We volunteer first and foremost for the people, but let’s
face it; the other benefits aren’t half bad. Volunteering can be an absolute life changer in a number of
ways and here are just five of them.
The chance to learn a second language.
Volunteering in Arequipa means there are lots of
opportunities to learn Spanish, a language which is desirable to a number of
employers since it is the second most spoken language in the world. Oh and it’s
also immensely rewarding to learn! You will be able to wow all your friends and
family back home with your newfound skills.
Meeting people from all walks of life
You will make friendships and meet people that can change
your life! Working alongside people from all ages, nationalities and walks of
life is great for escaping from your comfort zone. HOOP is such a diverse NGO;
we have had volunteers of all ages and nationalities and are proud to have
received so much positive feedback from former volunteers.
Meeting the kids of
Flora Tristán is also such a breath of fresh air. Sometimes people back home
take an education for granted, but the kids who turn up have such an enthusiasm
for learning.
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| Two of our former volunteers who married in Flora Tristán! |
The chance to make a
serious impact
We volunteer because the thought of helping someone else is
truly rewarding. Giving your all to a community such as Flora Tristán and
knowing you are making a difference is one of the best feelings in the world.
Words can’t fully describe the experience, you just have to come and see it for
yourself! The families’ appreciation is so sincere.
It’s a great opportunity to be an inspiration to children at
an important time in their developments. We all have that one teacher who we
remember as being particularly inspirational, this could be you!
Developing career skills
You can learn a number of things whilst working with HOOP
that are great for putting on the CV. From helping with fundraisers, to
assisting on the communications side; there are so many ways you can leave your
mark with HOOP and wow potential employers with your Arequipa experiences. One
of the really fun things to do here is participate in the pub quiz which can do
wonders for people who might be looking to improve their public speaking.
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| HOOP volunteers at a previous fundraiser |
Experiencing a new culture!
It’s so much fun to wake up somewhere each day that is
completely different to home. Each experience is new and exciting and will
stick with you forever. You also get the chance to try lots of exotic new
foods, fruits, drinks that you have never before had access to! If you choose
to volunteer in Peru then you are highly unlikely to be disappointed with the
food. (Peru has been voted as having the best food in the world on a number of
occasions now)
So what are you waiting for?
