* I can honestly say that my time in Huancayo has been the highlight of my 7 month trip around the world. The work in the orphanage was hugely enjoyable and rewarding and I shall really miss seeing the kids every morning. I’ve really felt that out of all the countries I’ve visited, Peru is the one where I’ve gained the most insight into the people and culture. Everyone here is so friendly and our host family have made us very welcome. Thanks to everyone at PFY for making my stay so memorable.

Jon Coffey; Manchester, England
coffeymagic@yahoo.co.uk

 

* Thank you for an incredible time here in Huancayo. Before I came, I had no idea what to expect, but now I’m dreading leaving! I feel as though I really found a place here that I could call “home” for a while on my flying visit around the world. My host family have been incredible. Mariesol is a fantastic cook, Abel is very very funny and Ramyna is a little star. It felt like my own home from home and I shall miss Huancayo terribly. It’s a great place to have spent the last five weeks – lots of people in traditional costume, stunning places to visit and great people. It’s been really refreshing to get away from the tourist trail and attempt to live “like a local”.

And as for the volunteer programme… well, what can I say? I was touched by how keen the children were, and how much they valued the importance of education. I found myself looking forward to work, and seeing the children. The children were always really motivated, hard-working and great fun. I really felt that they made great progress, and by the end of my placement, were able to chat to each other in English with confidence. The orphanage at Coto-Coto was incredibly well-run, and the children were a delight to be with. If you have the time, volunteer to spend time with the little ones after your English class... it’s incredibly rewarding to teach a child how to clap, or to see their faces when they recognise you and know that they’re going out to play on the swings.

I wish everyone at PeruForYou all the luck in the world with the enormous task that is providing support to children who need it the most. I really hope that the children I taught, of whom I have such very fond memories, will have a brighter chance in life when they leave the orphanage.

Thanks again.

Anne Dowling, England
annedowling2003@yahoo.co.uk

Hi everybody, I found the volunteer program great. It was a lifetime experience which I always would like to repeat. I participated in health programs to help communities in the Central Andes and Central jungle for 2 months. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get in touch with the people and the culture. THANK YOU PFY for your great support in my volunteer program. You guys have helped me a lot to spend a very great time here in Peru and Huancayo!!! I hope to come again!!!
Good luck,

Jennifer Beckmann,
jennybeck@freenet.de

 

*Thanks again for your very warm welcome to Huancayo and for the chance to work with PeruForYou. I really enjoyed my time working with you. Special thanks for placing me with the Castros, they are a great family and I had a fantastic time staying with them, so thanks to both of you for organising that.

And finally best of luck with your work with the kids in Huancayo. I'm sure the benefits of your efforts will be visible for many years to come.

All the best,

David Andrews, Ireland