Special Needs Volunteering in Lima, Peru

The preparation checklist was an excellent resource. The local coordinators were absolutely excellent I cannot sing their praise loudly enough. They consistently looked out for us, helped us in any way they possibly could, and were always kind and approachable. The dog shelter is amazing and the people there are passionate and dedicated. I really looked forward to going to my volunteer placement every day and felt that I really built relationships with the shelter dogs. I loved spending time with them, and looking after them, and I think that the local staff do an amazing job with managing the volunteers.

My volunteer trip showed me that everyone, no matter their age or education is at a different place in their life. We have more than enough time to achieve anything you’d want. It also showed me how possible traveling while volunteering can be if you do it right and with the right intentions. It’s way less scary when you get there, everyone is secretly scared to some extent too. The people in your house are there to help and support you. It feels much less lonely and scary immediately after you arrive.