Working with Kids—Volunteer in Peru!

I spent the most amazing 4 weeks working with the mothers and children at Cositas Community Centre in Cusco and the experience has changed my life. With the support of the fantastic directors and volunteers at Maximo Nivel, the mothers are able to concentrate on designing beautiful and unique handmade jewellery, while I had the joy of looking after and helping their beautiful children. I would thoroughly recommend joining any program with Maximo Nivel, the accommodation they provide and services on offer exceed expectation. What a majestic city to spend time in and no better country to explore than Peru!

I just came back from spending 2 weeks volunteering in Cusco, Peru with Máximo Nivel. It was my first time going to South America and my first time volunteering abroad. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous going into it and wasn't sure what to expect. I had done enough research to know the org was legit (knew friends that had fallen for scams with other orgs), but I was still slightly cynical and wary of what they would be like - figured everything would be pretty automated and that I wouldn't have much interaction with the org other than logistics. So I was pleasantly surprised to be warmly greeted by name by a Máximo Nivel staff member as soon as I stepped out of the airport. The staff turned out to be super helpful, approachable, and friendly, and actively engaged with us volunteers. They frequently checked in with us to make sure we were doing well and always made it clear that we could come to them if we had any questions/comments/concerns. I was placed at a girls' orphanage, and had a wonderful experience helping the girls with homework, reading to them, playing tag, cat's cradle, etc. They were all so adorable and affectionate! The volunteer house I stayed at (with ~14 other volunteers) was also much nicer than I expected. Overall, I felt very taken care of my whole stay. Oh, and I absolutely loved Cusco. I definitely recommend Máximo Nivel to anyone and would volunteer with them again - possibly in Guatemala next time :) P.S. For any worried parents - Cusco is quite safe! As a girl, I felt completely safe busing/walking around the city center even at night (obviously common sense and standard caution is needed, but it wasn't more dangerous than any other city).

I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Peru through Maximo Nivel. The company was very well organized and the staff are unbelievably supportive, accommodating, knowledgeable, helpful, and truly genuine. I felt very safe and welcomed and appreciated the opportunity and support in making a difference in the lives of local children. It was also a phenomenal experience for my own personal growth and perspective and I value the challenge and encouragement I received from both my placement and Maximo Nivel. My accommodations, meals, and social life exceeded my expectations and it was truly a pleasure to live there for 8 weeks.