Public education in Peru follows strict curricular norms and a calendar of activities determined by the central Ministry of Education. The children, families, and school teachers of Huacaria have difficulties adapting to the rhythm and content of the official school curriculum and, as a result, many children have trouble with basic reading and writing skills.

As well, they lack sufficient nutrition and reinforcement study after school from their parents, most of whom lack education. The children of Huacaria often move through the primary school system without acquiring basic skills, reaching secondary school not well prepared to continue their course of study. Many teens choose to stop their education at this juncture.

The secondary educational facility is located in the town of Pilcopata, some 2 hours away by foot. The distance, lack of financial resources, and culture shock in the mestizo township lead to a high drop-out rate. Teens often succumb to the peer pressure in town, hanging out at bars and discotheques, drinking beer, and getting involved in sexual relationships outside their culture.

The teens of Huacaria are becoming lost between two worlds; the allure of alcohol, teenage relationships, discos and material goods, as opposed to the traditions of indigenous life back in the village.