Chickens, kittens, and dogs roam through the ´Seeds of Hope´ classroom until one of the volunteers chases them out. I feel like I´m in the middle of nowhere, and yet at the same time I know it´s not far to get anywhere in town. The children are cute, sweet, and absolutely just full of energy! I have loved every single minute of being here.
This has been a truly heart warming experience, and I have made such great friends with the volunteers in just the little time I have been here. We had an awesome time last night, dancing around and watching a local band play. Betty, I found out, has just graduated from her masters degree in Public Policy, and Yuri used to be a musician, and also teach kids music before he started up ´Seeds of Hope´.
I captured the kids on video yesterday, all playing at the park (as they do every Friday), and I also managed to interview all of the volunteers. The kids were so cute, even though they were jumping all over me when I was trying to rest peacefully on the grass.
Betty say´s that because there is such a lack of supplies, one day for an art project, the children had to resort to using garbage. They cut out letters from old candy wrappers, chip packets, and whatever else they could find. Yuri confirms he is in great need of books and other educational supplies.
Seeds of Hope started with 4 founders, and now there are 6, and the organisation is in need of volunteers. The nice volunteer flat in Cusco is so convenient as it is located near shops, restaurants, the city centre, and many attractions. It only costs $400US per month (cheaper after 3 months) to volunteer here, and this includes all food, accommodation, and Spanish lessons four times a week.
Volunteers only work about 2 hours in the afternoon each day, and have weekends off. If you want to know what it is like to volunteer here, Seeds of Hope will also put you in touch with other volunteers so you can truly see if this is the right place for you.
If you would like to volunteer at ´Seeds of Hope´, visit the website for more information: www.peruseeds.org
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOMADIC HANDS JOURNEY GO TO WWW.NOMADICHANDS.COM
