Comunidad is a non-profit organization formed in 2002 by ArtAndes and friends.  We work with indigenous people in the Peruvian highlands, whose lives and communities were decimated by the Shining Path terrorist group in the 1980s and 90s. 70,000 innocent people died or “disappeared” at the hands of either the Shining Path or the army that was supposed to protect them.

One such community is the village of Paccha, in the mountains near Ayacucho, where Comunidad is currently focusing our efforts.  With much of the little village brutally murdered in 1989, the area has been slow to recover, with only widows and orphans, and a government eager to forget this painful chapter in its country’s history.  But Paccha is also the home town of Wilbur Quispe, master weaver for ArtAndes, who has not forgotten.   Please read “A Durable Weave”, to learn more about Wilbur and to gain a better understanding of why Comunidad was created.

In Paccha, Comunidad has started a secondary school, four kindergarten schools, and a scholarship and nutrition program.  The mission is to give the people the opportunities and tools they need to get themselves and their community back on their feet.  Through careful allocation of our resources, which come solely in the form of private donations, we are creating a self-sustaining bridge for the people back to the life they once had.

Check out the current projects we’re working on and if you are so moved to contribute to our efforts, please take this opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to Comunidad. A little goes a long way in Peru and every donation truly makes a difference.   Thank you.

Listen to Wilbur Quispe's story on National Public Radio (NPR)

Click here to listen to the fascinating and moving life story of Wilbur Quispe, which aired on NPR.

View a trailer for the documentary film "A Common Thread"

Filmaker Michael Jozwik visited Paccha with Comunidad board members in July 2008.  Click here to view the trailer for his soon to be released documentary film "A Common Thread".

Comunidad's Fiscal Competence

Comunidad is very proud to maintain low administrative expenses.  Click here to view our 2007 expense chart.  Click here to learn more about what constitutes a good charity.

Click the PayPal Donate button to make a secure online donation to Comunidad today!

If you wish to donate by check please send it to:

Comunidad
PO Box 40596
St. Paul, MN 55104
EIN# 76-0727177