Saturday 2 May 2015

Five Reasons Why Volunteering is the Best!


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.

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.
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?