Building Bonds and Sustainability: My LiA at Casa Ronald Peru

This summer, I had the privilege of working with Casa Ronald McDonald in Peru, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing long-term medical treatment. My primary task during this experience was to co-lead a project aimed at improving volunteer retention through the development of a sustainable engagement strategy. Over the course of six weeks, my teammate Callysta and I utilised design thinking, cultural adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving to tackle this challenge. The journey was filled with meaningful experiences, personal growth, and an enriched understanding of Peruvian culture.

Project Goals and Objectives

The core goal of our project was to create a sustainable framework for volunteer retention at Casa Ronald. Specifically, we aimed to address the following objectives:

• Empathy-driven insights to understand the motivations and challenges faced by volunteers to identify factors affecting retention rates.
• Engagement strategies to develop an innovative “Challenges System” that incorporates friendly competition to make routine tasks more engaging.
• Volunteer integration to foster a sense of belonging among volunteers.
• Propose a structured framework to differentiate and support short-term and long-term volunteers, ensuring continuity in service

Understanding the Challenge

Our first week involved immersing ourselves in Casa Ronald's environment. We visited the two houses, observed their daily dynamics, and interviewed volunteers to grasp the retention challenges. Insights from these conversations highlighted the varying demographics, educational backgrounds, and commitment levels among volunteers. With this information, we began crafting tailored solutions.

Language barriers posed an initial challenge, as my beginner-level Spanish made communication difficult. However, with the warmth and enthusiasm of the Casa Ronald team and volunteers, I quickly picked up useful phrases. Their welcoming smiles and the cultural openness of Peruvians made every effort worthwhile.

Innovative Solutions and Prototyping

To address the issue of volunteer engagement, we proposed the “Challenges System.” This framework introduced elements of gamification, allowing volunteers to earn points for completing tasks and fostering friendly competition. Weekly challenges were designed to add excitement to otherwise mundane responsibilities, making the volunteer experience more rewarding.

We also developed a system to categorise volunteers into two groups: Alpacas (short-term volunteers) and Llamas (long-term volunteers). The idea was to create a sense of progression, where volunteers “graduate” to Llama status after three months, signifying commitment. Integrating this system into Casa Ronald’s existing volunteer school added structure and recognition for dedicated service.

Planning the Volunteer Integration Event

One of the project's highlights was organising a volunteer integration event. This required meticulous planning, including budgeting, scheduling, venue setup, and preparing a detailed minute-by-minute rundown. Acting as MCs, Callysta and I ensured the event ran smoothly, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie. Over 30 volunteers attended, participating in team-building activities, sharing testimonials, and enjoying pizza and karaoke. 

The joy on their faces and the bonds formed during this event underscored the importance of such gatherings in creating a sense of belonging. Improvising during the event taught me adaptability, and seeing our efforts come to fruition was immensely rewarding.

Cultural and Personal Growth

Outside of work, I immersed myself in Peru’s rich culture. From trying traditional dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche to exploring Caral, one of the world’s oldest civilisations, I gained a deeper appreciation for Peruvian history and traditions. A visit to Killa, a sustainable fashion brand, introduced me to the intricate process of creating biodegradable dyes and the importance of empowering local artisans.

Though I faced setbacks such as food poisoning during the program, these moments taught me resilience and the value of teamwork. The support I received from my fellow volunteers and facilitators highlighted the importance of community.

Outcomes and Reflections

Halfway through the program, we presented our proposals to Casa Ronald’s management. Our recommendations, including the Challenges System and the Alpaca-Llama framework, were well-received and are set to be integrated into their operations. Creating a manual for these initiatives ensures their sustainability and ease of implementation for future volunteers.

This experience not only allowed me to make a tangible impact on volunteer retention at Casa Ronald but also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. The friendships formed with scholars, facilitators, and volunteers made this journey unforgettable, leaving me with a profound respect for the spirit of collaboration and the vibrant culture of Peru.

As I move forward, I aim to carry the lessons learned from this internship into my future endeavours. The skills in design thinking, cultural adaptability, and project management will undoubtedly shape my approach to challenges in both professional and personal spheres. Most importantly, my time at Casa Ronald reaffirmed my belief in the power of empathy and teamwork to drive meaningful change.