How does a volunteering trip compare to a regular holiday?
I had not experienced volunteering abroad until I had the opportunity to go to Picaflor House in Peru. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed myself so much. Every day was a new day, full of smiles! Working with the children was extremely uplifting and rewarding, and even now I miss them. Of course, the thought of a luxurious holiday by the sea sounds wonderful, but volunteering to help those who really need it, even if only for a short time, makes the biggest difference – not only to their lives but to your own. You gain a vast amount of knowledge and experience which will remain with you for life.
“Every day was a new day, full of smiles!”
How did you and your fellow students contribute to Picaflor House?
Picaflor House is a comprehensive after-school programme, helping with academic and non-academic subjects. The staff offer the children a safe place to go when they have finished school for the day, and they help them with their homework, which takes the burden off the parents. As volunteers, we assisted in any way possible by taking classes and teaching the children new things across a variety of subjects. Not only did we help and support them – more importantly, we kept a smile on their faces. We taught them art, dances, English and craftwork, and even organised a mini Olympics, which they loved.
Learning, laughter and lessons with the children in Cusco.
What has volunteering taught you about life outside your normal environment?
Volunteering at Picaflor House has mainly taught me never to take things for granted, and made me realise how much our society takes simple things for granted. It is sad to think that, even with a wardrobe full of clothes, we still think we need more. I worked with children who wore the same clothes to Picaflor House every day because they had no others. These children taught me to appreciate what I have.
How has your time at Picaflor House influenced your views on volunteering?
I never really thought about volunteering until I was offered the opportunity to volunteer abroad. The trip has influenced me because I want more people to experience the amazing time that I had. If I was given the opportunity to go again, I wouldn’t hesitate. The vaccinations and the long journey to Peru were entirely worth it!
What is the biggest impact the trip has had on you?
I still find it hard to believe how thankful and happy all the children were, even though they had so little. It just goes to show you don’t have to have everything you want to be happy. I wish everyone could have the chance to experience this, as it truly makes a difference to the way you see life.
- → Read fellow student Sophia’s story
- → Read the trip from the teacher’s point of view
- → Find out more about school and group volunteering
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