Our mission to educate students to become effective "agents of change" in society requires an intimate understanding of the communities and contexts of our families. Miguel Pro closely monitors the economic and social dynamics within the community of Habitat, of Tacna, and Peru in order to improve and refine our support of families. This section describes in more depth the population we serve and the context in which we work.

Our commitment to students extends to their families as well. We believe that parents are the principal educators of their children, and our role as a school is to support them as a community. Colegio Miguel Pro works to collaborate with parents in the upbringing of their children, not just to provide an academic education. The active role of the parents is vital within the Miguel Pro community. Our mentor program, School for Parents, and psychological services are all ways we reach out and invite our parents to participate as much as their children do in our educational community.

 

• 120 students receive scholarships.
  

Facts about Habitat - Ciudad de Dios

    

In 1989, a site was chosen to build a new neighborhood with Habitat for Humanity. The site, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the center of Tacna, was considered isolated from the city. Under the direction of Habitat for Humanity, families with low incomes applied for a plot of land and helped to build their own homes. The philosophy of Habitat for Humanity helped to foster a sense of community, faith, and service amongst its residents. The project began with 100 families. As the numbers of young families grew, the need for a primary school grew as well. In this context, Colegio Miguel Pro first classes were held in vacant houses in Habitat - Ciudad de Dios, or City of God.

    

 

Today Habitat - Ciudad de Dios is home to about 2,000 residents. With almost 500 houses, a park, community center, market place, 2 health clinics, fire station, and a chapel, Habitat has grown into a distinct and recognizable neighborhood in Tacna. In recent years, Habitat has benefited from infrastructure such as running water, electricity, and most recently, paved roads and sidewalks. As Habitat continues to grow and see improvement in infrastructure, the immediate surrounding area is starting to grow as well. "Chozitas", or straw huts, have grown in number over the past few years. Every year more families who live in these huts, without running water or electricity, benefit from Miguel Pro's community.