"I decided to take a year out and focus on something different. I wanted to give back, and specifically to help children wherever in the world they needed it most. I had always been fascinated by Peru, so it seemed like a good place to start my research."
Why did you choose Globalteer?
"I decided to rule out the really big companies. I wasn't sure where my money would go, they were very expensive, and they felt corporate – I never really felt comfortable talking with them. Globalteer stood out as a well-run, medium-sized organisation with the type of projects I was interested in, and I really enjoyed my early conversations with the team.
"In my work I do a lot with children, trying to understand what makes them tick – mostly the things they like and the brands they choose, from food and drinks to games. I've always been surrounded by children through my family and friends, and I've always enjoyed bringing a bit of joy into their lives."
What did you enjoy most about volunteering?
"Every day the children turned up with a smile on their face and were always pleased to see you. Sometimes the smallest things had a big impact on me. I really enjoyed lesson planning – coming up with an idea for an art or English class, getting the materials together, then seeing the class run smoothly and watching the children get involved and enjoy what they were doing. I was amazed by some of the work they produced. It just goes to show that talent and creativity exist in children all over the world, whatever their background or situation."
Art, games and getting your hands dirty at Picaflor House.
What skills does a volunteer need?
"Volunteers definitely need to be comfortable around children: know how to communicate with them, know how to play games and be able to think on the spot with a group of kids demanding FUN. Anyone coming to volunteer shouldn't be shy or go quiet when the children ask them questions. In essence, you need to be willing to get down on the floor and act silly, get dirty and have fun – something adults usually forget how to do once they get past a certain age!"
"Be willing to get down on the floor and act silly, get dirty and have fun."
What did you think of the project and its staff?
"I was very impressed with the whole Globalteer operation. Having the Globalteer team on the ground really made a difference, and you can see the amazing bonds they have created with the children. I got to see first-hand where the money goes and the difference it makes to the lives of real children that I actually met, bonded with and spent some very special time with.
"The staff at the project were all warm, friendly and welcoming. You could see that they really enjoyed their work and that the children looked up to them. It was great to see first-hand how they each work, with such a mix of different skills. It was very humbling to think that they do this full time when I was only there for a short while. I was also lucky to work with a great bunch of volunteers – I've stayed in touch with most of them since we left Peru, and I hope our paths will cross again one day."
- Read more: David's month as a student volunteer
- Read more: Karen, a teacher from Australia, on her six weeks in Cusco