Volunteering in Peru: Help Me Make a Difference

Hi, I’m Zach. I’m 17 years old and a Corporal with 6F Romford Squadron, part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. I’ve proudly been involved with the Air Cadets for nearly four years, and I currently study A-Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science at Westcliff High School for Boys. I also aim to pursue a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at university—driven by a desire to turn ideas into practical solutions that make life safer, fairer and more connected.

In summer 2026, I’ll be joining a three-week volunteering expedition to Peru with the London Wing Air Cadets—an incredible opportunity to give back and grow. Our team will be working in under-resourced areas to construct and develop a nursery and a school: two essential facilities that create safer spaces for children to learn, play and thrive, and that give teachers the environment they need to deliver education with dignity and consistency. These buildings are more than walls and roofs—they’re stable foundations for opportunity.

By contributing to these infrastructure projects, we’re helping lay the groundwork—literally and figuratively—for sustainable community development. A well-built nursery offers a secure, stimulating space for early years learning, supporting children’s cognitive, social and emotional development at a crucial stage. A strong, weather-resilient school means fewer lost teaching days, better attendance and a sense of pride that carries into the wider community. When learning spaces are safe, accessible and welcoming, more children stay in education, more parents—especially mothers—can work or train, and the whole community benefits from greater stability and hope.

Our work will focus on practical, high-impact improvements. That includes preparing foundations, mixing concrete, raising walls, installing doors and windows, improving ventilation and light, fitting safe wash areas, and painting and finishing classrooms so they’re bright, clean and fit for purpose. Wherever possible, we’ll use locally sourced materials and techniques, working shoulder to shoulder with residents and local builders to ensure the design reflects local priorities, climate and culture. This approach keeps skills and ownership within the community, reduces costs, and makes long-term maintenance more realistic.

We’re also thinking carefully about inclusion and safety. Simple design choices—like ramps for accessibility, secure boundaries, shatter-resistant glazing, good drainage, shaded outdoor areas, and durable, easy-to-clean surfaces—can make a profound difference to daily life. Clean, reliable sanitation and handwashing facilities help reduce illness and time away from school. Good airflow and natural light make learning more comfortable and effective. When the basics are right, everything else works better.

Beyond bricks and mortar, we’ll be listening and learning. We’ll take our direction from community leaders, teachers and parents, so the work supports what they say matters most—whether that’s a reading corner in the nursery, storage for teaching materials, a multipurpose classroom layout, or safe play areas that support early years development. We’re also committed to leaving clear handover notes, tool lists and simple maintenance guides, so that the facilities are easy to look after long after we’ve gone.

This project is a chance for me to put my values into action. As a cadet, I’ve learnt the importance of service, teamwork and leadership under pressure. As a future engineer, I’m motivated by practical problem-solving that improves real lives. In Peru, I’ll be challenged to combine both—adapting to unfamiliar conditions, learning from local expertise and working hard to deliver safe, useful spaces that will be used every single day. I hope to return with greater confidence, empathy and resilience—and with a clearer sense of how engineering and community action can work together for the common good.

To make this journey possible, I’m fundraising to cover essential costs such as travel, basic gear and contributions towards the community projects (including materials and local labour where appropriate). Every donation, large or small, helps translate plans into concrete progress—bags of cement, a sturdy door, a watertight roof, a brightly painted classroom that welcomes children in. Your support turns goodwill into something you can touch: a classroom that stays dry in the rainy season; a nursery where little ones can learn safely; a school that stands strong for years to come.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Whether it’s through a donation, a kind message or simply sharing my page, your support helps us build brighter futures—brick by brick, and heart to heart. This journey isn’t just mine—it’s powered by the encouragement and generosity of others. If you can help, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Together, we can leave something lasting and worthwhile for the community we’re honoured to serve.