Chispa de Vida (“Spark of Life”) strives to improve the quality of life for differently abled people and their families. The project provides a free program of therapeutic and educational activities, assistance with transportation and medical necessities, as well as a supportive community.
This project began as a partnership with a national organistion for differently abled children called Los Pipitos. They had nothing except the shell of the building – La Mariposa provided staff (beginning with a physical therapist, a special education teacher and a night guard), furniture, and all the materials necessary for therapy (including a climbing frame and a ball pool) and education. We also a built a latrine and installed electricity. Over the years, many la Mariposa volunteers worked on this project. However, the relationship with Los Pipitos was problematic, so 2 years ago we created Chispa de Vida and moved the operation to La Reserva.
With the help of a group of women volunteers and their kids (from Portland, Oregon) We constructed two eco buildings for Chispa de Vida – a physical therapy space and a room for education.
Volunteers preparing the adobe 
Building walls from straw 
Playground made of recycled tyres
Members, Therapists & Peacework delegation outside the finished building
We are looking for monthly sponsorship of the Chispa de Vida program.
Please consider a donation of $35/month by Mas Mariposas.
Please consider a donation of $35/month by visiting here.
Please note – Chispa de Vida members also share activities with members of the broader children’s projects as part of our Integrated Children’s Program
Chispa de Vida has gone from strength to strength. In 2019 we employed a second physical therapist and a second special education teacher with over 40 children registered and several adults also receiving physical therapy. Individual help is often given to very poor families unable to afford enough medicines, nappies, transport etc.
Equine Therapy / Equinoterapia
On Mondays, the children of Chispa de Vida ride around on the backs of our gentlest rescued horses with the assistance of our experienced and enthusiastic workers, therapists, and volunteers. Parents are welcome to relax and watch from nearby hammocks, or join in. Interacting with the animals, and feeling the physical cadence of a horse’s movement is an enjoyable way to improve mood, balance, motor skills, and coordination. It is a super therapeutic experience for all concerned, enhanced by the natural surroundings of nearby vistas, gardens, and eco buildings of the El Piscacho Group Study Center location.
See our equino therapy program featured in the news!
Hydrotherapy / Hidroterapia
On Wednesdays, the children float and splash around in a local pool exercising and enjoying themselves with the guidance of their parents, volunteers, and our dedicated therapists. The natural pressure and buoyancy of the water, plus floatation aids, provide a wonderful way to practice movements that are difficult or impossible on dry land.
Physical Therapy / Fisioterapia
Regular therapeutic massage, stretching and strengthening exercises of large muscle groups increase children’s mobility and stability.
Occupational Therapy / Terapia Ocupacional
Building to practice precise movements 
Therapeutic canine companionship 
Specially created rocking chair seat
Encouraging the development of fine motor skills though fun activities and finding useful adaptations increase children’s independence in daily activities.
Our Team of Therapists & Educators
