Türkçe
As part of our ESC Humanitarian Aid project “STARRY”, funded by the European Commission, six dedicated volunteers joined a 59-day team volunteering mission in Peru to support local communities through education, empowerment, and intercultural exchange.
Alexandra Albera and Gessica Tognolini from Italy, David Sommerville from Ireland, Muhammad Romadhon Mubarok from Türkiye, Pauline Marie Ferrandi from France, and Marta Wiktoria Gajewska from Poland were sent by EPEKA and Asociacion Building Bridges and hosted by Brigada de Voluntarios Bolivarianos del Peru – BVBP.
After receiving training on Peruvian culture, gender equality, discrimination, and social inclusion, the volunteers designed and delivered educational workshops from scratch for children, teenagers, women, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the communities of Pachacámac, Manchay, Lurín, and Punta Negra.
Using non-formal education methods, creative games, debates, role plays, riddles, teamwork activities, presentations, and artistic exercises, they encouraged participants to reflect on topics such as equality, human rights, gender-based violence, bullying, discrimination, toxic relationships, cyber behaviour, consent, and social justice. The team also facilitated English language workshops, helping young learners develop communication skills while introducing concepts related to human rights and intercultural understanding.
Beyond the schools, the volunteers organized empowerment activities for women and mothers, public speaking and self-confidence workshops, mindfulness sessions, friendship-building activities, digital marketing training, and entrepreneurship workshops designed to strengthen professional skills and create new opportunities within the local community.
Although meaningful change takes time, the volunteers planted important seeds of awareness, critical thinking, inclusion, and self-confidence. Through interactive learning and open dialogue, they created safe spaces where participants could express themselves, challenge stereotypes, develop teamwork skills, and discover new perspectives on equality and human rights.
The experience also transformed the volunteers themselves. Living and working together in a multicultural environment helped them strengthen their communication, leadership, facilitation, creativity, adaptability, language skills, and teamwork. By immersing themselves in Peruvian culture and building connections with local communities, they gained a deeper understanding of social realities while contributing to positive change through solidarity and active citizenship.
A heartfelt thank you to all volunteers, partners, coordinators, teachers, and community members who made this journey possible. Together, we continue building bridges between cultures and creating opportunities for stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.
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