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On March 14, the school year in Peru began. At the Sister Peggy Byrne Learning Center children of all ages eagerly waited to get inside to see the new library, computer lab, and classrooms. Asociacion Civil Apoyo Familiar opened the center in 2015 and recently expanded and named it in honor of Sister Peggy Byrne, demonstrating their commitment to her long held belief that education is the most important factor in rising out of poverty.
A 2012 study conducted by PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) rated 15 year old students from 64 countries on their knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies. Peru was ranked the lowest of all 64 countries.
Due to the generosity of Randy and Julie Thorson, Fargo, N.D., the expansion of the learning center was made possible and it is an anticipated that over 1000 children will utilize it this year. In addition to kindergarten classes, the computer lab, libraries and tutors, many will receive counseling from child psychologists and 30,000 healthy meals will be provided by the center’s soup kitchen, providing nourishment for 70 of the student’s families.
Sister Peggy once said that she believed the most important gifts a child can receive are access to libraries and tutors, the inspiration to be creative thinkers, and a love for reading. The learning center bearing her name is a true testament to the continuation of her education-focused legacy.
This image of Sister Peggy Byrne in the likeness of Nano Nagle was created to thank Sister Peggy for over 30 years serving the poor in Chimbote, Peru. Note cards have been commissioned using this image by artist Patricia Zapata.