My volunteering abroad reflections

Update on October 16, 2011 by Tristan

My time with the Lobitos community informed and changed me. This is the second time I’ve formally volunteered while aboard. The first program was in Argentina with TOMS Shoes. There were some major differences with the WAVES for Development program in Lobitos:

  • TOMS gives shoes (verses non-handouts) and doesn’t maintain an ongoing presence in the communities they visit.
  • WAVES doesn’t just give, but asks for an investment from the community — whether that’s time, support, etc. WAVES also maintains an ongoing presence in Lobitos so that a volunteer’s work doesn’t go unfinished. The locals understand the process and know they aren’t being abandoned, another volunteer will fill the last one’s shoes.

Voluntourism is something I’ve pondered over for years. When does it help? When does it hurt? When I returned from the TOMS Shoe Drop I received criticism about their practices that changed the way I thought. I realized that to empower people you must work together with them, show them the power of change. Handouts keep people on the frying pan, simmering, but usually dry up and leave them with nothing more than when the aid program began.

On the other hand, collaborating with the communities and people you want to help does work. They realize that we’re all the same, some of us have opportunities here or there, but we are all capable of anything we put our mind to – rich or poor.

What have I learned? Never underestimate someone. If you do, you’ll never be surprised.

In Photos: Creative Expression Peruvian-Style

Update on October 10, 2011 by Tristan

The most notable thing I’ve witnessed in Peru isn’t the colorful countryside or the world-class waves, it’s the art. Paintings are found everywhere: on abandoned buildings, moto-taxis, even wallpapered on hostels. The abundance of artists is something not to overlook. Street art is not just a form of creative expression, but a voice relaying a message. Sometimes that message speaks to the creator’s cultural roots, other times it reflects an overlooked area, left to rot by the wayside.

Below is a selection of works of art I’ve experienced while traveling from Lima to Lobitos.

Brazilian street artist Dedogz in Lobitos.

Mural in the Kokopelli Lima hostel.

Lobitos street art from a Talhara-based artist.

Dedogz hotel mural in Lobitos.

Street art mural in Lobitos.

Wall painting in the Kokopelli Lima hostel.

 

Last Day in Lobitos

Update on October 1, 2011 by Tristan

It’s been an amazing two weeks in Lobitos. Over sixty volunteer hours and five surf sessions later, my brain is bursting with what I’ve learned about the people, culture, food, history, education system, and, most importantly, water.

Surfing brings you closer to the natural world and the awe-inspiring creatures that the ocean contains. As a surfer, you respect the animals and land, and are constantly reminded that water is a precious resource, one that can be easily lost to pollution and overuse.

Idealogy like this is what I’ll carry with me as I continue on to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and then Minneapolis — home. And I’ll always keep a special place in my heart for Lobitos and the people I’ve met here.

 

As Waves Slow, a New Surfing Alternative Hits Lobitos

Update on September 30, 2011 by Tristan

 

The Lobitos surf comes and goes. Some days the waves are large enough to engulf a pod of dolphins; other days you’d be lucky to find anything more than sweet-tempered water sopping quietly onto the beach. For the time when the surf is great, WAVES for Development offers free rentable surf boards for the local kids, but when the ocean swells are down there isn’t much else to do outside. That’s where board sports shine with versatility.

A few months ago, over 20 skateboards were donated to WAVES for Development for distribution in the Lobitos community. The resulting land-based wave of enjoyment grew rapidly — the kids loved to skate. Soon after, a small half pipe was constructed and damaged almost immediatly after due to excessive use. However, the half pipe didn’t stay dormant for long.

 

Two weeks ago, when I arrived in Lobitos, we began working on the ramp, and yesterday was the grand opening. Around ten kids and five teenagers came to enjoy the newly remodeled Lobitos skate park, the looks of pure enjoyment adorning their young faces.

In addition to skateboarding, I also brought with a longboard donated by Northern Pine Longboards, a Minnesota-based company. The style of carving waves on land was new to some of the most experienced skaters, but they caught on quickly.

The arrival of the ramp comes with the hope that the kids of Lobitos will strive to build relationships and uncover new passions. As the education virtuoso Clay P. Bedford said, “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”

Exploring the Splendorous Natural World of Lobitos

Update on September 29, 2011 by Tristan

The sun was setting fast as our moto-taxi, a type of motorcycle rickshaw, powered up the last gritty hill and past an oil well. Our destination: Las Capullanas, a short, rugged piece of beach featuring a cave and beautiful sites just up the Pacific from Lobitos. As we came to a stop, three of us hopped out of the cab, the fourth rode the twenty-minute drive on the back.

A quick fifteen minute hike over varying grades of tan brought us to the cliff-covered coastline. After repelling two untrustworthy-looking lengths of rope we arrived at the opening of the cave. Nearby sat a hollow arch formed from generations of tidal erosion — very similar to New Zealand’s Cathedral Cove. In the distance a well-lit cargo ship and armada of oil rigs speckled the pink skyline.

Las Capullanas is a rare case of unitended conservation. All of the surrounding land is owned by an oil company creating a sort of a unofficial nature reserve. The wildlife here is as abundant as the myriad beaches of Lobitos, but without the human impact. The result is an untouched natural playground for sea and land animals alike.

The effect of a place like this pulls at the heartstrings. An almost emotional connection is formed by those who step foot here. That is why WAVES of Development, as well as a Peace Corps volunteer, have taken interest and are working to build local-led excursions to the area with the hope that it is preserved indefinitely. I can only hope the efforts are successful.

 

Locavore Lunches in Lobitos

Update on September 28, 2011 by Tristan

It’s not often that you visit a country completely foreign to you and get the chance to eat in someones house. A home is private, closed to wandering eyes of tourists. You may take the locals’ pick restaurant-wise, but rarely will you discover your own personal in-home chef. Thanks to Sam Roches, Associate Director of Voluntourism at WAVES for Development, that’s exactly what you get in Lobitos.

Meal after delicious meal, I’ve fallen in love with our local lunches. Everyday, with the exception of Sunday, we wander over to a local “Mama’s,” as Roches likes to call the Lobitos mothers, around lunch time. Everyday we knock on a door and are greeted by a smiling motherly face. Then we take a seat at their family dinner table. The food is served piping hot and always accompanied with fresh-squeezed fruit juice.

The genius of it is, not only are we getting a delicious home-cooked meal, but we are putting money back into the community, sampling true traditional fare, and being allowed a peek into the lives of these families. Most of the mothers stay at home all day, cooking, cleaning and watching the children. Some are now grandmothers and have even less on their plate. All are happy to open their homes.

Water: The Lifeblood of Lobitos

Update on September 27, 2011 by Tristan

Being a near desert with little rain, Lobitos survives off the ocean. The fishing industry is small, but still supports many of the local households (when fish can still be found). On the other hand, surfing tourism is strong, but many of the hotels are not locally owned — a problem that WAVES for Development works to offset with voluntourism. But it isn’t humans alone who benefit.

A closer look beneath the water’s surface and one can see the other side of the food chain. Whales, dolphins, sea lions and even a lone penguin have been spotted by surfers and beach strollers alike. Giant seabirds, pelicans and vultures frequent the Pacific shores. When fishermen were killing sea lions aiming for a quick meal in their nets, WAVES for Development stepped in and worked out a ceasefire of sorts. It is this deep connection to the water that allows both humans and animals thrive. And the first step is conservation.

A WAVES for Development-sponsored beach cleanup.

In Lobitos, water is plentful in the ocean, but not at home. Running water doesn’t mean drinkable water, and even then it sometimes runs out. Potable water for drinking must be delivered by truck — there is no desalination plant — and the schedule can be shifty. Here at WAVES, we haven’t run out of water, yet, but we’re told to conserve as much as possible. That includes short showers, running water only when needed, and a strick adherence to one of my favorite adages: if it’s yellow let it mellow.

WAVES for Development house water tank.

All of these examples of water usage aren’t anything entrepreneurial. They are simply common-sense ideas that will sustain our planet for years to come. Waste not, want not, goes the proverbial saying. So the next time you brush your teeth, take a shower, or wash the dishes, take a moment to lessen your water consumption.

A Half Pipe Dream Turns Reality

Update on September 25, 2011 by Tristan

It’s been a quiet house this weekend as nearly everyone in the WAVES for Development lodge has some type of sickness. The symptoms range from a lone plugged nose to full-on bed-rest-required muscle aches. However, we aren’t letting that stop us.

Ten minutes ago, I just put the last coat of clear lacquer on the half pipe skateboarding ramp. We’ve shoveled, mixed, nailed and scrapped our way to this point and everyone is excited for the grand opening this coming Wednesday. We plan on inviting all the local kids, some of whom already have a skateboard thanks to a generous donation procured before my arrival.

I also brought with me a Minnesota-made Northern Pine Longboard to add another dimension to the surf town, and, of course, a Penn Cycle helmet for safety — both were donated with a smile.

Take a look at the newly refurbished half pipe (with a custom WAVES logo in the middle) and the progression up to this point.

A Virtual Development Tour of Lobitos, Peru

Update on September 23, 2011 by Tristan

A map developed by WAVES for Development.

Over the first four days I was in Lobitos the surf was barreling, breaking and beautiful. Hundreds of wetsuit-tanned surf tourists could be spotted as dark specks in the water at all hours. During the last few days the surf has come down, the waves too small and hitting too close to the beach. As the tourism scene stagnated I took a few hours to walk around Lobitos and ponder urban development.

In Latin America, most cities have a Plaza de Armas, a central main square where the community can congregate. Lobitos is no different, except for one small exception: their designated Plaza de Armas was built by the municipality only in the last few years and resides on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, miles away from any barrios, or neighborhoods.

Statue in the municipality-designated Plaza de Armas.

This is particularily odd in Peru as the main square is meant to create a sense of togetherness. One explanation could be corruption. The municipality of Lobitos earns a percentage on top of every construction project they manufacture, whether it is needed or not.

There is another, less extravagant, central square in the original Lobitos barrios. This older square has been around much longer and WAVES for Development maintains an office there for their administration and environmental education. It also provides a closer connection to the local communities in the area as the WAVES lodging is located in the Neuvos (New) Lobitos barrio.

Original main square in Lobitos.

WAVES for Development in Nuevos Lobitos.

Beyond the squares, the most notable thing about Lobitos is the lack of urban planning. In a city of only 2,000 people, no one barrio borders another. Nuevos Lobitos is a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk to old Lobitos through the treacherous sand-and-garbage-filled landscape. Old Lobitos is close to the earlier British-American settlements, but farthest away from the Plaza de Armas, which is near nothing except a few new small ocean-side hotels. Even the dated Peruvian military housing is far off in the distant with land-secured oil wells and ocean-penetrating oil rigs scattered in between. If there is one full-time professional Lobitos needs, it is an urban planner.

A garbage-festooned landscape in Lobitos.

Oil wells scatter the countryside in Lobitos.

Dilapidated British-American building in Lobitos.

Kite surfer with oil rigs dotting the background.

The Kids of Lobitos: A Story of Potential

Update on September 21, 2011 by Tristan

 

As I cross the street from the WAVES for Development office and walk a quarter-block down to the Lobitos public school through dust and sand and into our morning English class, I am greeted by over fifteen smiling faces. These Peruvian kids, ages 6-10, shout out hello, not in Spanish, but in English.”Good morning!” they exclaim at the sight of me.

I’m at the school to assist the local teachers as a native English speaker – all of whom are supported by WAVES for Development funding. Today we started with a rundown of seasonal flora and fauna. It’s spring here, so flowers, tree, sun and various farm animals made the list. The kids listen intently, except for a few trouble makers. Their handwriting is impeccable even in this small ocean-side town of approximately 2,000 where some of their parents cannot read or write.

The mood in the three classrooms we visited today was excitement. The kids had genuine fun. I admired the teachers’ patience despite the odd child roaming the room and the myriad chorus of voices calling out everytime a question was asked. For the most part, the kids were no more shy than I was.

Almost immediatly after English class I shot down one of the many barren, vegetation-sparse rolling hills to another WAVES-sponsored class. This class covered everything environmental and is much needed in a place where the mentality is to throw your garbage onto the ground. About ten kids joined us in the WAVES for Development office in the locals’ city center.

Here the teacher took an emotionally supportive approach in her lesson plan. She asked the kids to draw themselves, or write about their current experiences and feelings. Although physical abuse isn’t rampant, many families in Lobitos restrict their kids to the TV room or the immidiate area surrounding their home preventing many growth-and-development opportunities. Other projects in the class focused more on conservation and included: drawing the anatomy of a plant, understanding the water cycle and pollution’s affects, and creating art out of old plastic bottles and newspapers. The lessons fell very much in line with WAVES’ ideology and our main project that we will complete while in Lobitos: a skateboarding half pipe made out of reclaimed wood.

As the sun started to set, we looked back on the wet columned cement that will form the base of the half pipe. Before our arrival over 20 skateboards were donated to WAVES and handed out to the local teenagers. In a less than a week we will sponsor a skateboarding and longboarding event. The hope is that skateboarding, in addition to surfing, will help empower the kids with a more robust selection of extracurricular activities and keep them striving to reach their dreams — much like we all do in our everyday lives. I know that the kids of Lobitos will stay in my dreams even after I head north once again.