We are Eco Escuela Tikapata, a visionary school in the Sacred Valley, Peru, where education goes beyond traditional walls. We are redefining learning by offering self-directed education in harmony with nature. For 17 years, Tikapata has been a beacon for creative, independent learning, and now, with your support, we aim to build a sustainable campus that serves as a model for future educational systems. This is more than just a school—it’s a movement to revolutionize education and sustainability. With your help, we can create a space where students thrive as problem-solvers and environmental stewards.

In this phase, we will allocate the donations received to continue building our new sustainable campus.

In 2020, we received an extraordinarily generous gift—a piece of land donated by a deeply committed parent who believed in our project and decided to support us by giving us the wings we needed to take off. This was an opportunity we could never have achieved on our own. Then, in 2023, a wonderfully supportive family provided us with a loan to begin constructing the essential infrastructure needed to move onto the land after 17 years of renting.

This transition is a monumental step for us, and it’s vital that bioconstruction, sustainability, and renewable energy remain at the core of our building process. These principles are not just our values but the foundation for the future we are creating at Tikapata.

With the € 75,000, we will do the following:

Eco-Friendly Classrooms & Library: We will build the classrooms we are still missing, a library for the school and the community, all using natural construction with local materials. Additionally, we will implement renewable energy systems for electricity and water.

Scholarship Program: Ensuring that vulnerable students can benefit from our innovative education model.

Permaculture Garden & reforestation projetcs: Creating hands-on learning spaces for students to engage with sustainable practices.

Volunteer Housing: Building accommodations for volunteers to support our mission.

Your contribution will directly help build a school that not only educates but also empowers the next generations. We offer unique perks such the opportunity to adopt a tree of our reforestation project, and virtual self-directed learning workshops. If we don’t reach our entire goal, the funds will still be used to develop the most critical aspects of the school, such as the permaculture garden and scholarship program.

The Impact

By supporting Eco Escuela Tikapata, you’re joining a movement that promotes creative, self-directed learning and environmental stewardship. The new campus will serve as a model of sustainability, from eco-friendly classrooms to community engagement projects. With your help, we can shape a future where children grow up empowered to care for the Earth and create positive change. Your contribution will leave a lasting impact on students, the Sacred Valley community, and the world at large. Together, we are setting a new standard for what education can be.

Challenges

Building a sustainable school from the ground up presents challenges, especially with eco-friendly construction and cultural shifts towards alternative learning models. We have been renting for 17 years, and then we were generously donated a half-hectare piece of land. With the help of a loan, we were able to begin building the basics, but there is still much to be done. We are working closely with local experts to ensure the school is built with the highest environmental standards, and we are fostering strong relationships with the community to ensure long-term success. The key to moving forward is securing the necessary funds—once we have the money, we will be able to continue with the construction. Since we do not receive funding from any NGOs or external sources, we are entirely self-managed and rely on our own resources and efforts.

We are committed to transparency and keeping our backers updated every step of the way.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help by spreading the word about our campaign. Share our story with your network and use the Indiegogo tools to amplify our message. Every little bit of exposure brings us closer to achieving our vision. Let’s work together to build a future where education and sustainability thrive in harmony.

Learn more About us and our Story: 

Hook
Imagine a place where education isn’t confined by walls, where children are free to lead their own learning journey, and sustainability is at the core. This is the future of learning that Eco Escuela Tikapata is pioneering in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. For 17 years, Tikapata has redefined the way we think about education by creating a student-centered, self-directed learning environment that honors both the individuality of each child and the Earth that sustains us. Today, Tikapata is on the cusp of an exciting transformation—and we need your help to bring this vision to life.

Overview
Eco Escuela Tikapata isn’t just a school—it’s a movement, a beacon of hope for what education can be. Rooted in the principles of autonomy, creativity, and respect, Tikapata has been a home for up to 80 families who believe in a new way of learning. This isn’t the rote memorization or standardized testing that has long defined education. Instead, students at Tikapata are given the freedom to explore their passions, guided by educators who foster curiosity and creativity. But Tikapata’s mission goes beyond the classroom. Their goal is to cultivate a deep respect for the environment, ensuring that the next generation grows up with the knowledge and skills to protect our planet.

Now, after years of renting, Tikapata has the opportunity to build its own sustainable campus, designed from the ground up to embody the principles of eco-consciousness and community-based learning. With your support, this new school will not only continue to educate the next generation of leaders but will also serve as a model for sustainable living, using natural materials, renewable energy, and water conservation systems. Join us on this journey to build Peru’s first fully self-directed learning school with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

The Story Behind the Dream: From Passion to Purpose

At the heart of Eco Escuela Tikapata are a group of visionary founders who transformed their deep passion for education into a living, breathing reality. Originally parents, they sought an educational environment where their children could thrive in ways that went beyond the rigid boundaries of traditional schooling. Their search for a more respectful, individualized approach to learning led them to create Tikapata—a school that breaks away from outdated models and nurtures both creativity and independence.

Inspired by a Challenge, their journey began with the realization that the standard educational system did not honor the unique interests, abilities, and pace of each child. Rather than forcing their children into an inflexible system, they dared to dream of a place where young minds could take the lead in their own learning journey. The founding parents, joined by like-minded families, embarked on a mission to create a school where respect for the individual child and for the environment formed the foundation of the curriculum.

Their Mission and Vision became clear: Tikapata would not only offer a space for children to grow into independent thinkers, but it would also serve as a beacon of educational innovation. This bold vision extended beyond their own children to the broader community and the world at large, as they sought to inspire global change in how education is approached. Tikapata’s founders are driven by the belief that fostering creativity, autonomy, and environmental stewardship in the classroom will create a ripple effect, impacting future generations and contributing to a more compassionate, sustainable world.

Breaking the Mold: The Problem with Traditional Education

For too long, traditional education systems have followed a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. These models often prioritize rote memorization, standardized testing, and rigid curriculums, leaving little room for individuality, creativity, or personal growth. This outdated system stifles potential, forcing students to conform to predetermined molds rather than encouraging them to explore their unique passions and interests.

At Tikapata, the founders recognized that these conventional methods were failing to meet the needs of children, especially those with diverse learning styles. Standard classrooms, with their strict schedules and limited focus on emotional and creative development, often ignore the fact that every child learns differently. This environment can lead to disengagement, frustration, and a lack of motivation, as students are not given the space to direct their own learning journeys.

Moreover, these traditional systems frequently overlook the importance of connecting education with the natural world and the community. With growing concerns about environmental degradation and social inequalities, it is more important than ever to rethink education. Schools should not only teach academic subjects but should also instill values of sustainability, respect for the planet, and social responsibility.

Tikapata’s innovative model was created to counter these deficiencies. Their approach is built on the belief that learning should be self-directed and flexible, allowing students to grow at their own pace and follow their passions. By breaking away from the traditional mold, Tikapata is nurturing a new generation of thinkers, creators, and problem solvers who are prepared to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

The Tikapata Solution: A School for Dreamers and Doers

Tikapata’s innovative approach to education is redefining what it means to learn.

At Tikapata, students are not passive recipients of information; they are active participants in shaping their own education. The school’s core philosophy is rooted in self-directed learning, where children are encouraged to explore their individual interests, discover their passions, and take responsibility for their learning paths. This method fosters creativity, critical thinking, and autonomy—qualities essential for thriving in an ever-changing world.

What sets Tikapata apart from other educational institutions is its deep commitment to environmental sustainability. The new school will be constructed using eco-friendly materials, including locally sourced natural building supplies, and designed to blend harmoniously with the Sacred Valley’s landscape.

By incorporating renewable energy systems such as solar panels and implementing natural waste management methods like wetlands, Tikapata ensures that the next generation learns the value of living in balance with nature.

This holistic approach to education not only benefits students academically but also instills a sense of responsibility toward the planet. Tikapata’s green initiatives—including a permaculture garden and reforestation projects—allow students to engage directly with the environment, turning theory into practice. This hands-on experience helps children understand the importance of sustainability and teaches them how to care for the Earth while developing essential life skills.

Through Tikapata’s transformative model, students grow as confident, creative problem-solvers who respect themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

A Blueprint for the Future: What We’re Building Together

Tikapata’s vision for the future is bold, and with your help, it’s entirely achievable. The new school will be more than just a place for learning—it will be a living example of sustainability and community-driven education. At the heart of this blueprint is a commitment to building spaces that nurture both the mind and the environment. The school will feature classrooms made from natural, locally sourced materials that blend seamlessly into Sacred Valley landscape, providing students with a space that feels connected to the world around them.

The new Tikapata campus will include a permaculture garden where students can engage with sustainable agriculture firsthand, learning about planting, harvesting, and the importance of environmental stewardship. 

Beyond the classrooms and garden, Tikapata is also developing spaces for cultural exchange and community learning. The campus will host workshops and events that welcome educators, students, and sustainability advocates from around the world, making Tikapata a hub for educational innovation and environmental consciousness.

This blueprint is designed not just for today but for future generations, ensuring that students will continue to benefit from this unique learning environment while growing as responsible, creative individuals ready to make a difference in the world.

Impacting Lives and Landscapes: A School with Purpose

At Eco Escuela Tikapata, education goes beyond books and classrooms—it’s about making a lasting impact on both people and the planet. The school is a transformative force that promotes not just academic growth but also social good and environmental responsibility. Tikapata’s commitment to community and social impact is central to its mission. The school embraces inclusivity by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and creating an environment where respect, gender equality, and social equity are core values. In fact, with your support, Tikapata will actively work to reduce inequality by offering scholarships to vulnerable populations, ensuring that children who may not have access to such education can be part of this community.

The school’s influence reaches far beyond its students. Tikapata is committed to serving the broader community in the Sacred Valley through various initiatives that foster collaboration and mutual growth. This includes workshops, cultural exchange programs, and community events that strengthen the bond between the school and its local environment. These efforts are geared towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society, one that prioritizes collective well-being.

Equally important is Tikapata’s eco-friendly approach. Every aspect of the school is designed with sustainability in mind—from the natural building materials used in construction to the renewable energy sources powering the campus. Tikapata’s green initiatives, such as reforestation projects and water conservation efforts, will help students develop a deep respect for the Earth and teach them how to be stewards of the environment. Through these initiatives, Tikapata ensures that the next generation is equipped to tackle global challenges, from climate change to social inequality.

Join Our Journey: Where Your Support Will Go

Building Eco Escuela Tikapata is an ambitious but vital undertaking that requires community support to bring its vision to life. 0ur initial goal is to raise € 75,000, and every euro will go directly toward making Tikapata’s dream a reality. This funding will allow us to complete the construction of the school’s sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that the environment and future generations are at the heart of everything we do.

Here’s how your contribution will make a difference:

Eco-Friendly Classrooms: A large portion of the funds will be dedicated to constructing classrooms using natural materials sourced locally. These classrooms will be built with sustainability in mind, from the use of solar panels to the incorporation of living fences and water conservation systems.

Scholarship Program: We believe in equal access to education, and a portion of the funds will support scholarships for students from vulnerable populations, allowing them to attend Tikapata and benefit from our self-directed learning model.

Volunteer Housing: To further our mission of educational and environmental change, we need housing for the volunteers who will help run and support the school’s various programs. This housing will be constructed using sustainable practices in line with Tikapata’s values.

Permaculture Garden and Reforestation projects: Your support will also fund the creation of a permaculture garden, an outdoor learning space where students can engage in hands-on activities that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable living. Along with reforestation projects that will take place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in collaboration with local communities.

Your contributions will not just build a school—they will build a future where education, sustainability, and community thrive together.

Navigating the Path Ahead: Challenges and Solutions

Building an innovative, sustainable school like Eco Escuela Tikapata comes with its fair share of challenges, but we are prepared to face them head-on. We understand that creating a school from the ground up—especially one that integrates eco-friendly construction and self-directed learning—requires careful planning, collaboration, and community engagement. Here’s how we’re addressing potential challenges to ensure Tikapata’s success:

Building with Nature in Mind: One of our key challenges is ensuring that the construction of Tikapata remains fully aligned with our commitment to sustainability. Using natural materials and integrating renewable energy systems can be more time-consuming and complex than traditional building methods, but we are working closely with local experts in sustainable architecture to create a campus that not only serves our students but also respects the environment.

Community Participation: Engaging the local community is critical to Tikapata’s success. While this presents a challenge, especially in ensuring long-term commitment, we are fostering strong relationships with local artisans, builders, and families. By involving them in every step of the process, from design to construction, we aim to build a school that reflects and strengthens the Sacred Valley community.

Scaling Educational Innovation: As the first self-directed learning school of its kind in Peru, Tikapata represents a shift from conventional education. We know that expanding our model could present challenges as it requires a cultural shift in how education is perceived. To mitigate this, Tikapata will serve as an educational hub for workshops and programs that allow other educators to experience this model firsthand and adopt similar approaches.

With these strategies in place, we’re confident that Tikapata will overcome any hurdles and continue to inspire change in both education and environmental sustainability.

Living in Harmony with the Earth: Our Environmental Commitment

At Eco Escuela Tikapata, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s at the core of everything we do. Our commitment to creating a school that exists in harmony with nature is not only about minimizing our environmental footprint but also about educating future generations on the importance of living sustainably. Every part of Tikapata’s construction and operation is designed with the Earth in mind, ensuring that our school is a model for eco-friendly education.

Sustainability at Our Core:
The new Tikapata campus will be built using locally sourced, natural materials, such as adobe and stone, which not only reduce the environmental impact of construction but also blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. These materials are part of a broader plan to ensure that our buildings are energy-efficient and low-impact. The use of solar panels for electricity and wetlands for wastewater treatment will help us minimize the school’s reliance on external resources, making Tikapata a self-sustaining ecosystem.

A School for Future Generations:
Tikapata is not just about teaching students math or reading; it’s about instilling in them a deep respect for the planet. Through hands-on learning in our permaculture garden, students will learn about sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and renewable energy. The garden will not only provide food for the school but also serve as a living classroom where students can directly engage with nature, understanding how their actions can positively impact the environment.

This commitment to sustainability ensures that Tikapata will leave a lasting legacy—educating not only its students but also inspiring the broader community to embrace eco-friendly practices. We are building a future where education and the environment work together in harmony.

Together, We Build the Future: Final Thoughts

Eco Escuela Tikapata is more than a school—it’s a vision for the future, where education and sustainability go hand in hand. Through self-directed learning and an eco-conscious approach, Tikapata is setting a new standard for how we educate children in a way that respects both the individual and the planet. This project represents a bold move away from conventional models of education and toward a future where learning is tailored to the needs and passions of each student while nurturing their relationship with the environment.

A Vision for Change:
We believe in the power of education to transform not only individual lives but entire communities. By helping to build Tikapata, you’re not only supporting a school—you’re helping to create a global movement that challenges the status quo and proves that alternative approaches to learning are not just possible but essential for a sustainable future. This school  inspires students, educators, and communities to think differently about education, and it will demonstrate that building with nature, rather than against it, is the path forward.

Stay Connected:
This journey doesn’t end with your contribution. As a backer, you will be part of the Tikapata community, receiving updates on our progress, invitations to virtual events, and opportunities to witness firsthand the incredible impact your support is making. You’ll be able to see the school grow, the gardens flourish, and, most importantly, the students thrive in an environment designed for learning and living in harmony with the Earth.

Join us in building a better future, where education empowers and sustainability leads the way. Together, we can make this vision a reality.