STORIES

OUR STORIES

INTERVIEW WITH VOLUNTEER JULIE JELIAZOVSKI

Why did you choose this program?

When I decided to go volunteering abroad, I didn't have a country in mind; I just wanted to participate in a project related to the environment. That's how I started to browse the internet, looking for NGOs that I could join, and I stumbled on a website listing South American organizations. As soon as I read about Otra Cosa, I knew I wanted to go there, and my email exchanges with the staff confirmed it - it's a very well organized NGO, with some very interesting projects and the staff and volunteers make a great team to work and live with.

INTERVIEW WITH VOLUNTEER SARAH NIELSEN

Tell us a little about Otra Cosa and your role at the company.

Otra Cosa Network was started in 2004 by a Dutch couple as they from their vegetarian restaurant developed a small, low-cost volunteering agency supporting a few local projects with the help of volunteers. In 2007, our current directors, Peter and Juany Murphy, took over the organisation and now run it from England with the assistance of our on-site Operations Manager Alton Germain and Assistant Manager Laura Hoskins. Otra Cosa Network works with several different Peruvian charities and organisations to which we send willing and capable volunteers. Otra Cosa Network also has its own projects, HELP (Huanchaco Education and Learning Program) projects, started by volunteers who saw opportunites in helping the local community in Huanchaco in different ways. Most of the projects supported by Otra Cosa Network are supporting children and communities through teaching but we also work with projects supporting community health, animals, organic farming, etc.