September 10, 2025
Empowering Peru
Through Culinary
Education
Nellie Young
Marshwood High School
12th Grade
Skills to cook, Tools to Lead, Power to Thrive.
My Journey So Far
$18,000 raised for a previous international service project in Pachacamac, Peru Co-President — Interact Club Vice President- Outdoors Club 3 Years of Food Industry Experience as Barista Recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award Recently Inducted as Kittery Rotarian.
Our New Vision: The Culinary School Project
Project Mission To empower youth in Peru through hands-on training in cooking and entrepreneurship, helping them gain skills to find jobs, start food businesses, and support their communities.
School Information
Named Chapel of the Holy Family - Balcony of Heaven
Located in Santa Rosa, Pachacamac, Peru
Officially recognized by the government in February 2025
Includes 2 teachers and 20 students (ages 14–56)
School Purpose
Government-recognized
certification
Student-made food sold to fund
the school
Supports local families facing
food insecurity
Improves nutrition and helps
reduce anemia in the community
School Needs
Safe, functional kitchen
space for training
Industrial baking equipment
for student use
Grow enrollment and
outreach
Stable funding to offer meals
to local families
Project Needs
Large mesh strainer
Electricity installation
Empanada molds
Infrastructure repair
Generator
Round molds
Equipment:
Silicone brushes
Wooden rolling pins
Refrigerator
Acrylic whiteboard
Stove
Baking sheets
Bread dough mixer
Furniture:
Pots and pans
Storage racks
Stainless steel table
Measuring cups and spoons
Tables and chairs
Project Cost: $10,000
Funds raised from Rotary Clubs and Individual: $4,810