“During my five weeks, I met six different volunteers with HoP. From speaking with them about their experiences, it is clear that this program has all the power to push this clinic into the future of enhancing health. From undergraduate students to medical and PhD students, the resources are all there when it comes to implementing initiatives.
It can definitely be an adjustment as many are in Peru or abroad for the first time and are meeting so many new people, speaking Spanish, and just getting to learn about how CESAPU runs. However, volunteers love how they are encouraged to get involved, and once they find their footing, they step into a rhythm full of the rewarding potential of making connections with the amazing community members and staff at CESAPU.
Community members are always in light spirits at CESAPU. Specifically, at Lady Lunes, Sra. Vicky creates classes that are informative, interactive, and fun for all attending, many of whom are mothers with young children always ready to chime in. Her classes are inspiring as they hit multiple health determinants. For instance, her recipes emphasize the use of healthy ingredients in foods that can be both sold for profit and enjoyed in the home.
Furthermore, it really feels like a community is present at CESAPU. From the children to the staff, everyone is so warm and inviting. Many people know each other as they visit CESAPU regularly for healthcare services, are friends, neighbors, or even relatives. Many people, women especially, have spoken about their personal life and endeavors at CESAPU as they are there to learn how to cook, sew, and care for their health.
Staff members at CESAPU have developed personal connections with the people who visit and only hope to see it grow and expand to offer more services. They report a very positive reception as services are offered at affordable prices and the population they serve do not have many resources and struggle economically. CESAPU brings these health resources directly to them and helps improve their livelihood.
More importantly, the community is receptive to CESAPU aa they have benefitted from this organization. Healthcare providers have also noted that they look forward to seeing the return of more health interventions and research projects, as done in previous years, even noting the potential to collaborate with more non-governmental organizations. The clinic has recently been awarded a new grant and are most certainly on their way to doing more.
CESAPU shows how interconnected everything is within public and global health. The very structure and flow of the clinic promotes connectivity within one’s health and encourages intercultural engagement of health. As Lady Lunes takes place and Sra. Vicky is cooking a healthy and tasty dish, such as pancaques de quinoa, the children are just a few feet away learning and getting excited to taste as they rush to complete their activity.”
