![children playing at the Mirasol school children playing at the Mirasol school](/assets/img/about/gallery/ab6.jpg)
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.
![Kari Hestnes and Per Svendsen, former owners of Du Store Alpakka Kari Hestnes and Per Svendsen, former owners of Du Store Alpakka](/assets/img/about/gallery/ab5.png)
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.
![The Mirasol school buildings The Mirasol school buildings](/assets/img/about/gallery/elementary01.png)
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.
![children playing at the Mirasol school children playing at the Mirasol school](/assets/img/about/gallery/ab2.png)
The Mirasol Project continues to thrive thanks in large part to the "Mirasol Yarns" brand which was created to support the Mirasol Project. By donating a percentage of its sales to the school, the "Mirasol Yarns" brand has been providing the Mirasol Project with funding, year after year, for over seventeen years.
![children in colorful attire during festivities at the Mirasol school children in colorful attire during festivities at the Mirasol school](/assets/img/about/gallery/gallery01.png)
While we are proud of the continued success of this project, we still to strive to do more. Your purchase of Mirasol Yarns products helps us support this incredible project in Peru.
![children playing music during festivities at the Mirasol school children playing music during festivities at the Mirasol school](/assets/img/about/gallery/home_gallery.png)
To find out more about the Mirasol school and charity project, visit https://mirasol.com.pe/