Our Story

Co-founders Petit and Franz moved to Peru in the 1990s

They have spent the last decades working to alleviate extreme poverty in Peru’s rural
communities by providing love, care and education through the Sol y Luna Foundation.

You might look at the rural houses in the Sacred Valley and think life there must be simple, even idyllic. However, the harsh reality is that all too often extreme poverty breeds violence, alcoholism and abuse. With no sense of hope, the light goes out in childrens’ eyes… At Sol y Luna, we create positive change by giving two things that all children deserve: love and education.
— Petit Miribel

Timeline

2010

Hotel Sol y Luna expanded, opening Deluxe and Premium casitas, whilst the Sol y Luna School began started offering full primary education
2010

2015

2015: The foundation grew to include Paqari, the centre for disabled children

2016

Hotel Sol y Luna added a new heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym

2017

The first Sol y Luna students graduated from the school

2018

The Sol y Luna Home opened its doors, providing a safe and loving home for students who have suffered violence or neglect

2019

  • Petit and Franz’s eldest child, Thomas, graduated from the Sol y Luna School at the age of 17
  • The foundation launched Roots & Wings, a programme to support graduates from the Sol y Luna School in their further studies (including International Baccalaureate and University degrees)

2020

Petit and Franz’s youngest child, Melanie, graduated from the Sol y Luna School at the age of 17

2022

Four Sol y Luna students are continue their studies thanks to support from the Roots & Wings programme: Nery, Kusi and Carolina are studying at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in Lima, and Mateo is studying car mechanics at SENATI in Cusco

2009

Having spent the past decade supporting local public schools, the foundation finally opened its own school. The Sol y Luna School began by offering education for kindergarten, and the first few years of primary school

2000

Hotel Sol y Luna opened with 14 casitas. The reason for creating the hotel was to raise funds via reservations for the Sol y Luna Foundation

1998

Petit and her husband Franz move to the Sacred Valley and together create the Sol y Luna Foundation.
Petit arrives in Peru to work in the mining industry in Lima.

The orphanage at Sol y Luna touched my heart like nothing else in a long time. The moment we arrived and met the children I knew I had to do something to help these beautiful children. We spent a morning chatting, seeing their rooms, looking around, playing games, having a snack and making them model aeroplanes which we brought to show them how you can fly around the world and meet wonderful people like them. They were totally engaged and it felt like we were with one big family. The main thing was that everyone was smiling with their hearts. Everyone was happy. You don’t find that sort of happiness everywhere, it’s a rare thing. It makes me very happy now to be part of their family too. Long may it continue. If you can change one life happiness will follow. The team are incredible with the children. The home is totally organised too. Please visit if you can. You will see what I mean.

Maggie Draycott, sponsor of Juan Carlos

In 2016 and 2018 I spent time at the Sol y Luna Foundation and was impacted by the daily work of Petit and her team. In 2019 I started to sponsor Ana Liz, but because of the pandemic I could not visit until August 2022. It was an unforgettable experience not only because Ana Liz is a beautiful and affectionate girl, but also seeing how the Sol y Luna team loves her and takes such good care of her. Three times a year I receive a detailed report with information about her academic progress. Ana Liz and the other children that live in the Sol y Luna Home are very well cared for and enjoy living in a family environment. The children have their bedrooms which they share with other children, a large dining room, kitchen, bathroom and a living room where they can study, read and play. On my recent visit I was able to spend precious time with Ana Liz, including a lunch at her parents house where I was welcomed by her mother and siblings. I feel very happy and proud to be able to form part of the Sol y Luna Foundation. Congratulations to Petit, Kelly and all the team for the daily work they are doing for all these children.

Jean Franken, sponsor of Ana Liz

Our first experience with the school was more than a decade ago; living in Urubamba for a few months, we obtained permission to enroll our daughters. Deep connection resulted from the friendships they made and the care we observed.

Sol y Luna is a place of warmth, safety, learning, and refuge—deeply meaningful to the children and to sponsors.

The children we assist have become part of our extended family. We think of them often, and cherish the recurring updates on their progress. Our involvement in their lives is an honor, one we hope to continue for decades to come.

John Montgomery, sponsor of Maricielo and Aaron

CONTACT US

T. +(51) 984700272
petit@colegiosolyluna.com
Address:
Fundo Huincho Lt. A-5,
Urubamba, Cusco – Perú

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