VOLUNTEERING: TIMES OF OUR LIVES
Thank you for your support!
The Kiya volunteer program has been running now for 4 years and our experience has taught us what to do, what not to do and how to ensure that our volunteers are well cared for and have an unforgettable experience.
The following articles and quotes are from staff and past or present volunteers who want to share their thoughts and experiences with you in order to help you make the right decision about joining the Kiya volunteer programs.
Volunteer group September 2004
Suzy Butler
President, Director and founder of Kiya Survivors:When I first opened Kiya Survivors 4 years ago now, I never believed it was possible to make such an impact on so many lives. Not just the children’s, who once had no support and were living in a world of misunderstanding and fear and now, thanks to Kiya, have beautiful schools to go to where they receive the therapy and love they so desperately need, but also the staff and overseas volunteers.
I have seen old and young travel over continents to help us, some uncertain and scared of what to expect, how they were going to help, unsure of themselves and their future. Many have experienced life changing moments. Some have gone home and turned their lives around. Others have gone back to college to train as teachers or therapists after their experiences with Kiya and some have never left Peru having found their mission. All have realized that the comforts they are accustomed too are indeed a luxury for many in this world and have learnt to appreciate them that much more. Also, to appreciate themselves and those around them. It is truly remarkable the way Kiya is moving from strength to strength and we certainly couldn’t have got this far without the crucial support from the volunteer program and dedication from the Peruvian staff. We have had the privilege of working with some truly incredible people who have dedicated their time and helped raise much needed funds to ensure that the vital support at the Rainbow Centre, Mama Cocha and Runa Wasi continues. Without them, the centres would have shut down a long time ago!
I want to express my heart felt thanks to all those who have chosen to support Kiya. Its been hard work getting here and we’ve had some rough times but its worth it when you see the children smiling and hear a word spoken from a child that everyone believed was a lost cause, so to anyone who is thinking of joining us in Peru on the volunteer program, please remember, without you, a certain child may not take that step or speak that first word, it is a truly transforming experience where you can really put your talents to use.From myself, the kids and the staff, THANK YOU for making a difference!
|
|||||||||||||||
|
URGENT: We desperately need more volunteers to join us out in Peru this June and September to ensure that the children receive the one to one attention they need. For more information
contact: alexis@kiyasurvivors.org
|
|||||||||||||||
 Suzy and Gervasio - The Rainbow Center |
|||||||||||||||
|
Points of Interest: *Kiya Survivors only accepts up to 60 volunteers a year (groups of no larger than 12 volunteers at any one time) to ensure that we do not overwhelm the local communities where we work. *All Kiya volunteers are needed for their support and are given the chance to put their talents to good use and make a difference where its really needed. *After the volunteers program costs are covered, the remainder of all money raised or paid to join Kiya Survivors goes directly towards maintaining the Projects. *The volunteer program is still Kiyas main source of funding providing an important service for the 80 children and their families that we now support and at the same time providing an unforgettable experience for all those accepted onto the program. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SUPPORT! |
Information for Volunteers