VOLUNTEERING: TIMES OF OUR LIVES

Volunteers Experiences at The Rainbow Centre

The following was written by Rhiann Jamieson, Kiyas Volunteer and Project Coordinator. She can be contacted at Rhian@kiyasurvivors.org

I first got involved with Kiya in 2006, when I came out as a volunteer on a three month program. Having graduated in psychology and working in mental health, I was desperate for a new experience and a real challenge, to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I knew I wanted to volunteer with children, but I was nervous about handing over my very hard earned money to a large volunteer organization…when I came across Kiyas website instantly it felt right. The way it was small and you could see the faces of everyone involved makes you feel like you are joining a family. And that’s how it really is. Joining Kiya has changed my life forever…things will never be the same again!

I remember how scared I was when I arrived…about meeting the other volunteers, about being away from my family and friends, about not being able to speak ANY Spanish, about how and if I would be able to contribute.

Meeting the other girls in the volunteer house was a brilliant experience, and I have been lucky enough to make some special friendships. The experiences you share as a volunteer…in the house, at school, on nights out, weekends away are experiences that you will remember forever. Without TV and all the distractions we have at home, you have to find other things to do to entertain yourselves, and it gives you a fantastic opportunity to get to know people.

Urubamba is beautiful…every morning the view from the volunteer house would make me smile and think how lucky I was to be able to be here. It is an amazing opportunity to live in a small community and be a part of it. Peru is amazing…weekends away exploring to Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, the jungle, treking…make the most of your time here because there is so much to experience.

And obviously…the Rainbow Centre. The kids. There is a really special atmosphere here. Time and time again I would find myself overcome with emotion to be part of something so special and that has changed so many children’s lives.

And now as volunteer coordinator, I have been working with Kiyas volunteers for almost two years. I have been lucky enough to meet so many fantastic people that come and give their time and energy to Kiya and to the children. The diversity of personalities and talents is one of the things I love about Kiyas volunteer program…volunteers come from all over, from all walks of life and from young to old.

What I’ve learnt is that it’s not always about having specific skills, but about having a positive attitude; a willingness to help out wherever is needed and being able to take the rough with the smooth. The littlest things can make such a difference…knowing how to make a cake, or being good at taking photos, or playing a musical instrument, or having the energy to play volleyball with the kids at break…all of these little things make such a positive contribution the children’s lives, and the volunteers are a constant motivator to me in my work, and a reminder that there are lots of special people in the world.

If you come with patience, enthusiasm and an open mind and heart you will have an experience with these children and as a volunteer that could change the way you think about the world forever.

The following was written by Geraldine Lorage from French Guyiana, who is a social worker in London and volunteered at the Rainbow Centre for 2 months in March 2008. She can be contacted on geraldinelorage@googlmail.com.

Being treated as a friend by the children felt like a special privilege because for me it seemed like something you just wouldn’t have the right to hope for. Why should they trust me (a stranger) who came into their world/life and left when I wanted to…they were extremely generous and open ….I now only have to remember their smile and friendliness so I can have sunshine in my heart, and feel good. So I thank them for this.

Geraldine on the left, in a mime she and others volunteers prepared for the children

The following was written by Francesca Aylott, a 19 year old volunteer from Swindon, who worked at the Rainbow Centre for 3 months in January 2008.

She can be contacted at frantastic_09@hotmail.co.uk

My experience at the Rainbow Centre was extremely fun and rewarding, probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far! I found the environment very relaxed, happy and friendly. Doing a range of activities, I was able to work with children from different classes and with different ages and abilities, which is what I wanted. Working in Drama during Summer school was fun and challenging, as it sometimes put me out of my comfort zone, and I got to work with all the children at some point or another. My main highlight from working at the Rainbow Centre was developing relationships with specific children, either by working with them or playing, that
made me feel I had made a connection or breakthrough.

Francesca with 4 year old Juancito

The following was written by Vince Duffy, a social worker who volunteered at the Rainbow Centre for 2 months in September 2007. At his recent wedding, instead of gifts, he received donations for Kiya. It means the world to us Vince, THANK YOU.

Life will never be the same again... and I am glad about that. After the experience of working at the Rainbow Centre, with fellow volunteers, staff and of the course the children, I can safely say, it is one of the best and most fulfilling things I have ever done in life. Reasons attributing to why I write and feel the way I do about my experience is because I truly did not know what to expect prior to going out to Peru to work for Kiya. I had feelings of anxiety about the travelling, the culture, language barriers and most of all doubt's about my ability to actually contribute positively to the work of Kiya. How wrong I was! From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed by the people of Peru and the staff and children of the Rainbow Centre. The work was very flexible and I soon realised that having a skill was not as important as having a desire to want to muck in, as and where required, to help the children at the Rainbow centre. During my time as a volunteer, I had the opportunity to see some of the wonderful historic sights of Peru during day trips with the children and initially it felt very surreal. However, you soon forget that when you are having such a fun time playing games with the children, as well as assisting in the classrooms, or in the kitchen in preparation for the children's lunch.
The whole experience was fantastic and so rewarding. The children of the Rainbow Centre are so very loving and never stop giving you hugs as their way of showing

Vince taking part in our outreach physiotherapy program

The following was written by Nichola Sutcliffe, a trainee speech therapist from Coventry, who volunteered at the Rainbow Centre for a month in August 2008.

After the training weekend, an overwhelming sadness came over. The things the children have been through are just so terrible and unbelievable you can’t imagine how they could continue. But the day you walk into the Rainbow Centre, you realize this place is full of happiness. The children are so excited to meet you and full of love, kisses and cuddles. Kiya is the reason for this, for this happiness, and seeing this first hand and participating in it even a small amount is well worth the thousand mile trip.

 

Nichola doing a music and makaton workshop with our youngest children

The following was written by Louise Jackson, a politics graduate from London and Rainbow Centre volunteer for a month in August 2008.

I am halfway through my time at the Rainbow Centre and I really do not want to leave. It has been a truly fantastic experience – the children and staff are so welcoming from your first day. It really does feel like you are making a positive contribution to the children lives here.

Louise at the Rainbow House with 3 year old Matilde

The following was written by Fay Jameson, a speech therapist who volunteered at the Rainbow Centre for a month in June 2008.

"I only spent a month at the Rainbow Centre and although it went too quickly, I really loved my experience. The centre is such a colourful place, surrounded by mountains and the sun always seems to shine! The children are really brilliant and you soon learn their names as they are so friendly. I was able to do some speech and language therapy work inside and outside of the centre, and the staff really appreciate anything you can offer. One of my favourite aspects of volunteering with Kiya was the opportunity to spend one night a week at the Rainbow House, where seven of the children from the centre live. Urubamba is a great town and in a perfect location to explore more of Peru at the weekends or during school holidays."

 

Fay playing with Flor de Liz and Flor at school

Siobhan Dempsey
September 2007

As I sat in Heathrow airport about to embark on my South American odyssey, having done the rounds of emotional goodbyes to family and friends, I was naturally apprehensive.

What was I doing!? Leaving my comfy home to work hundreds of miles away with children with learning difficulties in Peru?

I don’t speak the language! I don’t know anyone! Three months with new people, new places, new experiences, was I crazy? Maybe, but it began to sink in, it was really happening. I was actually going to do it. As it did, the fears became excitement.

In what felt like the blink of an eye I was touching down in Lima, Peru. This was it. It had really begun.

I was met by Mario (Kiya’s taxi driver) at the airport. He spoke no English, I spoke no Spanish, but after much gesticulating we were on our way. The majority of the journey through Lima’s highways and byways was spent in silence as I gazed in awe at the crazy, vibrant twilight Lima.

As we passed the beach it had gotten dark and I was comforted to see the lights twinkling in the distant bay, the white crests of the waves, and the familiar smell of the ocean.

My first night in Lima consisted of decimating the room in an unpacking explosion, going to say hello to the other volunteers Vince and Michael, making breakfast arrangements and then collapsing into bed!

Jet lag woke me at stupid o’clock and I watched an interesting Spanish dubbed Home Alone 2 until it was time for breakfast, which was almost marmalade sandwiches!!, they were jam, but it amused me no end and I pretended a little bit that the were!

The other volunteers and I shared tales of our respective journeys and events since our training week in Brighton, once we put the world to rights we decided to have a wander around before our afternoon city tour. Lima wasn’t fantastic, a smog hung low in the sky and it was really surprisingly cold, it was very busy and had a bizarre mix of Spanish colonial architecture and a few ruins from the Lima/Inca civilizations.

The highlight for us all was the San Franciscan Cathedral and the catacombs, in which I inappropriately couldn’t stop singing Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie inside my head when looking at the bones! Once we got back to the hostel, we were all feeling the jet lag so after dinner we all headed straight to bed.

6 o’clock start for an 8.30 flight to Cusco. Vince and I waved goodbye to Michael and wished him well on his journey north to Kiya’s Mama Cocha centre in Mancora and once again drove though the crazy Lima streets. At the airport after checking in, Vince and myself bumped into a certain duffel coat wearing, marmalade sandwich eating, train station loving bear! Not so much deepest Peru Mr. Paddington! After a quick photo opportunity I embarked on flight number 3 in 3 days, this one I must say, had the most spectacular views! Flying over the Andes mountain range was so incredibly beautiful.

Once we landed in Cusco, Vince and I were met by Alex, Kiya’s Volunteer/Project Coordinator at the Rainbow Centre. We drove straight to Urubamba and the Volunteer House, which was to be my new home for the following 3 months. Once we had dumped our bags we had a cup of coco tea, chatted about how things work, life in the volunteer house and Urubamba generally, then it was teatime! Jet lag was getting the better of me so I hit the hay at 6.30! I was awoken at some point during the night by Vince and Jenny to invite me on a weekend mini-break to some hot springs in Lares, a bit much for our first weekend in Peru, but well worth it! We got back on Sunday evening and another ridiculously early night was in order!

On Monday we were collected for our first day by Alex and Rhiann, and taken up to the Rainbow Centre. As we approached the ‘Arco iris’ (rainbow in espanol), which I had seen in photos on the Internet so many times, it was quite surreal to finally pass through it and into the Rainbow Centre.

The warmth of the welcome from both staff and students immediately put any of my apprehensions to rest. Everyone welcomed us literally with open arms; a big hug, a “¿como estas?!” and a kiss on the cheek, you couldn’t help but feel at home!

After a tour of the centre, our first day as every day, began with Brain Gym, an energetic session to test sleepy morning heads and give the cognitive processes a jump start - and a whole lot of fun to boot!

We then sat down and had a chat with Rhiann and Alex about the options/roles within the school for volunteers (even though there are only two of us!) and discussed what we thought would best suit our personal skills and interests. We then discussed the range of needs and requirements of the students at the Rainbow Centre, and those of specific students. After lunch prepared by the lovely Louisa our school day was over, but not our learning…Natalie our Spanish teacher came to the house for a 2hour class which was intense, but very informative!

Since our first day at school the structure of the day has been, Brain Gym, meeting, class, break class, lunch, home, Spanish, dinner, chill, bed!

In the meetings we have discussed our potential interests and where/with whom we’d be interested in working and general feedback about our experience so far. For me, I’ve found observing play therapy sessions fascinating and have expressed an interest in working within this area, the very demanding ‘inicial’ class with Juana the director of the school, as well as physiotherapy sessions with Luis.

Hopefully this will form my daily routine at school, with the potential to help out in the Rainbow House, and in workshops after school once the Spanish lessons are over, and I’m fluent!!?

The last two days of our first week were dominated by celebrations of ‘the Day of the Student’ a festival to reward the achievements of students throughout the area. As a school we went on an outing to Chinchero to play on a large field amongst Inca Ruins, which was ideal for fun and games! Everyone sat in a big circle to enjoy the food that Louisa the school cook had prepared and lugged all the way up to the play area, it was delicious and well worth the trouble! Lots of football playing, hula hooping and bubble blowing later we headed back to school everyone had a lovely, if tiring day.

On our last day at school, the afternoon lessons were suspended in order to present the children with a gift each, and dancing and singing were on the curriculum for the afternoon! This was definitely the highlight of the week for me, as the children were in their element just boogying down and having a fantastic time.

Other highlights of the first week have been Salsa class with Ellie, who is also a teacher at the school, I’m rather co-ordinationally challenged, so I wasn’t a salsa sensation, but it was brilliant fun and I will definitely be continuing with classes!

What has struck me about the students and staff at the Rainbow Centre, is the warmth and happiness of everyone involved.
For the students, it’s a sanctuary where they are accepted, included and respected as individuals. Somewhere they can be themselves with love and support of their friends and of course the staff. This to me is a perfect recipe for a happy environment, one I look forward to spending the next three months being a part of!!

If you would like to ask Siobahan any questions about her volunteering experience with Kiya Survivors please email her on:
vaughan326@hotmail.com

 

Jill Hertel - USA

What an incredible experience!! I volunteered in Urubamba at the Rainbow Centre in the fall of 2003. The kids are amazing; so much fun to get to know, play with and teach. The staff are great; so welcoming and supportive, and while there was a language barrier it didn't matter, we always found some way around it. Living in the volunteer house was fun because I met volunteers from other countries as well as my own so we got to experience the Peruvian culture together. The land, people, and culture are all incredible. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested!

Helpful Hints

What to bring and how much money will I need to live on?: Urubamba is a small town in the sacred valley an hour or so from Cusco (a larger city). It is a nice size to really get the feel for the culture. Many of the roads are dirt so I would recommend leaving white or light colored clothes at home. It is warm during the days and cold at night so a mix of clothes is great. Definately bring some warmer clothes (gloves, beanie, fleece, light jacket) as it gets cold at night. Also some going out clothes that are warmer (I would not recommend skirts). A mid sized backpack is helpful if you plan on hiking the inca trail or doing any other traveling around the country. I would recommend bringing $300 a month which would include food, some gifts for back home, eating out on ocassion, some travel around peru, and some going out.

Highlights from my time working at The Rainbow Centre

Two hightlights from my trip include:
1. The christmas play, which involved music & acting and every student participated in a part that was just right for them.
2. The kids - they are just incredible to meet! They have so much love to give and are so much fun to be around.

The above information was written by Jill Hertel, she can be contacted at the following email address and is happy to answer any queries or worries you may have concerning the volunteer programs:
hertelj@juno.com

 

Holly Mann - UK

I’ll be leaving Urubamba in 3 weeks after nearly 4 months of working as a volunteer for Kiya Survivors at the “Rainbow Centre”. To say the very least, I have enjoyed myself so much here, that I’m thinking of cashing in my ticket! The Kids. Well what can I say and where can I start? They are the reason you are here. If you come to Urubamba for the right reasons, you will not fail to leave without an enriched outlook on your life. The first time you really connect with a child is an amazing feeling, you feel emotion and choked happiness that I, for one, had never experienced before I came here. After a while connections are made daily and that’s when you begin to understand the bigger picture and comprehend the significance of the commitment you made by coming here. You realize that although you can never “Save the World” every little bit counts. The children benefit so much from your time that every single minute you spend with them is ultimately worth it.

The staff

They are dedicated to the cause and passionate about the children - what more can you ask for? They are an inspiration...
When a child who cannot speak, speaks to you. When a child who cannot walk, walks over to you. When a child who cannot be helped, is helped by you. When a child who cannot love, loves you. When there are volunteers, (it could be you), there is always hope...
If you´re looking for a life changing experience that will simultaneaously soften and harden your heart with love, affection and amazing people in your life then come

To Peru and find out what Kiya Survivors did for me!The above information was written by Holly Mann, she can be contacted at the following email address and is happy to answer any queries or worries you may have concerning the volunteer programs:
holixa@hotmail.com

 

Alistair Jones — UK

What were the highlights of your time working at The Rainbow centre? One of the main highlights for me at the rainbow centre was working on the construction of the buildings (the thetare, staff toilets and new kitchen built in October 2004) , I felt that I had made a lasting impression on the centre that the children will be able to benefit from in years to come. The feeling of satisfaction once the project was finished was immense and left me somewhat over powered by the emotions. The other major highlight were the people involved in the project, the children and teachers were fantastic to say the least! Although I was only there for a couple of months it was really difficult to leave as everyone was so friendly and supportive.

Why Kiya?

I did not want to get involved in a project where I would feel that I was not contributing fully to the project goal. I wanted to give my time and get involved with a group of people who truly believe in the solution they are delivering. I was also concerned that the contribution that I was making was going to be spent were it was needed the most. I feel that Kiya has clear project goals in both of their major projects in Peru (Mama Cocha—Los Organos and The Rainbow Centre—Urubamba) and is making a real difference to the lives of those whom they seek to help.

Helpful hints for prospective volunteers

Spanish would be a real help if you can, it will enrich your experience. I did not and I thought I could have got a lot more from the project had I spoken the language, but I still took a lot out of it never the less and picked up the essentials really quickly. Baked Beans & Tea bags for me were really missed and should be considered if you have room!

The above information was written by Alistair Jones, he can be contacted at the following email address and is happy to answer any queries or worries you may have concerning the volunteer programs:
jonesyworldtour@hotmail.com

 

Gemma Kelly - UK
September 2005 - February 2006

I am coming up to finishing probably the most amazing 6 months of my life volunteering at the Rainbow Centre. When I arrived in Peru last September I could never have imagined how much I would grow to love the school, the kids and the staff.  As time went on and my Spanish improved I found myself growing more and more attached to the wonderful kids that I am privileged to work with everyday, and to the staff who welcome you into the centre so warmly.  The school is such a warm, friendly, happy place, and you can really appreciate that in comparison to the conditions in which some of the kids have to live.  To be greeted every morning with kids screaming "hola!" and running up to hug you is definitely a good way to start the day! 

My favourite experience has to be a parade that was done last October to celebrate the month of special needs education, where the kids, along with there families, marched through Urubamba, and were so proud to represent the Rainbow Centre.  It was really touching and made me feel proud too, to be a part of this amazing project! 

Then there's the other volunteers, who soon became like a close family, and with whom I've shared some wonderful experiences.  Everything from simply all sitting round the kitchen table for dinner, to hiking to Machu Pichu, to seeing the amazing Lake Titicaca, to some crazy nights out in Urubamba or Cusco! It's amazing how quickly people very different can become such good friends!   All of this whilst living amongst some of the most spectacular mountains in the world, which I can see from my bedroom window in the volunteer house in the morning. 

I would definitely recommend the Kiya experience.  Of course it can be tough at times, living in a completely different culture with a different language, but I definitely think for me it's been the best 6 months of my life, and the toughest time will be leaving it all behind!

The above information was written by Gemma Kelly ; she can be contacted at the following email address and is happy to answer any queries or worries you may have concerning the volunteer programs:
gemkelly82@yahoo.co.uk

 

Mette Smedegaard - Denmark
March 2006

The below Evaluation Form was completed by Mette Smedegaard Andersen , aged 17, a Danish student from Copenhagen International School who joined Kiya Survivors at The Rainbow Centre as a volunteer in March 2006:

1. How would you describe your experience with Kiya Survivors?
It was an absolutely amazing experience! Meeting the kids and working at the centre was just fantastic. It really had an impact to see how one can help, and what a big difference just a small thing can have on people.

2. Was the working environment at the school accommodating?
Definitely, everyone was so nice and helpful!

3. Did you enjoy the project work organized for you at the centre and do you feel that you achieved your goals?
Yes, I thought the project work was good and the final product turned out quite well.

4. What would you say were your 3 main highlights from working at The Rainbow Centre?
It was such a fantastic experience overall, everything was amazing. I especially enjoyed working and playing with the kids, though, the pottery, and seeing our finished projects.

5. Did you experience any problems or frustrations during your time with Kiya Survivors?
No, none at all.

6. Do you have any comments on any members of staff?
Everyone was so sweet and helpful! They treated us extremely open-heartedly, and told us how we'd always be welcome back and that the Rainbow Centre was our home. Celeste, the volunteer Coordinator, especially took good care of us, spending lots of time with us outside the Rainbow Centre.

7. How would you describe the organization of the trips?
The organization was really good.

8. How would you describe your home stay experience?
Delfina is just about the nicest person I've met, staying with her was great! She especially took good care of us when we were sick, and the food was fantastic!

9. Do you have any ideas or comments you would like to put forward?
Thank you for a fantastic experience!

If you would like to contact Mette she would love to hear from you and answer any questions regarding her experience in Peru: mette_s_a@hotmail.com

 

Amalie Andersen - Denmark
March 2006

The below comments were written by Amalie Andersen, a Danish student from Copenhagen International School who joined Kiya at The Rainbow Centre in March 2006.

She can be contacted at:
amalie343@hotmail.com

My experience with Kiya was in one word, inspiring. Meeting the people behind the project was just amazing, to hear their stories. Meeting the kids was also amazing, and just seeing them smile and react to you was just heart warming. Working there just really boosts your self confidence and makes you realise that you are capable of helping people on a whole different level.

The working environment was great. You felt so welcomed by all the teachers and students, and they were all there to help make everything easier for you.

When we arrived we found out that we were going to be doing hands on things with painting and making a better environment for the kids. It was really great to be able to do that and see the difference it makes for the kids, so I really feel like we accomplished our goals, and you could tell by the smiles on the children's faces. I really enjoyed using my creativity for the projects.

Almost every moment was a highlight. The moments that really stood out to me were when the kids would come in and see the showers and what we had done, point and shout “poulpo!” Another thing that stood out to me was just playing with the kids and seeing them smile. The last thing was the “farewells” when some started crying and we received our certificates to show us what we had done.

I loved every minute of working with Kiya!

All the staff were so welcoming and helping.

The trip as a whole was very well organized. We never had to wait for people to pick us up, or wonder, “what are we going to do now?” Kiya seemed very much on top of things.

Delphina was superwoman! She made great food and would go out of her way to make sure we were comfortable and happy. She always had a smile on her face and welcomed us as one of her family, and the whole team felt like it!

 

Kaija Allikmets - Denmark
March 2006

The below was written by Kaija Allikmets, a 17 year old Estonian student from Copenhagen International School who joined Kiya as a volunteer at The Rainbow Centre in March 2006.

She can be contacted at: allikmets@gmail.com

I'm sure the entire team has expressed to extreme extents how thankful they are for welcoming us warmly, guiding and inspiring us throughout the entire trip but personally to me this trip made an immense difference in my life. Not only was it an eye-opener but it was a lesson of all sorts. I guess I'll go chronologically: the kids: I love children, and all of them are great, but the kids at the Rainbow Centre are extra super, just absolutely amazing. In complete honesty I was and still am in awe. Though they've had very tough lives and will, according to my understanding of the situation in the country, continue facing struggles, I feel I have managed to learn so much from them. I feel that although I've offered the things I could thanks to the team, they've given more to me. I hope you know what I'm trying to say.

Aside from the impact I had more fun than I do with my aged people going out, which here is considered by people who never went on a trip like that, the best thing to do. I loved hanging out with the kids in Peru , every moment for them seemed so precious and enjoyable and it was the same for me.

It was an extraordinary week.

 

David Eli Munz - Denmark
March 2006

The comments below were written by David Eli Munz Maire a 17 year old American student from Copenhagen International School who joined Kiya as a volunteer at The Rainbow Centre in March 2006.

He can be contacted at: devildavid89@hotmail.com

Meeting Suzy and the kids at the Rainbow Center has taught me to fight for what I believe in and to work hard to achieve all my ambitions and goals. Alone we can go places, but together we can prosper and make the world a better place.

The 3 highlights of my trip were:

a) Being welcomed by the children.
b) Playing ball with the kids.
c) The traditional Pachamanca lunch.

The trips were well organized, we knew what we were doing, and how we were going to do it and there was always someone more than happy to help us (it felt like we were being catered to), and there was always too much delicious food o go around!

All I can say to Kiya is simply keep on pushing and fighting! 

 

• Volunteering: times of our lives

• Volunteers Experiences at Mama Cocha

• Helpful hints for prospective volunteers