Volcafe supports the construction of a student residence to help remove barriers to education in rural Peru
A new student residence in Cajamarca will help young people stay in school, strengthen opportunities for rural families and support efforts to address child labour risks in coffee-growing communities.
For many young people growing up in rural Peru’s coffee-growing communities, going to secondary school is not as simple as walking to a nearby classroom.
Long journeys, limited transport options and the absence of accommodation close to schools can make attending classes difficult, especially for students living in remote areas.
When education becomes harder to access, the consequences can be significant. Students are more likely to miss classes or leave school altogether, limiting their future opportunities and increasing their vulnerability to risks such as child labour. Ensuring children can stay in school is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to address the root causes of child labour and help communities build a stronger future.
To help tackle this challenge, construction has begun on a new student residence in San José de Lourdes, Cajamarca. The project is being led by VSP Generaciones, the non-profit foundation of Volcafe's entity in Peru, together with Semillas Perú, which is providing architectural design and technical guidance. The residence is designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for teenagers who need accommodation during the school year, making it easier for them to continue their education and remain close to school.
Scheduled for completion in September 2027, the residence will accommodate up to 128 students from surrounding rural communities at no cost to their families. By providing accommodation close to educational facilities, the project will enable students to pursue their studies and complete secondary education.
The residence is closely linked to local coffee-growing communities, where many families depend on coffee production for their livelihoods. With a stable and supportive place to live during the school year, the residence will help students focus on their studies, participate more fully in school life and build stronger prospects for the future.
Funding for the residence has been provided by the Costa Foundation and the Peru-Ecuador Border Region Binational Development Plan. The Municipality of San José de Lourdes is contributing local support and in-kind resources, while parents and members of the educational community have played an active role in helping turn the project into reality.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 23 June 2026, brought together local authorities, educators, students, parents and community members to mark the start of a project that will support educational opportunities for generations of young people in the area.
The residence is an investment in the future of rural families and coffee-growing communities. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting children's wellbeing, strengthening educational opportunities and fostering long-term community resilience. For the teenagers who will live there, it will make continuing their education closer to school a practical reality rather than a daily challenge.
Marie Renou-Ullrich, Head of Marketing and Communications, email hidden; JavaScript is required
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