Volunteer Testimonials

Find out what our volunteers thought

ALEXANDRA GRENON - Volunteered January 2011

I have only good memories from my experience with Seeds. The children are adorable and very lovely. Even if I was there for only one month, I feel attached to these kids and I’m really going to miss them. You can learn so many things from them and they help you with your Spanish the best they can.

I was with Seeds during the Carnavales, so we made some water balloons fight after classes; even if you are completely wet after it, you have such a great time and the kids just love it! They are smiling all the time and chasing you with water balloons!

Also, it was nice to be with the other Peruvian and International volunteers to share stories and to go out. You feel like you have a new family and you always have something to do. Finally, you are meeting so many nice people, including the kids, the others volunteers and the teachers, that you don’t want to leave and already planning to come back!  

MORRAH GOGGINS - Volunteered October 2010

I came to Huaraz, Peru, with an open mind, hoping to learn as much as I could about the children and their culture from the most valuable source-the children themselves. I had no particular goal in mind when I left America for Huaraz, all I knew was that I was tired of college and needed a change. My experience with Seeds of Hope far exceeded anything I could have wished for.  The kids...simply put, the kids are angels, with hearts bigger mountains that surround their city. They might act out sometimes, spill some things, get a little rambunctious, but hey, what kid doesn't? These kids have been through so much hardship, and yet they walk through the doors of the school everyday bearing wide grins upon their faces, knowing that they can always count on Seeds to be a safe, comfortable environment where they will be fed, helped with their homework, and most importantly, loved unconditionally. I wouldn't trade anything for this experience. I learned more, experienced more, helped more, and improved my Spanish more than I could have ever imagined. I am already planning a return trip back to volunteer with them again! My time atSeeds was the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it.

MADELINE GIEYSZTOR (CANADA) - Volunteered May 2010

Rarely have I had such an amazing experience as when I was with Seeds of Hope thanks to the combination of great children, an honest organisation, and a wonderful city.  The children are grateful for your presence and truly need all the help and love you can give them. Seeds of Hope is run by a local, honest and hardworking director who's has dedicated his life to these children. The small size of the organisation allows for donated money to go straight to the children. The modesty of the organisation also gives room for new projects to be proposed and all sorts of contributionsto be welcomed with open arms. Huaraz is not too big, nor too small; surrounded by astounding mountains, it is perfect for weekend trips in some of the world's nicest trekks.  I have spent two summers at SOH already, and I intend on returning as long as it is possible for me. I wish for many more to live such a fullfilling experience as I had, while helping these adorable children who really need it.

JOANNA LOCHNER (GERMANY) - Volunteered March 2010

I volunteered at Seeds of Hope for the first time in 2007. I then came back for a week in 2010 and it was incredible to see soooo many great people again especially all the kids and volunteers ! So many things had changed, since my first visit it made me sooo happy to see Seeds progress! In 2007 we had to fight to get the childen to brush their teeth but now they understand why its important and it has become part of their normal routine at Seeds. Seeds of Hope is such a great project, with so great people who have such big hearts! I hope to go back soon!

STUART RAY (UK) - Volunteered November 2006

Another happy customer! Working and living with Seeds of Hope has been a really rewarding experience. Helping the children, seeing their improvement and having a chance to play with them has been touching. I know of others who have volunteered in the past with other organisations and they felt like a guest. This cannot be said about Seeds of Hope. My help was valued by the organisation and by the children. I have made some great new friends and experienced Peruvian life. This organisation and those in it are all incredibly kind and are trying to make a positive difference to some wonderful but poor children. I will return to help again and will help support Seeds of Hope when back in the UK.

NICOLA RAY (UK) - Volunteered November 2006

It's our last day at Seeds of Hope and we're very sad to leave. We've been here for one month and it's been a great experience. At first it was a little nerve wracking as I've not spent much time with 5-15 year olds, especially living in London and then there was also the language barrier!

Over the last month, I've developed very special relationships with the children. They've begun to trust me, my knowledge and watched my Spanish progress. They were just as sad to see me go as I am to leave. However, they always have a smile on their faces no matter what the odds – which is something I'll take with me (along with all the cards, messages and photos!).

The team here at Seeds are also a very dedicated, kind, generous and fun bunch of people. Their company has been thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening. Not only have they been great to live with, they'll be great long-term friends as well.