Today was our first official day of working with UBELONG, it turned out to be a busy yet fulfilling day. We learned about the needs of low-income Peruvians, senior citizens, the disabled, and children from broken homes. We began with a Welcome Orientation, that told us more about our volunteer house and the services that it provides such as Spanish classes, salsa lessons, great breakfast and lunch. After we met with Martina, a UBELONG employee, that told us more about our volunteer projects and what we'd be doing during our time in Cusco. We decided to visit all four volunteer sites together, though only 3 of us would be going to each. Martina, originally from Germany, has been working with UBELONG and living in Peru for the past two years. She guided us throughout the city and showed us how to get to each site by public bus. We first visited the center for disabled children, at Hogar Clinicia San Juan De Dias. It was heartwarming to see that the children here, are taken care of and that the staff seem kind and genuine in their caregiving approaches. We had a few minutes to play and speak with the children, before moving to our next site. Most of the children here seem to have physical and cognitive disabilities. Those in wheelchairs we moved around and those that were unable to leave their beds we spoke to them and played with the toys they had. They seemed to enjoy our company, and smiled at us. Many of them cannot speak, so it was hard to communicate and understand what they needed. An interesting fact about this center is that there is no help from the government, families pay 20 sols a month (equivalent to about $8), and the rest comes from donations. For the rest of our stay Caitlyn, Kate, and Zerina will be volunteering at this site.
We then took another bus to the geriatric center, named Hermanitas de Los Ancianos Desamparados. When we arrived we were greeted by Hermana Dominica, one of the nuns here at the center. She showed us around and introduced us to some of the senior citizens that live here. One gentleman kissed Jerri and instantly we felt like we were welcomed and we became intrigued to hear their life stories. They seemed happy to be in this elderly home and that made us glad to know that they were being treated well. Elizabeth, Jerri, and Phoebe will be volunteering here.
Lastly we visited the Girls' House, Remar Cuzco, sadly we did not have enough time to visit the Boys' House. The girls were extremely excited to see new faces, they hugged us, and played with us. But we couldn't help but notice that they seemed to lack proper hygiene. We wondered if they were showered daily, who brushed their teeth, and who took care of them when they were sick? The girls were so sad to see us leave. They gave us kisses goodbye. Amber, Ju, and myself will be volunteers at this site, while Liz, Diana and Victor will help at the boys' house
We saw a lot in one day. Poverty is definitely a reality here in Cusco, and seeing some of the faces of Cusco's poverty gave us a lot to reflect on. Tomorrow each group of three will be go to their individual site by themselves by bus or by foot. We are really beginning to immerse ourselves in the culture. In the afternoon we will be painting the classrooms of a Primary and Secondary school.
Thankful would be the best word to describe our feelings of today. Thankful that we have this opportunity to give back to a community that is different from our own, and thankful that those that we are volunteering for are willing to be open with us and share their needs and concerns.
We are hopeful that we will be able to make a small difference in our time here. We ended the day with a Welcome Dinner, made by the chefs of our volunteer house. It was sooo yummy, picture below!
Till tomorrow,
AWB 2013 Peru
Written By: Courtnay Oddman
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