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Voices from Huanchaco: our volunteers, our team and the community we work with.

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Hands of a volunteer and children planting seedlings in a recycled plastic bottle
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Volunteer storiesHELP Environment

“Don’t be scared. Just go for it”

Julie joined HELP Environment knowing little Spanish and packing far too much. She tells us how she found OCN, what her weeks looked like and why she’d do it all again.

Julie Jeliazovski3 min read

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First-hand accounts from volunteers and interns, and practical advice for anyone thinking of joining us in Huanchaco.

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  • Volunteer stories

    Internship

    Theory meets practice: Sarah’s internship in Huanchaco

    Sarah swapped her master’s degree lectures in Denmark for six months in our Huanchaco office. She talks about small-NGO life, what makes a good volunteer and where OCN is heading.

    Sarah Nielsen2 min read

  • Being part of OCN is one of my most enriching experiences. I can share my knowledge, learn from others and meet wonderful people, in addition to helping my beautiful community. The happiness of the children after each activity is unique.
    Carlos PortocarreroLocal volunteer, Peru
  • Volunteering with OCN has been an incredible experience that I will remember forever. Some of my favourite memories have been playing with the kids at the REC, going for sunset surfs and learning to dance salsa!
    Mhairi2022 volunteer, UK
  • Volunteered with us?

    We'd love to share your story. Tell us what you worked on, what surprised you and what you'd tell the next volunteer.

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@otracosanetwork

The everyday moments (lessons at the REC, Saturday beach cleans, sunsets over the pier) go up on our social channels first. Come and say hola.

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  • Handmade bracelets laid out on a wall as the sun sets over the Huanchaco pier
    Golden hour on the malecón
  • Volunteers, staff and children from Cerrito de la Virgen posing together in front of a painted mural at the skate ramp
    Family photo at the ramp
  • A traditional caballito de totora reed boat standing upright on Huanchaco beach
    Caballitos de totora

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Every story here started with someone deciding to get involved. Volunteer in Huanchaco, or help from wherever you are.

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