Only forty percent of Peruvian families have regular access to the Internet, making it a struggle for many children to participate in virtual classrooms. Thus, the Instituto Pastoral de la Familia (INFAM), under the direction of Fr. Aníbal Niño Loarte, C.S.C., has initiated an innovative program to meet the educational needs of poor children and their families in San Juan de Lurigancho, Perú.

“Ayúdame a Estudiar” (“Help Me to Study”) uses TV commercials and other forms of media to ask for donations of cellular phones, laptops, and tablets that are then cleaned and reconditioned. Thus far, “Ayúdame a Estudiar” has collected over 400 devices that have been distributed to 140 local families. Collaborators include laypeople throughout Lima and recently the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary who have been purchasing chips and phone plans for these same families.

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Since the inception of this program began with a Good Friday reflection, Fr. Aníbal is firmly convinced that this ongoing project is responding to Blessed Basile Moreau's call to “hurry then, take up this work of resurrection” (Christian Education). This creative, innovative idea meets a tremendous need. 

INFAM is headquartered in the Centro de Patricio Peyton, which is located within the boundaries of the Congregation’s Señor de la Esperanza Parish in Canto Grande, Peru. The center bears the name of the Servant of God, Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., who founded Family Rosary Crusade, which is part of Holy Cross Family Ministries.

As part of Holy Cross Family Ministries, INFAM has been creatively reaching out to families living in the extensive urban area of Canto Grande with activities aimed at prevention, strengthening, accompanying, and intervention.