In August 2016, 15 year 10 and 11 students and teachers from Pipers Corner School in the UK, volunteered at our Community Project in Cusco, Peru.
Emma, the Deputy Head teacher said “We wanted the students to visit somewhere less developed and where they would encounter challenges of language, culture and be exposed to the realities of poverty we thought was an experience they would truly benefit from.”
We worked closely with the school to organize a trip that suited their needs. We created a tailor-made cultural and volunteering programme at the Peru Community project for 8 days – plus a tour of historical sights, Machu Picchu and The Sacred Valley. “It had the perfect blend”, said Emma.
Laura Hoskins, Project Manager at Picaflor House said, “Prior to their arrival, the volunteers from Pipers Corner were enthusiastically preparing for their visit to Peru. They prepared activities for art classes, kindergarten, English and Dance and were ready and raring to go on their first day of volunteering.
“Their preparation was a huge benefit to their time at Picaflor House, as they were confident with their activities and well-rehearsed classes. The children quickly warmed to the Pipers Corner volunteers and enjoyed all the activities that they had lined up for us.”
Over the 8 days, the students got involved in all the activities – assisting with teaching English, Math, Geography, Art and sport, dance and in particular, helped the children develop their confidence in developing their language skills.
“It took them out of their comfort zone and in the long-term made them better world citizens.”
The group had a life-changing experience at the project, and it certainly made a lasting impression on them, as did the staff at the project. “We’ve never had such a big group at Picaflor House, however, each member of the group brought her own skill and passion to the table and brought wonderful, positive energy to the children’s lives. Pipers Corner volunteers also contributed to art materials, and clothing donations - which have been extremely useful to the Picaflor House community.”
Click below to find out more about their experiences:
Emma, Deputy Head
Georgia, student
Sophia, student
Mia, student
Find out how you can get involved in the Peru Community project here.
If you are interested in group volunteering, click here.