I knew from the moment I first walked through the wooden doors of Mama Cocha that it was truly a special place filled with nothing but love and happiness. Seeing the children as well as their home for the first time was a moment that will stick with me forever. I couldn’t help but smile and stand in awe of everything surrounding me, the children, the staff, the home, my team, and of course all of the smiling faces. Knowing that I myself had personally contributed my time, money, and heart to build this project was an overwhelming feeling that words can never do enough justice. It’s amazing to know that the community back home in Denmark has contributed everything to make this project run and after seeing the outcome and the joy that runs throughout the home, I can never thank anyone enough for anything and everything that they have contributed throughout the existence of Team Peru, So with that, I would simply like to say, thank you for everything.
- Madison

When we visited the Rainbow Center, many of us grew strong bonds towards individual characters. As I entered the center I stumbled upon a kid almost instantaneously, and new I had to “hang” with that guy. His name was Udel the coolest “G eva”. As I left the center to then never return, he gave me a card and told me he would never forget me, and that I would always be in his heart. Well I wish I could see him again, and he will definitely always be in my mind and heart.

- Fred

Mama Cocha is amazing because it is the face of Team Peru! The children’s home was built and painted by Team Peru. And I feel a great connection because we fund for their home. Mama Cocha is filled with a great staff and positivity as well as love and happiness. It was eye-opening for me to see Mama Cocha because it allowed me to see what we’ve been able to accomplish. It allowed us to see the out-come of our hard work and after seeing how amazing the children are, it has inspired me even more to keep supporting Mama Cocha.

Bea

You better check yourself before your wreck yourself.



Lyrics:

I'm here to tell ya bout Kiya Survivors,
Metaphorically fixing broken tires,
The volunteers here are on fire,
But watch your tone, or Nigel will get you fired.

Helping kids with special needs,
Putting up roofs and planting seeds
Don’t impede good deeds
Never stop funding 'till the project succeeds.

Playin' with Fernando at the Rainbow Center
The happiness flows in as soon as you enter
Don’t dissent, uh, from your mentor
Hele Kiya er gode venner.

Lyrics by Marotta
Phat beats by Pfeiffer

The C.I.S community knows Team Peru raises awareness of youth living with terrible disadvantages; it bakes cakes and organizes fundraisers to help provide these children with shelter, food and happiness.
We all know this.
So what don’t we know about Team Peru?

Is’s all about hope.

Team Peru is not an awareness and fundraising project, it’s a young person grooming machine, welcoming in students with big hearts and returning mature young adults with a solid head, aware of the realities of the world and ready for the future.

It has been nothing short of amazing witnessing the strength and composure of these students as the challenges have been laid before them at a rate that would spin the most worldly person’s wheels. There have been sights terribly hard to handle, moments beyond imagination, a language that is not their own, heavy construction in scorching Peruvian conditions, cramped living conditions, and a 4600m mountain to conquer… this to name just a few.

The gem of this program, and what makes it supremely valuable is the way the Team Peru’ers have been led through this with their eyes not on the suffering but on the future. Undoubtedly they are all affected by what they see and experience but they are all encouraged in spectacular style to vocalize their thoughts and emotions, to lean on each other, to visualize themselves in 5,10, 20 or 30 years and ask themselves what should or could be done and how can I help make it happen.

Team Peruers have been given the gift of looking into the future and finding their place, right here right now.

The actions, thoughts, dreams, and intentions these fine C.I.S students spray hope wherever they go and that is what it’s all about.

D.Cooper

Lesley - a beautiful 11 year old girl who lives at the Mama Cocha house, ran right into my arms as i stepped through the doors of the centre on the second day. "I missed you" she said.
That completely blew my mind. Although I had had amazing moments in Peru before, nothing could beat this.

- Sara

The Rainbow Centre was beautiful and inspiring, but the motivation I felt after being at Mama Cocha was completely different. Seeing how happy Maria was amazed me. Despite her traumatizing experiences, she had a huge smile on her face and laughed non-stop.

Maria and the other kids at the centre are the reason we are here, and Team Peru’s support has changed their lives. A quote I value is Gandhi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. We can never make these kids’ terrible pasts dissapear, but we can make change happen. I saw that change in Maria today.

Helena