In the heart of Peru sits La Luz de Jesús, a school with a legacy of commitment passed down through generations. Founded in 2005 by Esther Bernuy Atachagua in the densely populated district of San Juan de Lurigancho, the school began as a kindergarten class and, over time, grew to address the community’s needs. Esther’s passion for teaching and her steadfast belief that God would guide the school’s path fueled its growth. Throughout this journey, Esther has embodied the spirit of a matriarch determined to create a brighter future for the next generation.
In 2014, Esther and her team connected with Edify, which opened the door to working with ADRA, a lending partner of Edify. Through this partnership, they secured a loan enabling them to significantly improve the school’s infrastructure, including installing desks that are still used today, enhancing the playground, and upgrading the floors. However, the partnership with Edify extended beyond physical upgrades; the school attended trainings in administrative management and educational technology, allowing the school to flourish and serve more students with each new year.
Wonder and Possibility
Among the many students Esther led was her own daughter, Jazmín, whose childhood spilled over with the wonder and possibility that a Christ-centered education brings. Jazmín flourished within the school’s walls, growing into a capable young leader and often helping her mother run the school.
Esther shares, “I believe that when my children saw what I was doing, I was giving them opportunities to join me. For example, Jazmín was the one who made charts for me in the collection and tuition notebook. She once asked me, “Mom, how many students do you think you’ll have this year? How many do you want?’ I said, ‘About forty.’ And she replied, ‘But mom, I don’t see forty chairs. Where are your forty?’ Of course, that was a deep mental and heart shift for me, and one of faith.”
At that moment, Esther realized her words and her actions didn’t match. She began to purchase desks with humble expectations. Esther shares, “I had to apply my faith to prepare for what God would send me. And sure enough, every year, we would set a target, and that target would be met…”
Jazmín witnessed firsthand the impact of Esther’s faith and dedication. “Since I was a little girl, I have seen my mom working with the children, and I have seen how all the children loved her. Seeing her mature in her business and seeing the kids learn and excel in what they were doing was such a gratifying experience.”
Jazmín found inspiration in her mother’s resilience, which spurred her to excel academically in higher education, where she won the “Teacher’s Vocation” scholarship for studies in Elementary Education at Cayetano University. Jazmín’s achievements were not only a personal triumph but a continuation of her mother’s mission to bring quality education to their community.
A New Legacy
“It’s the legacy I’m passing on to her,” Esther shared on her daughter stepping in to run the school in 2021. Jazmín has carried the torch at La Luz de Jesús, “The Light of Jesus,” teaching classes while also taking on significant administrative responsibilities. Her involvement in curriculum planning, Christian-themed performances, and day-to-day management marks the school’s transition from one generation to the next. Working alongside her brother, who manages the sports programs, and her father, who handles maintenance, and of course, her mother, Jazmín’s efforts ensure that La Luz de Jesús remains a family endeavor dedicated to its Christ-centered principles and educational mission.
The story of La Luz de Jesús is one of generational continuity, where the dreams of one generation fuel the aspirations of the next. Esther’s vision has laid a strong foundation, and Jazmín’s contributions signify the school’s ongoing evolution, blending tradition with a fresh perspective. As the duo continues in step with Edify and rooted in God’s Word, they will build a legacy of generational change, ensuring that the light of Christ-centered education will continue to shine for years to come.
