Cultivating inclusive leaders through transformative education
Colegio de Alto Rendimiento Arequipa (COAR Arequipa), a state secondary school in Arequipa, Peru, empowers students and fosters global leaders, breaking social barriers with projects to promote empathy and inclusion. Established in 2014 and driven by a commitment to overcome local social barriers and enhance intercultural understanding, this residential school nurtures high-performing students from varied backgrounds, focusing on ethical development and socio-emotional growth alongside academic achievement.
With 300 students, COAR Arequipa stands out for its commitment to developing leaders with a global and intercultural perspective. The school provides a fully residential programme, fostering an immersive learning environment that emphasises not only academic achievement but also socio-emotional growth and ethical development.
A key initiative, the "CREATING SMILE" project, exemplifies the school's dedication to community service and inclusion, supporting children with multiple disabilities in partnership with CEBE Auvergne Perú-France. Through activities like clowning, music, and dance, COAR students foster deep connections and empathy, breaking down social barriers and promoting mutual respect.
Leadership at COAR Arequipa is committed to rigorous academics integrated with social responsibility, cultivating students who not only excel scholastically but also emerge as compassionate global citizens. This and the “CREATING SMILE” project’s success have catalysed a broader application of the school’s inclusive practices, inspiring other schools to adopt similar approaches, thereby extending the COAR Arequipa’s impact beyond its immediate geographical area.
Should Colegio de Alto Rendimiento Arequipa win the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration, the prize money would be allocated towards enhancing its educational facilities and broadening its outreach activities, aiming to deepen its transformative impact both locally and regionally.
