uly 2022, the Nevada Building Hope Foundation (NBHF) funded the construction of the community’s first school boat, the USS Dani. For the children of San Juan de Yanayacu, this vessel became more than just a means of transportation—it became their bridge to education. Before the Dani, children were left to paddle themselves in small canoes along the Yanayacu River, facing strong currents and the ever-present danger of sudden Amazonian storms. With the new school boat, students could travel safely each day to Ayacucho to attend high school. To this day, NBHF continues to help fund the gasoline that keeps the Dani running.

By February 2024, however, the need for a larger, stronger boat became clear. During a community meeting in San Juan de Yanayacu attended by Barbara Land and NBHF Peru Director, Dustin Pinedo Gonzales, parents expressed their concerns. The original wooden USS Dani I was designed to carry 12 to 14 students, but with the opening of the new high school in Ayacucho, families began moving closer to San Juan, and student enrollment quickly grew. Soon, 18 students were making the daily trip—far more than the boat could safely carry. What was once a lifeline had become an extreme safety hazard.

Through the generosity of CJ Walters, a new, durable aluminum school boat was funded, built, and presented to the community in June 2024. To honor CJ’s gift and show their heartfelt gratitude, the people of San Juan de Yanayacu built the “CJ Store,” a community initiative that now serves as a lasting tribute to her generosity and support.

Today, the new school boat stands as a symbol of safety, opportunity, and the power of collaboration—ensuring that the children of San Juan de Yanayacu can continue their education without fear, and that their dreams can travel safely down the river each day.