The Ministry of Culture delivered 500 books from the National Library of Peru and school supplies to students at two schools in the native community of Santo Tomás, located in the district of Punchana, province of Maynas, Loreto. The delivery took place on March 30 and was led by Minister Soraya Altabás Kajatt.
The donation included storybooks, Amazonian tales, illustrated texts, and works representing literature. Educational materials were also provided to strengthen values, identity, and learning among students.
“Dear students, studying is a responsibility and also an opportunity. Each book you receive today is a window to discover a world full of knowledge and new opportunities,” Altabás said during her visit.
During the event, Altabás toured both educational institutions— I.E. No. 603 and I.E. No. 60199 “Santo Tomás”—and spoke with members of the school community who will benefit from these resources for their learning processes. Students and teachers involved in Intercultural Bilingual Education sang Peru’s national anthem in the Kukama-Kukamiria language before local authorities.
As part of her visit to Santo Tomás, Altabás also participated in activities related to “Perú Sin Racismo,” a strategy aimed at strengthening intercultural citizenship and promoting Intercultural Bilingual Education services. Children received information about respecting their identity, customs, and languages.
Altabás later met with staff from Loreto’s Decentralized Directorate of Culture to improve institutional coordination for cultural actions in the region. She concluded her visit at the Amazon Museum where three exhibitions are currently on display: “Handmade – Art on Coconut Leaf,” “Amazon Theater: Yesterday, Today and Always,” and the fourth exhibition featuring women artists from Loreto.
