By Zoe Murray (Melbourne, Australia).
My time with MySmallHelp Peru has been challenging, fascinating and rewarding. I have previously travelled around Peru which inspired me to return to volunteer. By travelling you can learn so much but when you volunteer and live in a community you build such a stronger connection. During this time in Peru I truly had the chance to learn about the Peruvian culture and people.
Working everyday with the beneficiaries is an amazing experience. You get the chance to really help people in a simple way. One of the beneficiaries, Miguel Angel, is severely disadvantaged with limited options of help. But nearly every day he is visited by the volunteers of MySmallHelp. Whilst we may not provide extravagant changes, every single day we help him a little bit. We provide him with vital social interaction and therapy. Seeing the small improvements he makes is extremely rewarding and makes you excited to visit him again.
When you volunteer you meet the most interesting people, you get to work with staff and volunteers from all over the world and get to provide help to some amazing beneficiaries. Andres, is a beneficiary who is also one of the most positive people I have met. His smile melts your heart and he is always keen for a joke or two. His energy is inspiring and so is seeing how much he works to overcome adversity. Building relationships with beneficiaries and staff makes volunteering so worth it.
All the volunteers and staff live together, and they give you an instant family when you arrive. It is so awesome to work and live with like minded people and you are so fortunate to live in the Sacred Valley. Without a doubt the Sacred Valley is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Volunteering with MySmallHelp Peru gives you the opportunity to live in a beautiful place, with amazing people and do some absolutely fabulous work.
