Carmel Sixth Form students and staff have returned from an unforgettable journey to Peru as part of Project Peru 2026, a life-changing experience that combined faith, service, friendship and adventure in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
After departing from Heathrow and travelling via São Paulo and Lima, the group finally arrived in Iquitos, ready to immerse themselves in a project that would make a genuine difference to the lives of others while creating memories to last a lifetime.
A Warm Welcome and a Purposeful Beginning
Upon arriving at the work site, our Sixth Form students received a warm welcome from local nursery children, who greeted them with smiles, waves and excitement.
Their enthusiasm provided an immediate reminder of why the project is so important and inspired the team as they began work on the construction project.
Without hesitation, students rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. The first days on site involved shovelling sand, mixing cement, preparing plaster and helping create the first concrete pillars. It was hot, dusty and physically demanding work, but spirits remained high throughout.
Transforming a Community Space
As the week progressed, the hard work continued and so did the progress.
Each day saw Carmel Sixth Form students mixing cement, preparing plaster and carefully transforming the building. Their efforts quickly paid off, with a third of the main wall completed in a single day.
What started as bags of cement, piles of sand and plenty of determination soon became something much more significant. The outside walls neared completion, the internal walls were finished and the first coats of paint began bringing the building to life.
Although delays in the delivery of materials meant that dividing walls could not be installed as originally planned, the team achieved an incredible amount during their time in Peru. Together, they plastered and decorated five external panels and ten internal panels, helping create a building that will soon become:
- Four classrooms
- A kitchen
- Toilet facilities
- A play area
- A headteacher's office
Every trowel of plaster, every brushstroke of paint and every hour of hard work represented a commitment to serving others and leaving a lasting legacy for the local community.
Building Friendships Across Cultures
While the construction work was a major part of Project Peru, some of the most memorable moments came through the relationships formed along the way.
Each afternoon, students visited a local girls' home which provides a safe and supportive environment for girls who have been orphaned, removed from difficult home situations or live in remote jungle communities where travelling home daily is not possible.
Our Sixth Form students planned and delivered their own workshops throughout the week, including:
- English lessons
- Sports activities
- Dance sessions
- Traditional artisan crafts
The language barrier quickly disappeared as friendships developed through creativity, kindness, laughter and shared experiences. These encounters reminded everyone involved that some of life's most important lessons are learned through connection, compassion and understanding.
Experiencing the Amazon
The trip also provided opportunities to experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru.
Students explored the Amazon rainforest, encountered fascinating wildlife and embraced cultural experiences, including traditional dances and celebrations. These moments of adventure allowed students to learn about the region while creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Every opportunity was met with enthusiasm, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people around them.
Faith in Action
As the project came to a close, the impact of Project Peru could be seen not only in the walls that had been built and decorated but also in the personal growth of everyone involved.
Throughout the week, Carmel Sixth Form students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, generosity and compassion. They embraced every challenge, served their community with humility and built friendships that crossed cultures and continents.
Project Peru 2026 has been a powerful example of faith in action, showing how small acts of service can make a lasting difference. We could not be prouder of every student and member of staff who took part in this remarkable journey.
