The idea behind our SOI KANO Shipibo school project was to give back to the community and continue the circle of healing. SOI KANO with it’s 30 children has become the beating heart of Pachamama life and is slowly metamorphosing into an autonomous education institution. None of this, however, would be possible without a handful of brilliant individuals with philanthropist minds, one of which was our young Pachamama guest and friend, Diego.

Diego came to Pachamama from Belgium, just like any other Guest, to receive healing from Maestros and wisdom from Mother Ayahuasca. He came with an open heart and from day one was an inspiration to all with his positive attitude. None of us had known until the very end of his retreat, that even before stepping a foot into Pachamama temple, Diego had organised a campaign for SOI KANO and raised close to £3000 euros to support our vision. He organised a swimming challenge in which his friends and family supported him financially and he pushed his body for 21 km in 12 hours, for the children of SOI KANO. Upon being asked what made him embark on such an endeavour without even knowing the place, he said he always tries to offer his help wherever he goes, and since the nature of the retreat did not allow him to offer his labour, he decided to raise funds instead. Nobody knew of this gesture until the end of the retreat, as Diego did not want to receive any “special treatment.”

The funds that have been collected will help SOI KANO to become a fully recognised state institution and will be a turning point in its development. As our Maestro Luis is still abroad, we shall wait for his guidance in taking the decision to which direction exactly the funds will serve SOI KANO best. Once we decide together how will the children benefit most from this altruistic gesture, we will publish and share the concise scheme and plan on how the funds will be distributed.

This humanitarian act again proves that it is through giving that we receive, and the only true healing happens once we realise that we really are all one. If there is one universal message that Ayahausca shares with all, it is the message of compassion towards each other. Selfless acts like this one are only a confirmation that no matter what, there is and always will be good people who want to help and do good, just for the sake of it. We will soon share with all Pachamama friends the evolution of this project and the plan of action regarding the fund’s distribution. We would like to use this blog to recognise all the contributors to this campaign and by doing so, send out our deepest gratitude. And to all of you reading this blog, if Diego’s story moved you in any way, pay it forward. Let’s start together a never-ending chain of Good Samaritans.

SOI KANO shipibo school