Our families need us more than ever In light of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Peruvian government declared a nationwide quarantine on 16th March. This is now set to last until at least 12th April, although it could be extended once more. The only acceptable reasons to leave your house are to buy groceries and … Continue reading HOOP’s Emergency COVID-19 Campaign
Cuando Pienses en Volver/ Homecoming
“Yes, Teacher!” says one of my students, in English, as I give him a pop quiz. “Why are you so happy?” I ask, surprised. “Because I want to know cuanto he aprendido,” he replies. He wants to know how much he has learned. He wants to know if he is doing well in his English … Continue reading Cuando Pienses en Volver/ Homecoming
Just keep walking !
One year ago I was living the dream in Arequipa surrounded by a family of HOOPsters, never ending sunshine, and stunning volcanoes. I would do anything to have a taste of HOOP life again, so back in April I decided to take on the famed UK ‘3 Peaks Challenge’ with a team of seven other … Continue reading Just keep walking !
From dreaming to doing
The day before my flight to South America, I found an old notebook where I’d created a bucket list. I opened it and read: ‘One day I would like to live in South America.’ I can’t remember writing it, but it made me smile, because there I was, beside my already-packed backpack and my boarding … Continue reading From dreaming to doing
Building trust from the heart of the community
As I am welcomed into the home of Señora Maria Teresa to complete the yearly social work survey, sounds and smells assault me. A dog barking in one corner of the courtyard, a chicken wandering, and little Josue running around with a small kitten yelling “Teacher, Teacher, Teacher”. Working with HOOP Peru as the social work … Continue reading Building trust from the heart of the community
From fear to fulfilment : the story of my internship
As a self-confessed nervous character, I wasn’t sure if going to a new continent was the right move for me after finishing my masters. I could barely locate Peru on the map, I had never heard of Arequipa, and I was only dimly aware of South America. I couldn’t tell you what impulse had driven … Continue reading From fear to fulfilment : the story of my internship