebirth” in Quechua – An initiative that currently offers specialised therapy, care, and education for 14 children with special needs, promoting their growth and inclusivity. Funding includes $300 per month for individual therapy sessions, making a significant difference in a child’s development. Each child receives personalised care, helping them overcome challenges and become their best selves.
Sol y Luna Home: Opened in 2018, the home provides a safe, caring environment for around 20 children who cannot live at home due to various circumstances. These children are safely removed from dangerous home conditions, and donations ensure stable housing, food, and daily care, with $200 covering a month of basic supplies for a child. Here, children not only find a roof over their heads but also a family that offers love, support, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Roots & Wings Program: Established in April 2024, this program bridges the gap between school and adulthood by supporting higher education and vocational training. It offers financial aid and guidance, giving students the opportunity to pursue university degrees or career paths. The program has even helped young students, who were schooled at Sol y Luna, attend university. For instance, $1,650 can fund three months of tuition, paving the way to a successful, independent future. The program has helped many young dreams take flight, turning aspirations into reality by guiding students toward a brighter, independent future.
Highlight Specific Achievements
Over the years, the Sol y Luna Foundation has made a tremendous impact:
- It has supported over 150 children through its programs, with more than 90% coming from backgrounds of extreme poverty.
- The Roots & Wings program has helped students pursue higher education, and in 2024, it enabled several students to gain scholarships for university studies.
- Donations through True Travel have contributed over $25,000 towards therapy, meals, and education, supporting the steady growth of these essential services.
The support from True Travel Foundation will go towards helping these programmes grow, opening doors for these children to dream big, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential.
Having visited the Sol y Luna Foundation firsthand, Evie Oswald, Senior Latin America Travel Designer at True Travel, shared – “I was struck by the foundation’s holistic approach to support and growth for every child. It’s not only about meeting basic needs; it’s about helping each child feel valued and included, preparing them for a life filled with possibilities.”
