Skip to main content

Mirasol

The Mirasol Project was born with the dream of providing better educational and opportunities to students from the Peruvian Highlands.

It all began with inspiration from Kari Hestnes and Per Svendsen, former owners of Du Store Alpakka, during their 2006 visit to the Mallkini Alpaca Ranch.

After meeting and spending time with Marisol and Alex, children of one of the ranch's shepherds, Kari and Per were deeply moved.

Impressed by the charisma and humility of these children, especially Marisol, a connection began to form. Upon realizing that these children and many others like them spent two to three hours a day walking to school, Kari and Per spawned the idea of building a boarding house where children of the surrounding areas could stay during the week.

Soon after, construction of the Mirasol boarding school began. It took root quickly and just a few months later, the school opened its doors and began operating.

Initially, it hosted children of all levels of education, from the areas of Mallkini, Munani and Neque Neque. By late 2007 and early 2008, the first stage of what now is Mirasol boarding school was completed. Today, the school hosts more than 50 primary students.