This volunteer (Jinke Coenen from Germany) spent four weeks volunteering in a girl's home in Cusco, Peru. Read on to find out more about her experience...

I spent four weeks volunteering in this home in Cusco. Initially, I was the only volunteer, but soon several others joined the project, which was great. The girls need a lot of attention, so the more volunteers the better!

Having a basic level of Spanish came in very handy – the girls love speaking with volunteers in their own language and teaching new words. We enjoyed exchanging words in English and Spanish.
Some of the girl's favorite activities included painting, jewelry-making, dancing and general playtime and fun! When spending time with the girls it does not take long to discover their need for love and attention. They love being with the volunteers and are constantly seeking hugs. It is incredibly heartwarming.

It is quite difficult to learn about the background of these girls. Most of them do not speak openly about their pasts and the language barriers also make it difficult for conversations to progress. However, each week I learned a little more about their different histories.

I found it really insightful learning about their backgrounds, as it is such a different world to the one in which I grew up. It really makes you appreciate things, and when you compare how their lives used to be, you realize what a sanctuary the home really is. The girls have a place to sleep, a place to play, an education, and most importantly of all somebody to take care of them and love them. The girls love the home and they see one another as sisters.

Colombia is a country of astonishing diversity. It is fast becoming one of South America's most popular destinations for those who want to experience the enchantment of a country that has been described by many as "paradise".

There is an inexplicable quality about Colombia that captures the hearts of all those that visit. From the breathtaking scenery to the wholehearted warmth of the local people, Columbia has it all. Steamy jungles and Amazon safaris, colonial cities and ancient ruins, mouth-watering coffee, entrancing scuba diving, adrenaline-pumping surfing on stunning Caribbean beaches.

Want to visit this magnificent country while at the same time giving something back to the local community? Volunteer Work Latin America has an expanding range of projects based in Colombia. Work in the depths of the Amazonian basin providing stimulating activities for the elderly or running creative workshops for local children. Or, coach football to local children in the alpine city of Medellin. Whatever your passion, Volunteer Work Latin America can help connect you with a meaningful volunteer experience.

Our social projects enable volunteers to experience real life in a local Colombian community. They provide the perfect opportunity to make a contribution to a people that consistently offer wholehearted welcomes to all that pay them a visit.

So, you have made one of the best decisions of your life. You are heading to Latin America to partake in a volunteer project. Great choice. However, you are now facing a far tougher decision - which project to choose? There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a volunteer project, including your own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to research different programs, their costs, and the type of work you will be doing. Volunteer Work Latin America understands this difficult decision, and we are here to help you make the right one, so read on to learn about different volunteer opportunities in Latin America.
To read about the different Volunteer Latin America projects, see our blog.