Great Experience Volunteering in Cusco

My first experience doing volunteer work has been extremely positive, fun and rewarding.

I worked at the 'Children's Center' in Cusco. This is a a care center for impoverished children, and provides a safe haven, education and food to over 100 kids! My activities included tutoring, teaching English, helping with assignments, pre-school type activities, playing with and supervising the kids during recess and generally just being run ragged by the active kids!! Many of these children craved attention, a hug, a lap to sit on, and a happy face to spend time with them. The kids were adorable and it was very fulfilling to give them the attention, care and affection they need and deserve.

I am very pleased and feel fortunate that I chose 'A Broader View' as my volunteer organisation. It has been a pleasure and delight working with this organisation during every step of the way:

- During the inquiry and planning phases of my trip all questions were answered very promptly (always within 24 hours). The 'A Broader View' volunteer programs, planning process and registration are very structured and professional.
- The 'A Broader View' staff are very knowledgeable and competent and can provide a wealth of information in order to help plan your volunteer trip.
- The local coordinator in Cusco is a warm, caring and extremely helpful person. She was very generous with her time and help in integrating me at the local site where I was volunteering. She gave me a full orientation tour of the city in order to help me get settled in. On my firt day at work, she accompanied me to the work site, showed how to get there by public transit and introduced me to the local staff that I would be working with.
- My host family was great. They were extremely welcoming and made me feel as if I were in my own home during my stay in Cusco. My accomodation (private room) was clean and comfortable. The Peruvian home-cooked meals (2 meals a day + breakfast) were delicious.

I would definitely recommend 'A Broader View' to anyone planning to volunteer abroad. A Broader View is very caring, committed and professional organisation which will accompany you every step of the way so that you will have a safe, enjoyable and fulfilling volunteer experience.