Hi everyone,

My name is Isla Peasey, and I’ve been selected as one of just 12 students from my college (out of hundreds who applied!) to take part in a life-changing volunteering trip to Peru in June 2026 with Challenges Abroad, supporting the FutureSense Foundation.

Being chosen for this opportunity means so much to me. As part of the selection process, we had to explain why we wanted to go, the skills we could bring, and how we could make a difference. I honestly didn’t expect to be picked, so to know that my application stood out is something I’m incredibly proud of!

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will allow me to work alongside local communities, supporting children and families while learning about their culture and way of life.

Volunteering in Peru will be an invaluable experience for me, both personally and professionally. I plan to study psychology at university with the goal of becoming a child psychologist, and this trip will help me develop the empathy, communication, and social skills I’ll need to support children from all backgrounds.

While in Urubamba, Peru, I will be taking part in a range of community-based projects that aim to support local children and schools. I’ll be teaching children about health and social care and sharing aspects of English culture, helping them build knowledge and confidence in new subjects. Alongside this, I’ll be helping to renovate and improve school facilities, creating brighter and safer learning environments. I’ll also be involved in delivering interactive workshops focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths), creative arts, and conversational English, giving students the opportunity to learn in engaging and practical ways. Through these activities, I hope to make a positive difference in the community while developing my own teaching and communication skills.

This opportunity will allow me to visit a part of the world I might not otherwise have the chance to see. More importantly, it’s not just about travel, it’s about making a real difference. Working with children from another culture will strengthen my ability to connect with, support, and understand others, while also broadening my cultural awareness.

Growing up, my grandma often shared stories about her experiences living in Guyana, a developing country, and she inspired me to give back to communities in need. I feel so fortunate to have this chance to help others while learning from them, too.

To make this opportunity possible, I need to raise £1,600 to fund the trip, along with at least £100 for the FutureSense Charity Fund, which supports the community projects we’ll be involved in.

I’ve previously helped raise money for various causes through school events, performances, and sponsored activities and now I’m asking for your help to make this dream a reality.

By donating, you’re not just helping me to travel and enjoy an experience of a lifetime, you’re helping children and families in Peru gain access to better opportunities, education, and support. You’re also helping me grow into a person who can make a lasting impact in the world through my future work in psychology and community service.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my journey. Your kindness truly means the world to me.