By: Rosa Torres
On a Monday morning with the Sparks, I asked, “How was your weekend, Pumas?” The Pumas usually share the activities they did, what they had for breakfast or lunch, whether they visited someone, or if they went to the park. But that Monday was different. Something had happened that the Sparks were trying to understand in their own way: the second round of Peru’s presidential elections.
Some of the Pumas immediately responded:
“I went with my mom/dad to vote.”, “We’re going to have a new president.”
I asked them, “What does it mean to be president of our country?”
Some Pumas paused to think, while others replied:
“Someone who has powers to do lots of things.”, “Someone who builds things.”
I then said, “Pumas, imagine that you become presidents. If you were the President of Peru, what would you do for the children of Peru?”
The Pumas took a moment to think.
Catalina shared, “I would make sure that all sick children have medicine. Medicines would help them stay healthy.”
Brisa said, “Hmm, I would tell everyone to take care of the parks in our country and in the world.”
Juan Diego, laughing, shared, “I would make more restaurants.”
Matías added, “I would build schools near Juan Diego’s restaurants so that when children leave school, they can eat.”
Micaela commented, “I would make more Tinkuys.”
Rodrigo then asked, “What happens if a president steals?”
Matías replied, “Oh, that’s called corruption, and it’s bad.”
Guide: “Why is it bad, Matías? What does it mean to be corrupt?”
Matías: “It’s when someone steals, lies, and never tells the truth.”
Guide: “And why is that bad for a country?”
Brisa: “Because lying hurts us. If you tell the truth, then we can be happy.”
Guide: “What would you tell the future president of our country?”
Several Pumas responded at once:
“Don’t lie.”, “Don’t be corrupt.”
Guide: “Do you think children should be allowed to vote?”
Several Pumas enthusiastically answered: “Yeeeees!”
Guide: “How do you think that process could work, Pumas?”
Catalina reflected, “I think only children from age 13 should vote because younger children can’t read yet. You need to know how to read and make decisions. You can’t decide if you can’t read.”
Rodrigo added, “Yes, I agree, because I think we should vote when we grow a little older.”
We closed that moment in the Studio by wishing the very best for all the children of Peru: more medicine, more restaurants, better care for parks, more schools, and, of course, “more Tinkuys.”
As I reflected afterward, I felt a deep sense of hope. The Pumas showed remarkable clarity in thinking not only about their own needs but also about the needs of many other children. Although not every Puma spoke, all of them were attentive, observant, and deeply engaged in the conversation and exchange of ideas.
After sharing this conversation with. you all, my heartfelt wish is that we can build a viable, loving present and future for the Spark Pumas and for all the children of Peru. Personally, I would love to live in a country governed by the Sparks.