Caring for children is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

At our Anna Dengel Center in Arequipa, Peru, our Wawacuna (nursery school and kindergarten) was recently given official recognition by the Ministry of Education. The Wawacuna was created to give the children a strong preparation for first grade, as well as a safe place to stay while their parents are working.

The youngest children are just a few months old; the oldest are primary-school age, and come after school. All the children receive nutritious meals and/or snacks appropriate to the time of day. At this time of year, when many youngsters in North America are enjoying summer vacation, the students at the Wawacuna are having a winter break.

"In the pre-entrance exams for primary school, those who have completed their kindergarten in 'Anna Dengel' are among those with the highest grades," says Sister Cathy Ouellette. "We have been blessed with excellent teachers and auxiliary personnel, who are committed to providing quality education and care for children in the marginated areas, giving them a good basis for further education."

"These little ones are the future of the pueblo," adds Sister Marisol Martinez. "Instead of growing up in the street, with the dangers that poses to their health and to their spirits, they are growing up in a world of family and Christian values. That can make all the difference in their lives."

Now that the Wawacuna has been formally recognized by the government, the students will receive official certificates from the Ministry of Education as they progress to the next step in their schooling. Also, the teachers are now eligible for on-going education programs provided by the Department of Education.

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