Anna Ogneva

Clean-Burning Stoves and Clean Water Project in Peru

Anna Ogneva is currently living and studying in London.

What made you want to go on your volunteering experience?

I always wanted to do something like that, and finally got a chance this year as I am currently on sabbatical from work and have the opportunity to go somewhere far and for a decent amount of time. Being just a student now I get the summer off, therefore I am trying to use this time to experience a new country, new culture, different that I’m used to nature and to utilize this time efficiently not only for myself but hopefully for others too. I like to be able and to actually help people who are in need, even if it is as little as just one person doing it.

Tell us more about the project you are/were involved in.

I am involved in Cleaner Burning Stoves and Water Filters projects in Urubamba, Peru.

The Cleaner Burning Stoves project includes going to the surrounding rural communities and building the actual stoves in people’s houses. The part of the project involves education of the community about why Cleaner Burning Stoves are better primarily for their health and of course the environment (requires less wood). Current stoves that are being used don’t have chimneys and all the smoke stays in the house where women and children spend most of their time. It was truly so, as besides seeing kitchen areas of the houses completely covered in black, burned dust, I also had a chance to see the ‘old’ stove in action and I have to admit it for myself it was not possible to stay in this room for a minute; it was full of smoke, it hurt the eyes, I could barely breath and in addition see anything. What happens to people’s health in such conditions I can only imagine.

The actual process of building a Cleaner Burning Stoves is a lot of fun to be honest. Being 28 years old I never thought I will get a chance to play with bricks and mud. The Cleaner Burning Stoves are built by using bricks and lots and lots of mud. As I understood the mud usually consists of clay, water, dirt, sometimes additionally of gynea pig hair and even poo. Gynea pigs are widely popular in Peru and I’ve seen them in every rural house; a bunch that is squeaking and running around the kitchen, right under our fit while we build the stove. Surprise for me was to realize that gynea pigs are food here. Live and learn!

The other project I am involved in is Water Filters. We make the filters from scratch by sifting and then mixing materials and then creating (pressing) the actual filters in the form of pots that are then burned and covered with silver at a later stage. As I understand, the quality of water in Urubamba in particular is very poor, most of the water used for food is not purified at all and parasites and digestion problems are usual for Urubamba both kids and adults. It is also proved to be true as cases of above mentioned diseases happen to volunteers quite often too when they are forget to be cautious about what water they drink and what food they eat.

The Water Filter removes all the particles from the water and kills the dangerous bacteria, resulting in drinkable water. Again, we try to educate people of Urubamba about the health and as a result financial advantages of using Water Filters in their houses (less times getting sick, less money spent on medication and doctors). Couple of days a week we have a presentational booth at the local market with banners, leaflets and filters showing and explaining its functionality and advantages.

Why did you choose this destination, project and Kaya Volunteer?

When I decided that I want to do volunteer work I started to look at the projects available. To be honest my aim was to find a project where you can physically build something with your own hands and see the result of your work if not immediately then very soon. These two key points were quite important for me.

I’ve done a lot of research for volunteer programs before I decided to choose Kaya Volunteer. I wanted to find an organization that indeed is involved with volunteer work but not only offer an adventurous vacation. I wanted to go somewhere amazingly different and be useful. I put my trust in Kaya Volunteer as I found them highly professional and organized. It was a big decision and I am happy that I made it with Kaya Volunteer.

I’ve never been to South America before and to me it is a completely different world with its amazing cultures throughout the continent, diversified climate and I’ve always wanted to travel and experience this part of world. Luckily for me I found the perfect program for myself in Urubamba, Peru.

What's been the most exciting/memorable thing about your volunteering experience?

I believe that the most memorable thing about my volunteering experience is when I see genuine need, interest and understanding in what we are doing. It is also amazing to meet and be with local people and learn about their lives, traditions and culture.

Was there anything about the experience you disliked?

The only negative part of this experience so far was during the first week. It was difficult to adjust to high altitude and being so far away from your family. Feeling lonely and sad throughout the first week seems to be the usual amongst volunteers. But after one week of adjusting to the climate, local people, language issues and other volunteers I started to feel much better and now I try enjoy everything Peru has to offer.

Do you think your volunteering experience has changed you? What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering on the American continent?

I am not sure if this volunteer experience changed me, I guess my family and friends will know better when I get back but what I am happy to find out about myself that I am easily able to adapt to a completely different , sometimes uncomfortable conditions: no hot water, no heating, no clean water etc. Life is much simpler for many people in this part of the world and it is a unforgettable experience to go through when you come from the developed part of the world.

I think this experience taught me to appreciate even more everything that life was kind to give to me. I can advice to people who consider volunteering on the South American continent to be open minded, flexible and patient and you would enjoy the best of it.