inspiring journey of learning to teach
Can you imagine that those who one day were just learning about the importance of health and good habits are now the ones leading those same programs?
This is the case of Brayan and Xiomara, who began their journey as participants in a preventive health program as just curious little children.
What began as an adventure of learning and discovery has blossomed into a deep passion for sharing that knowledge with others, transforming them into committed volunteers who now guide other children on the same path they once walked.
The Beginning of a Transformative Journey
Brayan and Xiomara had no idea of the great adventure that awaited them when, at the young ages of 7 and 10 respectively, they joined a learning workshop at their community dining room. Brayan remembers how he found out about the program: “I found out when I was going to pick up my lunch from the dining room where they held workshops and the neighbor told me to come on Saturday with my sister to participate in the workshop”.
Xiomara, for her part, was motivated by the enthusiasm of the premises manager, who informed her mother about the opportunity: “She told our mothers that there would be a learning workshop. “I went with my 3-year-old sister.”
Their motivation for joining was clear: a deep desire to learn new and valuable things that they could apply in their daily lives and have fun with other children. Brayan mentioned that he joined because of his “curiosity to know what they did in the workshops, to be able to learn something I didn’t know, and because of my friends who joined a little before me, motivated me to participate.” Xiomara was attracted to both the learning themes and the recreational activities: “I was motivated by the learning themes. Also the fun activities we did like crafts and exhibitions.”
A Program that Change Lives
The Growing Together Preventive Health program that these young people joined is designed to educate new generations about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, through a series of workshops and recreational activities focused on key topics such as self-esteem, personal care, and disease prevention. Brayan was impressed by how the program was similar to “a school, but they talked more about how to take care of ourselves, wash our hands, and provide good nutrition for the children.” For Xiomara, the program was a source of excitement: “I was very excited to be able to acquire new knowledge and also to be able to meet new people.”
From Students to Volunteers: An Inspirational Leap
As Brayan and Xiomara grew, so did their commitment to the Program. What started as a simple curiosity became a personal mission for both of them. They decided to give back to the community everything they had received, going from being users to active volunteers in the Program. Now, they lead workshops and activities, sharing their knowledge and time with new young participants, just as they experienced in their childhood.
Brayan highlights the profound impact that the program had on his life: “They taught us the basics of health, from how to eat well to how to take care of ourselves when we are sick. But what impacted me the most was the inspiring example of service of the volunteers.” This experience not only provided them with valuable health lessons, but also offered them a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference in their
communities.
On the other hand, Xiomara emphasized how educational the workshops were. With her eyes shining, Xiomara fondly remembered some of the topics they covered, particularly the importance of a nutritious snack and the steps for good hand washing.
The Impact of their Work as Volunteers
Today, Brayan and Xiomara are real examples of how the education and commitment of the GHI Association – Peru through the Growing Together Program can transform lives. Their volunteer work has not only benefited other children, but has also allowed them to grow as future community leaders. By organizing workshops, leading awareness campaigns and participating in various community activities, they have shown that knowledge is power and that sharing it is one of the most powerful ways to change the world.
Final Reflections: A Cycle that Inspires
Brayan and Xiomara’s story is a testament to the power of learning and volunteering. They have closed an inspiring cycle by going from being recipients of knowledge to being givers of it, demonstrating that we can all make a difference, regardless of our age or experience.
If this story has inspired you, we invite you to learn more about this Program and all the others with which our Association has been working for more than 6 years. We all have something to offer, and your contribution could be the first step towards positive change in the community.
