My Experience at CusiMaky by Lizzie Lommerse

Staying 7 weeks at CusiMaky was a great experience.  Spending time with the wonderful children made me realize how spoiled we (the more western people) are but how happy they are with almost nothing.  Which life is better/easier kept going through my mind.  Even though I felt sad many times, at the same time being there made me so happy.  The children bring so much happiness to your life.  You almost can't believe how positive they always are.

They are so grateful for everything the volunteers do. I miss to hear them say 'Hola tia Lizzie'.  They are willing to learn so many different things and they also want to teach you their language and all the skills they've already learned.  In the end you are not only helping the children, they are also helping you.

Staying at the family was a great experience as well.  This made the time in Cusco even better.  The family was lovely, everything was always possible. I felt very welcome and had a hard time leaving the house....  I can recommend everyone to spend a wonderful, unforgettable, and special time at CusiMaky!

My Experience at CusiMaky by Kunihiro Katsuragi

I can’t say that I was part of the organization because I was just a tourist in Peru.  But thanks to my friend, Magali, I could be part of this organization even if it was short term.  I can’t say thank you enough for the opportunity that I was given.  Because of this experience, I could know what is going on outside of my country.  I don’t say I know everything happening in the world, but I guess I stepped into the real world.  I’m from Japan, and in Japan I watched a lot of videos and read a lot of articles about developing countries but none of them caught my attention, because those are too unreal to accept as a real thing.

In Japan we don’t have people begging, dying on the street…  I didn’t see something extreme like that in Peru I just saw children who are wearing same clothes every day.  That’s it. But that was so real.  You might think I’m blessed, ignorant, and overreacting.  And yes, I AM.  I realized it.  So that is why I want to thank to the opportunity and to the organization.

My Experience at CusiMaky by Clinton Blair

When I originally began planning my trip to Peru, my idea was simply to visit a friend. I felt apprehensive when he suggested I volunteer with him. Although I had previously taught abroad, I had never combined tourism with work. My experience at CusiMaky conquered those apprehensions. In the end, volunteering became one of the most rewarding, memorable parts of the trip. I had the chance to get to know Cusco in an incredibly authentic way, by meeting its people. And I was smitten from day one.

When I walked into the project, I was greeted by the other volunteers as if I were an old friend. Their genuine kindness made me feel at home and their care and compassion for the kids was infectious. These are hardworking individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children. Their devotion is illustrated in their preparation of meals for the kids, in the individual attention they provide for daily homework help, and in their focus on providing basic life skills like hand-washing and teeth-brushing.

And the children! From day one, they called me “tio” (uncle). They wanted to be picked up and swung around, chased and raced. As playful as they were, they were also very interested learning English. One day they demonstrated this commitment by choosing English class over a movie. The younger kids enjoyed their crafts and songs while the older kids loved to compete in English games. Everyday ended with a hug “goodbye.” There is a special poignancy in seeing how different their lives are; they come from an impoverished, difficult neighborhood and yet still exude a sense of joy.

My time in Peru was sprinkled with visits to museums and historic colonial churches, a day trip to Incan ruins, a hike up to Machu Picchu, and lunches sampling that famous Peruvian cuisine. But in the end, when I think of Peru, I don't think about the beauty of the Andes, the leashed llamas, or the delicious ceviche. I think about the warm greetings and the affectionate goodbyes, the excited voices of kids playing English games, and the ubiquitous chants of “cárgame" (lift me). As much as I love my travel photos, souvenirs and tours, this will not be the last summer I spend volunteering.