Volunteering in South America

It's happening! I'm off to South America to volunteer for 3 months in three different countries - Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. Whilst in Costa Rica, I will be volunteering with 'Academia Tica' in a local childcare centre where many of the children at the projects come from poorer, more disadvantaged backgrounds. In Ecuador, I will be working with the 'Simon Bolivar Foundation; teaching English and hopefully a bit of performing arts and music (who knows?) to local children in schools. I will also be helping to prepare classes, assist with marking, tutoring students and interacting during class breaks. In Peru, I will be volunteering with 'Proyecto Peru' in the local children's daycare centre. In this indigenous culture, many children are subject to troubling home environments due to low income, addiction, violence and neglect and so these projects aim to provide a safe space for children to learn basic skills and play and just be kids.

I'd also like to write a note on how these organisations focus on ethical, sustainable work. Voluntourism is an issue in the developing world and research into volunteering organisations is essential. These organisations and the people involved do not need 'white' people to save them, instead work alongside the locals to develop existing projects and assist in any way we can. I am sure that I will learn much more from the people I meet then they will ever learn from me.

I will be volunteering with the PMGY Foundation which is a UK registered charity (1169415) that was set up to help provide financial aid and assistance to projects and countries. Although this is a volunteer and travel placement, there are significant costs to allow me to make the most of the experience and I would be extremely grateful for any support you can provide to help me get there. I promise to share updates and photos with you!

Thankyou so much,

Holly x