Having just returned from the land of the Incas, we meet with Chris Palfreyman from Amantani UK, to find out about his experiences, and how he felt being part of opening the first boys boarding school in Ccorca, Cusco.

• What were the main reasons behind your recent travels to Peru?

For me this was my first chance to see hands on the projects we are supporting. This was an invaluable experience, as meeting the children for the first time taught me more about our work than I could have ever imagined. It brought to life what we work towards and my passion for Amantani has grown an enormous amount.

Additionally we wanted to come back from this trip having sat down with the team in Peru to talk about Amantani’s vision and set targets for the years to come. We also had important meetings about the Eco Lodge Project and opening the boys boarding house.

• How did you feel meeting the children and seeing how your work in the UK has helped them?

Meeting the children for the first time truly stands out as one of the best moments in my life! Seeing how full of life they all were really puts into perspective my view on life. They may not get the education they want, or have stable financial situation but they are sure to put a smile on your face! This blew my mind…

Seeing all this motivates me a phenomenal amount to make sure we succeed in the UK as I now realize what the support in UK from all our supporters really means in Peru.

• Had you always wanted to visit Peru or has the work you have been doing in the UK been a source of motivation and aspiration for you?

I spent a while in Chile and this ignited my love for South America. Inevitably working for Amantani has brought a love for Peru.  

• What was your day-to-day itinerary and who did you meet?

We split our time between the boarding houses in Ccorca and Cusco. During our time in Ccorca I spent time getting to know all the children, playing with them and getting to know the project inside out.

In Cusco we would have 8 hour meetings with the team of teachers out there, planning the timetable, plan the children’s menu, paint the boys house and plan Amantani’s overall vision. 

• What were your expectations of the country, community and the people you were about to meet - did it live up to it?

Fred (co-director) had told me thousands of stories and what to expect. But no wise words would be enough to prepare me for what I experienced. My expectations were high before I went, but the culture, friendliness, generosity and wisdom of the Peruvians I met was something else! So yes, Peru delivered!

• If you were to name a funny and memorable event or situation on your travels what would it be?

There were many, but I think ill pick the ‘drive’ to surrounding communities with a well respected photographer, Carlos. I put drive in speech marks as in turned into a walk. This was courtesy of our ‘experienced tour guide’, Mr Fred Branson, who managed to get the car completely stuck in the middle of nowhere. After two hours of unsuccessful digging we started the long walk back the Ccorca. Then came the thunder and lightning….  

• What was the most challenging aspect of choosing the boys for the first boarding school?

The hardest part was hearing the desperate need that each boy had to be in the project, but only having 10 beds. After presenting this need to the local mayor and his team, they generously donated a building which now allows us to have 20 boys. Having 20 available beds now covers the urgent need for the boys! We are all delighted about this available space. 

• Hablar Espanol? How did you find communicating with the Peruvian and Quechua speaking communities?

Si, por supuesto, y era muy importante durante el viaje! I haven’t learnt Quechua yet, but being able to speak a reasonable level of Spanish was incredibly useful. 8 hour meetings in a language you don’t understand could have been very tricky!

• When you look back, what will be the most significant point you have taken home and will always remember?

Meeting the girls and boys has put a whole new perspective on life. These memories stick at the forefront of my mind!

•  Has it changed you?

I hope it has changed me for the best. Certainly many of the memories I have of this trip I will remember forever, and I hope that you will get the chance to experience this yourself by visiting Amantani!…