Misión Kipi
overview
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peruvian teacher Walter Velásquez faced the daunting challenge of ensuring his students in remote, internet-deprived communities could continue their education. His innovative solution was Kipi, a Quechua-speaking girl robot built from recycled computer parts to serve as his teaching assistant. Kipi traveled with Velásquez to reach children who had dropped out of school, particularly girls, who are often the first to be removed from classrooms in rural areas due to economic and cultural pressures.
What began as a temporary fix evolved into a transformative educational movement. Kipi not only reignited children’s interest in learning but also inspired families to prioritize education for their daughters. The initiative grew from 30 students to 500 across seven schools, proving that resilience and creativity can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Directed by Sonaly Tuesta, Mission Kipi follows this extraordinary journey through Peru’s Andean highlands and the conflict-ridden Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River Valley (VRAEM), showcasing how one teacher’s determination and a robot girl’s charm are breaking barriers and reshaping the future of education in marginalized communities.