Volunteer Testimonials
What did our past volunteers think....?
MARIE AUGER BELLEMARE: volunteered in 2009, as well as from May to 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 posessions 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 personnal 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."
ANNA BENKER: volunteered February through 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 February through 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."
ELIANE DEMERS: volunteered from May to July 2015
"Before leaving Canada, I was scared because it was my first time traveling 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.
HANNAH FINE: volunteered December 2017 through January 2018
"I volunteered with Seeds for one month and really enjoyed my time there. The kids were a lot of fun to work with and were incredibly welcoming to the volunteers. I always looked forward to going to the school and always felt supported by the organization. Gracias por una buena experiencia!
ALEXANDRA GRENON: volunteered in January 2011
"I have only good memories from my experience with Seeds. The children are adorable and very lovely. Even though I was there for only one month, I feel attached to these kids and I’m really going to miss them. You can learn so many things from them and they help you with your Spanish the best they can.
I was with Seeds during the Carnavales, so we made some water balloons fight after classes; even if you are completely wet after it, you have such a great time and the kids just love it! They are smiling all the time and chasing you with water balloons!
Also, it was nice to be with the other Peruvian and International volunteers to share stories and to go out. You feel like you have a new family and you always have something to do. Finally, you are meeting so many nice people, including the kids, the others volunteers and the teachers, that you don’t want to leave and already planning to come back!"
MORRAH GOGGINS: volunteered in October 2010
"I came to Huaraz, Peru, with an open mind, hoping to learn as much as I could about the children and their culture from the most valuable source-the children themselves. I had no particular goal in mind when I left America for Huaraz, all I knew was that I was tired of college and needed a change. My experience with Seeds of Hope far exceeded anything I could have wished for.
The kids...simply put, the kids are angels, with hearts bigger than the mountains that surround their city. They might act out sometimes, spill some things, get a little rambunctious, but hey, what kid doesn't? These kids have been through so much hardship, and yet they walk through the doors of the school everyday bearing wide grins upon their faces, knowing that they can always count on Seeds to be a safe, comfortable environment where they will be fed, helped with their homework, and most importantly, loved unconditionally. I wouldn't trade anything for this experience. I learned more, experienced more, helped more, and improved my Spanish more than I could have ever imagined. I am already planning a return trip back to volunteer with them again! My time at Seeds was the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it."
ELISE GRIFFIN: volunteered from June to July 2006
"I have spent almost exactly one month at Seeds of Hope, and I wish that I could stay longer. Living in the house and working with the children has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The children are the highlight -- they are smart and funny, although it can take some patience to deal with them, but Seeds of Hope is offering these children something all too lacking in their home life: a safe, clean place to work on their homework, basic medical care, lessons on hygiene, and positive adult role models. None of this would be possible without the people who run the show, a wonderful, caring, compassionate group of dedicated volunteers who really want the best for the children. This is a project that is absolutely vital."
SOPHIE HIGGINS
"The time that I spent here flew by way too quickly! It was a pleasure to work with Seeds for the second time. I am going to miss everybody, from the youngest to the oldest students. I only have fantastic memories of the pool, Willcahuain, the circus, and helping with homework, even now, a year following my first experience. It is incredible to see how the children have grown and how much they have learned."
DANIELA MARTINEZ
"The support, enthusiasm, and love of all the Seeds students made a strong impression on me from the beginning, and I am very happy to have spent five weeks volunteering with this amazing organization. The experiences that I had in Huaráz will never be forgotten, and I am excited to continue hearing good news about the students' academic progress."
DANNY O. - volunteered July 2007
"The kids are great, absolutely wonderful. They have really enhanced my visit to this area. With the teachers' strike going on, I thought the extra structure (rules and assignments) really helped in managing the kids. Amazed at how patient everybody, including the kids, are with non-Spanish speakers. It has helped my Spanish so I hope I have helped a little back. So, thanks for such a great experience!"
ELEANOR O'NEILL - volunteered May 2009
"The kids at Seeds are fantastic, and I really loved the times that I worked with them. The organization makes such a difference to these children' lives and the efforts of everyone to keep the charity going strong are so commendable."
ERIC SHALOM - volunteered from June to July 2006
"Having worked with other similar organizations in Huaraz, and back home in Canada, I can say without a doubt that this organization is the most responsible and caring ONG I have yet to come across. The needs of the children are always put first. In this organization, kids learn to be responsible by cleaning up after themselves, they perform better at school by having help with their homework, all in a safe and positive environment. Best of all, the kids get a nice warm snack after having completed their homework!
Never have I worked with a staff so dedicated to the elimination of child misery. The staff, mostly Peruvian, are all locals and thus know the problems facing the children; this knowledge is something great to come by for a person like myself, so foreign to the kids' needs. They will help you every step.
Finally, although I hopefully helped a couple kids and made them laugh, the amount I have gained from them can never be equal to what I brought. Quite the life experience. Highly recommended."
STUARÍ
"Working and living here with Seeds of Hope has been a really rewarding experience. Helping the children, seeing their improvement and having a chance to play with them has been touching. I know of others who have volunteered in the past to other organizations in the world and they felt like a guest. This cannot be said about Seeds; my help was valued both by the organization and by the children. Not only that, I have made some great new friends and experienced Peruvian life. This organization and those in it are all incredibly kind and trying to make a positive difference to some wonderful but poor children."
NICOLE RAY - Volunteered November 2006
"At first, it was a little nerve-racking as I've not spent much time with 5-15 year olds, especially living in London and with the language barrier! Over the last month, I've developed very special relationships with the children. They've begun to trust me, my knowledge, and watched my Spanish progress. They were just as sad to see me go as I am to leave. However, they always have a smile on their faces no matter the odds -- which is something I'll take with me, along with all the cards, messages, and photos.
The team here at Seeds are also very dedicated, kind, generous, and fun bunch of people. Their company has been thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening. Not only have they been great to live with, they'll be great long term friends as well."
MARIE AUGER BELLEMARE: volunteered in 2009, as well as from May to 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 posessions 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 personnal 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."
ANNA BENKER: volunteered February through 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 February through 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."
ELIANE DEMERS: volunteered from May to July 2015
"Before leaving Canada, I was scared because it was my first time traveling 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.
HANNAH FINE: volunteered December 2017 through January 2018
"I volunteered with Seeds for one month and really enjoyed my time there. The kids were a lot of fun to work with and were incredibly welcoming to the volunteers. I always looked forward to going to the school and always felt supported by the organization. Gracias por una buena experiencia!
ALEXANDRA GRENON: volunteered in January 2011
"I have only good memories from my experience with Seeds. The children are adorable and very lovely. Even though I was there for only one month, I feel attached to these kids and I’m really going to miss them. You can learn so many things from them and they help you with your Spanish the best they can.
I was with Seeds during the Carnavales, so we made some water balloons fight after classes; even if you are completely wet after it, you have such a great time and the kids just love it! They are smiling all the time and chasing you with water balloons!
Also, it was nice to be with the other Peruvian and International volunteers to share stories and to go out. You feel like you have a new family and you always have something to do. Finally, you are meeting so many nice people, including the kids, the others volunteers and the teachers, that you don’t want to leave and already planning to come back!"
MORRAH GOGGINS: volunteered in October 2010
"I came to Huaraz, Peru, with an open mind, hoping to learn as much as I could about the children and their culture from the most valuable source-the children themselves. I had no particular goal in mind when I left America for Huaraz, all I knew was that I was tired of college and needed a change. My experience with Seeds of Hope far exceeded anything I could have wished for.
The kids...simply put, the kids are angels, with hearts bigger than the mountains that surround their city. They might act out sometimes, spill some things, get a little rambunctious, but hey, what kid doesn't? These kids have been through so much hardship, and yet they walk through the doors of the school everyday bearing wide grins upon their faces, knowing that they can always count on Seeds to be a safe, comfortable environment where they will be fed, helped with their homework, and most importantly, loved unconditionally. I wouldn't trade anything for this experience. I learned more, experienced more, helped more, and improved my Spanish more than I could have ever imagined. I am already planning a return trip back to volunteer with them again! My time at Seeds was the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it."
ELISE GRIFFIN: volunteered from June to July 2006
"I have spent almost exactly one month at Seeds of Hope, and I wish that I could stay longer. Living in the house and working with the children has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The children are the highlight -- they are smart and funny, although it can take some patience to deal with them, but Seeds of Hope is offering these children something all too lacking in their home life: a safe, clean place to work on their homework, basic medical care, lessons on hygiene, and positive adult role models. None of this would be possible without the people who run the show, a wonderful, caring, compassionate group of dedicated volunteers who really want the best for the children. This is a project that is absolutely vital."
SOPHIE HIGGINS
"The time that I spent here flew by way too quickly! It was a pleasure to work with Seeds for the second time. I am going to miss everybody, from the youngest to the oldest students. I only have fantastic memories of the pool, Willcahuain, the circus, and helping with homework, even now, a year following my first experience. It is incredible to see how the children have grown and how much they have learned."
DANIELA MARTINEZ
"The support, enthusiasm, and love of all the Seeds students made a strong impression on me from the beginning, and I am very happy to have spent five weeks volunteering with this amazing organization. The experiences that I had in Huaráz will never be forgotten, and I am excited to continue hearing good news about the students' academic progress."
DANNY O. - volunteered July 2007
"The kids are great, absolutely wonderful. They have really enhanced my visit to this area. With the teachers' strike going on, I thought the extra structure (rules and assignments) really helped in managing the kids. Amazed at how patient everybody, including the kids, are with non-Spanish speakers. It has helped my Spanish so I hope I have helped a little back. So, thanks for such a great experience!"
ELEANOR O'NEILL - volunteered May 2009
"The kids at Seeds are fantastic, and I really loved the times that I worked with them. The organization makes such a difference to these children' lives and the efforts of everyone to keep the charity going strong are so commendable."
ERIC SHALOM - volunteered from June to July 2006
"Having worked with other similar organizations in Huaraz, and back home in Canada, I can say without a doubt that this organization is the most responsible and caring ONG I have yet to come across. The needs of the children are always put first. In this organization, kids learn to be responsible by cleaning up after themselves, they perform better at school by having help with their homework, all in a safe and positive environment. Best of all, the kids get a nice warm snack after having completed their homework!
Never have I worked with a staff so dedicated to the elimination of child misery. The staff, mostly Peruvian, are all locals and thus know the problems facing the children; this knowledge is something great to come by for a person like myself, so foreign to the kids' needs. They will help you every step.
Finally, although I hopefully helped a couple kids and made them laugh, the amount I have gained from them can never be equal to what I brought. Quite the life experience. Highly recommended."
STUARÍ
"Working and living here with Seeds of Hope has been a really rewarding experience. Helping the children, seeing their improvement and having a chance to play with them has been touching. I know of others who have volunteered in the past to other organizations in the world and they felt like a guest. This cannot be said about Seeds; my help was valued both by the organization and by the children. Not only that, I have made some great new friends and experienced Peruvian life. This organization and those in it are all incredibly kind and trying to make a positive difference to some wonderful but poor children."
NICOLE RAY - Volunteered November 2006
"At first, it was a little nerve-racking as I've not spent much time with 5-15 year olds, especially living in London and with the language barrier! Over the last month, I've developed very special relationships with the children. They've begun to trust me, my knowledge, and watched my Spanish progress. They were just as sad to see me go as I am to leave. However, they always have a smile on their faces no matter the odds -- which is something I'll take with me, along with all the cards, messages, and photos.
The team here at Seeds are also very dedicated, kind, generous, and fun bunch of people. Their company has been thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening. Not only have they been great to live with, they'll be great long term friends as well."