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Location: Cuzco, Peru
After exploring Cusco, all twenty of us began our first day of volunteering at Casa Montay, a home for teenage mothers. Once we got there, Carmen and Gisela, two of the directors, explained how the non-profit gives housing, food and general support to teenage mothers in need. They even have support systems (i.e., daycare) in place for the mothers that have already left the house. Two of the mothers gave us a tour of the house. As they explained how the house works, I got excited for the community they have created for themselves. All the mothers and volunteers rotated through a set of chores and helped each other with the children. After playing an icebreaker game with the mothers, Carmen and Gisela divided us into four volunteering groups. Most of us helped dig a new garden by the playground. Others helped in the daycare and kitchen, and a final group cleaned around the house. As I walked from group to group, it was great watching our students work alongside the mothers. I’m proud of their hard work, and I’m excited to see what the next days bring.