From volunteer to Mayor in Peru

"Without the training and experience Plan gave me, I would never be where I am today", says Mayor Sanchez in Huancarani in Peru.

Mayor Sanchez

Huancarani lies at an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Cusco, the city frequently visited by tourists from all over the world due to its close proximity to the legendary Inca city of Machu Piccu, is less than two hours away.

The drive from Cusco to Huancarani is not for the faint-hearted. The narrow, winding and bumpy road clings to the edge of the mountains, and we frequently pass small crosses and flowers set out as a reminder of those who have driven off the edge.

But for those who can leave their fear behind and enjoy the sheer pleasure of the view, this is an amazing journey. Imposing mountains frame beautiful valleys. It is difficult not to be impressed.

Five years as a volunteer

Mayor J. Policarpo Puchuhuanca Sanchez was born and raised in Huancarani and, like almost everyone else in the area, he was a farmer. After Plan and its partner organisation CESA started working in the community, Sanchez decided that he wanted to do something positive for his village. Consequently, he approached Plan and CESA to see how he could get involved.

For five years Sanchez split his time between working in the fields and working as a volunteer. In the beginning his tasks were sponsorship-related. For example, he collected information about the sponsored children and took their pictures. Later Sanchez, together with five other volunteers, was chosen to be part of Plan's Project Committee in the village. In partnership with Plan and the rest of the community the committee decides which projects to initiate and subsequently has the responsibility for overseeing the projects, handling the money, holding meetings with the community, liaising with the government, getting the best prices for the materials used, and so on. Plan makes sure that money is spent effectively, and offers assistance wherever it is needed.

Popular job

Plan employee Renzo Terrazas explains that it is very popular to work as a volunteer for Plan. 'The volunteers have results to show for, they take leadership of projects and have money to handle. Twice a year, one week each time, the volunteers are given training in administration, budgets, how to hold presentations, how to get the best prices and the best materials, and which stores sell the best parts'.

A position of trust

Sanchez is convinced that without the experience and training he received as a volunteer he would never have been elected Mayor. 'Several of the people who started as volunteers at the same time as me also hold government positions today. There is no doubt that working as a volunteer gives you valuable experience that later makes it easier for you to get other jobs'.

Renzo Terrazas also believes Sanchez working as a volunteer probably had a great impact on him being elected Mayor. As President of the Project Committee, Sanchez, among other things, handled money for different projects. 'People in the village saw with their own eyes that he spent the money in the best manner possible and that he was a person they could trust. And, consequently, many people voted for him during the election in 2002.'

Making a difference

Mayor Sanchez with some of the children from his community

Sanchez explains that agriculture is vital in Huancarani and the surrounding villages. 'This is what we live off, and there are few other jobs for people here. Plan and CESA are constantly working with us to improve the agriculture here, among other things by building irrigation channels in order for us to have several harvests during the year', says Sanchez.

'I see a huge difference in the village after Plan and CESA started working here. The village has changed a lot. It is much more modern now. And all the families in the community have now received their own latrine and water connection thanks to Plan. I thank God for Plan and CESA', says the Mayor.

FACT FILE

For every employee in Plan there are almost 10 volunteers. In the 63 countries where Plan works there are over 60,000 volunteers.

Volunteers work hard to ensure the communication between sponsors and sponsored children flows smoothly. They translate letters, and if necessary carry the letters and presents on their backs up to 4,000 metres above sea level.

The volunteers also help Plan stay informed about the situation in the communities where we work by reporting about challenges and problems facing the families living there.