What led your path to working with SKIP?
I worked the previous six years at a much larger non-profit in the US. I loved my job, but I was burned out and wanted to try something different. My idea was to find an organization in Latin America where I could make a contribution and have the opportunity to travel and improve my Spanish. I originally planned to stay for one year, but I’m now in my third year here. I love living on the Pacific coast of northern Peru, and I feel a sense of responsibility for the people we work with and the clients we serve. It’s been an adventure.
Christmas celebration with SKIP pre-school children
Can you tell us about your role as the Director?
A lot of the director role hinges on coordination and communication. It’s clear in this role that I can’t do everything myself, so it’s important that we have a strong team in place. Fortunately, our coordination team is very professional and experienced. I come from a financial background, so one of my primary duties has been to monitor and try to improve our financial position. I try to make clear where we want to go as an organization and then trust everyone to do their jobs well. It’s been challenging, but I feel like we’re making progress.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
Money is always a challenge in a non-profit organization. We’re constantly trying to make sure we have the right resources and staff in place to provide the best experiences for our clients and volunteers, while at the same time ensuring the long term sustainability of our programs. This balance requires tough choices in terms of salaries, field trips, materials, etc. Fortunately, our team is very adept at making the most of available resources.
Exploring Machu Picchu
How does your background in English and Spanish studies, Accounting, and your MBA influence in your work?
My undergraduate studies and foreign exchange motivated me to learn more about the world. Unfortunately, I didn’t gain as much Spanish fluency as I would have liked as an undergraduate, so I’ve had to really work on my language abilities here. My business education has really helped me with budgeting and cash flow management and dealing with the regulations related to an international charity.
What can volunteers expect from the SKIP volunteer experience?
It can be overwhelming and disorienting to travel and work in a foreign country. We try to make that experience as smooth and welcoming as possible for new volunteers. We provide a lot of guidance and information to volunteers before they arrive.
Upon arrival volunteers typically arrive at their housing and are greeted by a volunteer leader. They receive an induction, meet their housemates, and get settled in. Then they ease into the work environment of teaching kids or working in the economic development program with appropriate training and supervision. It’s a lot of work, but there’s also a decent amount of free time, travel time, and group activities.
You are from the United States but currently live in Peru. How has this experience impacted you personally and professionally?
I honestly love living in Peru. It’s always been one of my goals to live and work in another country. Peru is a great choice because there are a lot of really interesting geographic and historical attractions in a relatively small country. Peru has a relaxed and welcoming culture, and the food is excellent.
There are obviously negatives in any country (mainly related to traffic and bureaucracy here), but overall it has been fantastic. I think living abroad has definitely expanded my worldview and made me more flexible. As an added bonus, I’m also in the best physical shape of my adult life due to better diet and exercise. I haven’t owned a car the past two years, so I ride my bike or walk everywhere. In a lot of ways things are simpler here than in the U.S.
If you could participate on a SKIP volunteer program, which would you choose and why?
I currently spend time each week working in our MicroCredits program. I like the idea of giving clients the tools to become financially self sufficient. Our loans are relatively small but are extremely important for clients who are running their own businesses, improving their homes, or overcoming a medical emergency. In most cases we are their only source of credit.
I would also love to spend time working in our skateboard park. I’m not sure how well I could skate, but the program looks like a lot of fun. It’s very popular with students and a great way to build self confidence.
Participating in the Lima 10k/21k/42k with SKIP volunteers
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel indicates to me that I’m interacting with the environment rather than just observing it as an outsider. I’m not necessarily against tours and tourist activities, but I love to have unstructured time to explore a new environment on my own terms. For me this usually involves walking or biking around, browsing local markets, hanging out in parks, trying local food, and/or talking to local people. Volunteering with a local organization can be fantastic way to connect with the local culture on a deeper level.
Why do you think it’s important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
First of all, it’s a lot of fun. There are a lot of interesting and beautiful places in the world. I love exploring new areas, trying new foods, and meeting new people. It’s been a real privilege for me to travel and live abroad. I think everyone should try it if they have the opportunity.
Second, it’s easy to be afraid of and demonize people you’ve never met or interacted with. There is a lot of fear and misunderstanding in the world. However, it’s really difficult to hold onto prejudices when you interact meaningfully with other people. People have the same basic wants and needs regardless of geography, skin color, or economic circumstances. The world is a pretty friendly place if you are open to it.
What hopes do you have for the future of SKIP?
My primary goal now is to ensure the long term sustainability of SKIP. We’re celebrating our 15th anniversary this year. We have long-term relationships with a lot of families in El Porvenir, and new families are constantly arriving. We provide stability and educational opportunities for the children we serve, as well economic resources and a sense of community for their parents. I would like to build on these relationships and continue to improve the services we offer.
We’re currently planning our first-ever music program for the summer program, which I’m extremely excited about. A goal for next year is to replace some of our classroom furniture and further improve our infrastructure. We’re planning to increase our enrollment of students by about 10% next year as well. A crucial part of all these plans is that we continue to recruit enthusiastic and well qualified volunteers to help us achieve our goals.
