My Small Help Peru is an organisation that is dedicated to providing children in Peru with the human right of an access to education. This includes numerous children in the Sacred Valley with special needs. This non-profit is very grassroots and aims to make a big difference to the children it is able to help. They need volunteers like you to help in any way you can. Fund raising money in your home country or your time in Peru. Every person is capable of contributing their “small” help towards some big causes.
Their thoughts on volunteering:
1. This stuff looks incredible on a resume. Bonus, brownie points if you have done it for more than a year. This shows your potential boss that you have some other interests in your life other than making money, that you can commit to a company, that you are dedicated to giving back, and that you are likely a wonderful person. Not guaranteed, but likely.
2. The skills you learn volunteering are irreplaceable. School teaches you theory, which doesn’t help you out in the “real world”. Skills do however. And volunteering is often a great way to achieve those skills. Depending on the size and need of the organisation you can often fill in niches. If you are into computers and perhaps know how to set up a website (or always wanted too), you’d be surprised at how many charities would be looking for someone to help run their website. This is just one such example.
3. Interacting with people from different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. This is a truly eye opening experience to talk to someone who has lived a life radically different than yours. Or someone who has. Either way, this discussion with real live people in an honest way is an incredible feat. You can teach a child how to tie their shoes (bonus points again if you both do not speak the same language). You can talk to an elder about how life was like when you were their age. You can help someone get their first decent meal of the day. All incredible insights into the human mind.
4. You meet some wonderful people. In my time as a volunteer, I have met people from all walks of life and yet I have always been pleasantly surprised. These people are fascinating. They are usually doing interesting things with their lives and have interesting things to say. Maybe you won’t like everybody you meet, but the ones you do sure make up for it. These people will be your confidants, supporters, and friends. These are people worth meeting.
5. Sense of appreciation. Nothing gives me a greater appreciation and gratitude for my own life, than after spending time helping someone who needs help. It is not about putting yourself on a pedestal, but realising what it must be like to walk a mile in these people’s shoes. It is a big commitment.
6. If you’re bold enough, it can take you to exotic locations. While there are lots of places in your home town who are probably just hoping you’ll cast a glance in their direction, volunteerism is a growing business. Yes, business. But it doesn’t have to be. Just like the local guys, there are plenty of grassroots efforts in developing countries that would love to have your expertise and knowledge.
7. Do your research or hope that fate is nice to you. Volunteer opportunities are not created equal. There are the Walmart equivalents of volunteering too. So make sure you pick an organisation that is close to your heart and look into them. Read their website if they have one, cover to cover. Send them your questions and concerns. Be informed. Like a good citizen should.
8. Have an open mind. Volunteering isn’t always going to be as magical as I described it. But the truth is that it will always be rewarding in some way, so long as that is your attitude. Please, on behalf of every organisation EVER, do not do this out of some weird “I need to volunteer for my university application/resume, and even though I hate kids I’m going to go to China to teach English in a slum”. Seriously. That being said, go with an open mind and just let the experience be the best it can be.
9. Enjoy it! Your time is precious. Don’t hang around out of obligation, guilt, shaming, or anything else. Unless you paid some RIDICULOUS amount of money. Stick with an organisation you love, leave one you don’t.
10. Volunteering doesn’t mean you need to pay money. You can go on two week tours or pay to help out. Sometimes this is helping too, just paying your dues or donations even. Money does make a difference. But if you are donating your time, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay out too. Lots of places will be happy to have just your time. So look for them. If that’s what you’re into.
Madison Ritchie is a volunteer for My Small Help Peru. Find out more on mysmallhelp.org.
(Featured image: TheDreamSky)
