What did our past volunteers think....?
RHIANNA VERGEER: volunteered June - September 2022
"Although it is a small organization and its mission is in some ways simple, Seeds of Hope is a truly wonderful organization. It feels like a family. The students grow up in the program, so students know each other and the program director really well, and he knows their families, too. Several graduates of the program come back to volunteer and spend time at the organization, which just tells me what this organization means to its students. When I arrived, the students were so patient with me and my Spanish and eagerly welcomed me. And I felt like once I got to know the students that I was contributing to the organization in a meaningful way; that I was not just a tourist. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know the students and building relationships with them. By the time I left, I felt like I was truly a part of the Seeds community."
"Although it is a small organization and its mission is in some ways simple, Seeds of Hope is a truly wonderful organization. It feels like a family. The students grow up in the program, so students know each other and the program director really well, and he knows their families, too. Several graduates of the program come back to volunteer and spend time at the organization, which just tells me what this organization means to its students. When I arrived, the students were so patient with me and my Spanish and eagerly welcomed me. And I felt like once I got to know the students that I was contributing to the organization in a meaningful way; that I was not just a tourist. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know the students and building relationships with them. By the time I left, I felt like I was truly a part of the Seeds community."
HANNAH ZETTEL: volunteered Jan - April 2019
"I couldn't have asked for a better experience during my 3 months at Seeds. The students, local volunteers and Yuri the director are like a family and incredibly welcoming to international volunteers. Whether you're helping with homework, having fun during recreo, playing games at the park or going on field trips such as camping, Seeds is a wonderful community of which I am incredibly grateful to have been a member. The city of Huaraz, in which Seeds is situated close to the main square, is a wonderful place to explore and I always felt safe doing so. Surrounding mountains offer many exciting adventure opportunities such as trekking, zip lining, camping, horseback riding, hot springs and much more. In terms of accommodation, living in the same complex as the school meant that there was no commute to work necessary and everything you could need was only a few steps away. The volunteer apartment is quite comfortable and meets all of your needs. If there was ever a problem with anything, Yuri was always quick to find a solution. As an 18 year old, first time solo traveller, my time at Seeds of Hope Peru met and exceeded all of my expectations and I hope to return in the future!"
"I couldn't have asked for a better experience during my 3 months at Seeds. The students, local volunteers and Yuri the director are like a family and incredibly welcoming to international volunteers. Whether you're helping with homework, having fun during recreo, playing games at the park or going on field trips such as camping, Seeds is a wonderful community of which I am incredibly grateful to have been a member. The city of Huaraz, in which Seeds is situated close to the main square, is a wonderful place to explore and I always felt safe doing so. Surrounding mountains offer many exciting adventure opportunities such as trekking, zip lining, camping, horseback riding, hot springs and much more. In terms of accommodation, living in the same complex as the school meant that there was no commute to work necessary and everything you could need was only a few steps away. The volunteer apartment is quite comfortable and meets all of your needs. If there was ever a problem with anything, Yuri was always quick to find a solution. As an 18 year old, first time solo traveller, my time at Seeds of Hope Peru met and exceeded all of my expectations and I hope to return in the future!"
Tracy's drawing
TRACY CHEN: volunteered Jan - Feb 2019
Volunteering at Seeds of Hope was an incredible experience – the staff were great, the children were incredibly enthusiastic and keen to learn, and our roles as volunteers were set out very clearly. You get the sense that Yuri, the director, and everyone else at Seeds are truly dedicated to educating and helping their students, and go out of their way to make them feel like they’re in a fun learning environment. Huaraz itself is beautiful too, you get plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings when you’re not teaching. The mountains and lakes are breathtaking, and it’s a really good place to visit if you like hiking. All in all it was a wonderful experience. Thanks Seeds of Hope for having me!"
TRACY CHEN: volunteered Jan - Feb 2019
Volunteering at Seeds of Hope was an incredible experience – the staff were great, the children were incredibly enthusiastic and keen to learn, and our roles as volunteers were set out very clearly. You get the sense that Yuri, the director, and everyone else at Seeds are truly dedicated to educating and helping their students, and go out of their way to make them feel like they’re in a fun learning environment. Huaraz itself is beautiful too, you get plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings when you’re not teaching. The mountains and lakes are breathtaking, and it’s a really good place to visit if you like hiking. All in all it was a wonderful experience. Thanks Seeds of Hope for having me!"
ANNA BENKER: volunteered Feb - April 2018
"I had such an amazing time volunteering with Seeds of Hope. The kids are so kind, smart, and hilarious! Yuri and the local volunteers were very welcoming and helpful/ Also, the city of Huaraz is absolutely stunning. I've come back home with so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever!"
MAEVE BRAMMER: volunteered Feb - April 2018
"Seeds is a special place! My time here has been both challenging and rewarding, and the kids continue to make me smile and think more deeply about my own human experience. We are fortunate to work here, and to know that this place (this city, this organization, this apartment) will always welcome us if we decide to return."
MARIE AUGER BELLEMARE: volunteered in 2009, as well as from May - July 2015
"May 2015 was my second teaching experience at Seeds of Hope. I first came in 2009 and stayed for 11 months. Each time, I was impressed by the warmth that could be felt inside the school, between the kids and with the volunteers. I was, as many people who came before and after me, also shocked by the small quantity of food and material possessions these people needed to be happy. I was impressed! I was also very sad to acknowledge that some kids really were lacking some basic skills in school (according to my personal standards). It took me a while to understand how I could help them. At first, I was expecting a fast change. I wanted to see a difference, a clear one. Then, I started to understand that helping in daily tasks doesn't imply a fast and drastic change: it implies being there on a daily basis, and being present to accompany the children do most of the work. Most of my best moments there were when the kids would explain to me how to help another kid, because they could see the problem better than myself. It is really them who could give me the key to help and make a difference. That experience taught me to be patient, and not expect a life-changing experience at every moment. I personally think that it is actually once back at home that you realize how this experience has changed your life forever. I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn, see new things, be amazed by life, but who also is ready to adapt through problem solving and hard work."
ELIANE DEMERS: volunteered from May to July 2015
"Before leaving Canada, I was scared because it was my first time travelling alone and Spanish was not my first language. I had no reason to be scared: everybody was welcoming and even with the little knowledge I had of the language, I was still able to communicate with the kids. My experience at Seeds of Hope can only be described as perfect. I made a lot of great connections with the kids over there, I had fun with them and I was able to practice my Spanish. I would recommend this organization to everyone."
"I had such an amazing time volunteering with Seeds of Hope. The kids are so kind, smart, and hilarious! Yuri and the local volunteers were very welcoming and helpful/ Also, the city of Huaraz is absolutely stunning. I've come back home with so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever!"
MAEVE BRAMMER: volunteered Feb - April 2018
"Seeds is a special place! My time here has been both challenging and rewarding, and the kids continue to make me smile and think more deeply about my own human experience. We are fortunate to work here, and to know that this place (this city, this organization, this apartment) will always welcome us if we decide to return."
MARIE AUGER BELLEMARE: volunteered in 2009, as well as from May - July 2015
"May 2015 was my second teaching experience at Seeds of Hope. I first came in 2009 and stayed for 11 months. Each time, I was impressed by the warmth that could be felt inside the school, between the kids and with the volunteers. I was, as many people who came before and after me, also shocked by the small quantity of food and material possessions these people needed to be happy. I was impressed! I was also very sad to acknowledge that some kids really were lacking some basic skills in school (according to my personal standards). It took me a while to understand how I could help them. At first, I was expecting a fast change. I wanted to see a difference, a clear one. Then, I started to understand that helping in daily tasks doesn't imply a fast and drastic change: it implies being there on a daily basis, and being present to accompany the children do most of the work. Most of my best moments there were when the kids would explain to me how to help another kid, because they could see the problem better than myself. It is really them who could give me the key to help and make a difference. That experience taught me to be patient, and not expect a life-changing experience at every moment. I personally think that it is actually once back at home that you realize how this experience has changed your life forever. I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn, see new things, be amazed by life, but who also is ready to adapt through problem solving and hard work."
ELIANE DEMERS: volunteered from May to July 2015
"Before leaving Canada, I was scared because it was my first time travelling alone and Spanish was not my first language. I had no reason to be scared: everybody was welcoming and even with the little knowledge I had of the language, I was still able to communicate with the kids. My experience at Seeds of Hope can only be described as perfect. I made a lot of great connections with the kids over there, I had fun with them and I was able to practice my Spanish. I would recommend this organization to everyone."