Middle School Trio In Simsbury Helping Peruvian Children Learn

SIMSBURY, CT — Three Simsbury middle schoolers recently returned to school knowing they're helping friends on another continent go to a new school of their own.

Anka Plessinger-Izquierdo, Christian Sillari, and Greyson Goetz — pupils at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury — were recently honored for helping a community in Peru build a new school.

The trio worked together as part of a social studies class global citizenship project inspired by Anka, who lived in Peru until age 6.

Bev Sillari, Christian's mother, explains how his past fueled the trio's quest to improve the Peruvian community's future.

"Anka attended preschool in rural Peru, where he experienced a rich tapestry of cultural learning and community engagement," Bev Sillari said. "However, his school has faced challenges, including multiple relocations due to a lack of ownership of the land."

Bev Sillari said Anka’s family was asked to assist in finding a permanent location for the school.

But cash was necessary and it was also in short supply.

The effort in Peru required $26,000, with the three boys working together in Simsbury to raise nearly $3,000 of that amount on their own.

They did so, according to Bev Sillari, through various fundraising efforts, including bake sales held at Fitzgerald's Grocery store and a GoFundMe page.

"They are committed to hosting additional fundraising events in the coming months to reach their target," Bev Sillari said.

So far, enough money has been raised to have a groundbreaking in Peru this weekend, on Sunday, Sept. 15, she said.

For their efforts, the trio has been honored by the middle school and was profiled on the WFSB Channel 3's regular "Great Kids" feature.

For the effort's GoFundMe page fundraiser, click on this link.