Kiya Survivors
Why choose Kiya Survivors?
Kiya Survivors is a registered Anglo-Peruvian charity. It was founded in 2001 by British citizen, Suzy Butler and her Peruvian team of professionals. The name 'Kiya' is taken from the Quechuan word for ‘moon’, which is the symbol for new beginning. Kiya Survivors aims to provide children with special needs and their families, abused and abandoned children, with the chance of a new beginning thr...
Kiya Survivors is a registered Anglo-Peruvian charity. It was founded in 2001 by British citizen, Suzy Butler and her Peruvian team of professionals. The name 'Kiya' is taken from the Quechuan word for ‘moon’, which is the symbol for new beginning. Kiya Survivors aims to provide children with special needs and their families, abused and abandoned children, with the chance of a new beginning through education, support and therapy. Kiya works side by side with local authorities to foster change and improve services offered in special needs schools in areas such as therapy, integration with local schools, working with the family and providing in house support. Kiya Survivors currently operates projects in the Andean village, Urubamba in the Cuzco region and the small fishing village...
Kiya Survivors Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Amazing trip
December 08, 2025by: Adam Broad - United KingdomProgram: Kiya Survivors: New Beginnings for Children in Peru
My daughter and I went with Kiya to Peru in 2023 and had an amazing time. The first week we explored the country. Suzy knows the country inside out and was able to show us sights, experiences, people and food that we would not have found ourselves. She laid on excellent excursions that were a lot of fun and gave us insights into the country. We had a lovely group of volunteers and we all got on very well. The second week of volunteering was special. A chance to get to know, help and understand a family living in difficult circumstances and make bonds with them. It did feel like we made a difference. The trip was superbly organised and the accommodation and meals were first class. What an experience.
A very special, unique and beautiful experience
April 08, 2019by: Iona Ferguson - ScotlandProgram: Kiya Survivors: New Beginnings for Children in Peru
I had a very special time at Kiya Survivors and think about my time there often. I stayed for 6 weeks which flew in. I felt it was the perfect balance of having responsibility with hands on work which you felt you were making an impact but also felt safe and relaxed! All the staff were so welcoming and so understanding with my awful Spanish! Which did improve throughout my trip! The other volunteers I was there with also made my experience really amazing. You become so close and plan lots of different activities on the weekend. I also went along to salsa classes which I loved! Working with and getting to know the children was so special and I still think about them and are so thankful to them for things they taught me! Overall it was such an incredible experience in so many different ways.
Thank you Iona! We are so happy to hear you had such a positive experience volunteering with us and all our team and the children we support are immensely grateful for your help and support!
All around excellent opportunity!
March 06, 2019by: Ryan Shultis - United StatesProgram: Kiya Survivors: New Beginnings for Children in Peru
My experience working with Kiya Survivors was phenomenal. Every day felt like progress towards a better for of the kids. Working physically to improve the education conditions of the kids as well as playing with the kids felt rewarding and special. In addition to working, the dwellings provided were nice. My group of students were able to enjoy cultural opportunities such as Machu Picchu, which helped us feel connected with the country and with the kids.
We are so glad you had a positive and enriching experience. Thank you so much for your support!! With love and thanks from the Kiya teamx
Kiya Survivors Programs
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'Quilla', pronounced 'Kiya', is the Quechuan word for moon—the symbol of a new beginning. Kiya Survivors aims to give just that. Through educati...
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Luisa Zaske
Participated in 2018
Luisa Zaske is from Germany and lives in Denmark. She goes to an International School and has never actually lived in her home country. She is halfway...

Luisa Zaske
Participated in 2018
We have a school organization called Team Peru, which I have been part of for a couple of years. This club offers a trip to Peru every two years for students from age 15-18. We were shown pictures and videos of the travelers who had been there before.

Sarah Otley
Participated in 2017
Sarah is a 53 year old mother of twin boys. They were living a good life but she felt that it was important to experience something as a family that w...

Ema Gurycová
Participated in 2018
Ema is from the Czech Republic. Before travelling to Peru with Kiya Survivors, she had never been outside of Europe. She has traveled a large amount o...

Ema Gurycová
Participated in 2018
Before this trip, I had never been outside of Europe before. What inspired me to travel abroad was that I wanted to experience a different continent, a different country, a different culture, and meet new and fascinating people. I also wanted to travel to a Spanish-speaking country as I am learning Spanish. Another reason why I wanted to go abroad and volunteer was that I wanted to help people less fortunate than me.