I have created a short video (six minutes) from last year’s Christmas. Please watch it at http://www.vimeo.com/7305093 and forward it to all of your family, friends and colleagues or download it to a DVD and share it around.

When I signed up to a one-month volunteer program with Peru's Challenge in April last year, I wanted it to change me in some way. I never expected to still be there nine months later, or returning again this year. But such was the immense attachment that I felt to the children at Pumamarca School, that I have to go back!



I am returning to Peru in August to spend another three weeks with the kids at Pumamarca School, where Peru's Challenge is working. These children live in a mountain village about an hour from the tourist mecca of Cusco. Before Peru's Challenge came they either walked kilometres to school or missed out on an education. They had little or no hygiene and nutrition at home and lived on meagre diets despite working hard hours. Over several years working with the community, Peru's Challenge has built them a school with facilities including sporting equipment and computers and funded half of the teaching staff, as well as a kitchen to provide the kids with nutritious meals. But it also works in the community, with social welfare and health programs and an on-going sponsorship program.
Last year, I gave up plans to work in the UK and took up a position with a business associated with Peru's Challenge so I could continue to volunteer with the kids. I teach English lessons, help with construction projects and health programs and play with the kids. It was an incredible, life-altering opportunity and I can't wait to get back to the naturalness of this beautiful community, where even the poorest still share the little they have - and they give it to you with a smile on their face.