Science and Volunteering
While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly
flooded with attention, this does not necessarily translate into engagement.
While tourists absorb its grandeur and ‘mystical energy’ the local communities often
see very little benefit from this influx of tourists.
To identify a situation for
meaningful engagement I’d begin by consulting local, community-based organisations
in the Sacred Valley region. While I would focus on Indigenous education,
infrastructure and environmental conservation my exploration of Machu Picchu’s
history and people have long since informed me of the cultural importance of
science and knowledge. Rather than assuming what’s needed and asserting my own biases,
I would prioritise listening and learning about the challenges locals face – be
it deforestation for tourist development, or a lack of access to STEM educational
resources.
As a science student my
contribution could focus on sustainable practices – helping develop or enhance
low-cost water filtration systems, soil testing for sustainable farming, or
even helping with teaching younger students. Crucially, I’d need to partner
with local engineers, environmental experts, translators, teachers and elders
to adapt these ideas to the cultural and logistical realities of the region. If
I have learnt anything, it is that far from being a lost civilisation in need
of “modernisation” or “saving”, the local Indigenous communities are a people
built on a generational understanding of science and geography. It is about adapting
and providing the resources they need to flourish and develop on their own.
Contrary to the atrocities of the
orphanages in Cambodia where children are unintentionally mistreated by the
very volunteers who came to help them, my approach constitutes meaningful
engagement as it avoids exoticising struggle and assuming the recipients of aid
are helpless and uninformed. Instead, it values partnership, long-term
sustainability, and ultimately establishing solutions designed by the Quechua population
of the region, for the Quechua people.
Globe Aware volunteers in the Sacred Valley, Peru — promoting meaningful engagement, sustainability and cultural awareness through community-led service.Globe Aware. (n.d.). Machu Picchu volunteer vacation. https://globeaware.org/destinations/latin-america-caribbean/machu-picchu
Papi, D. (2012, November 29). Cambodia’s orphanage problem. HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniela-papi/cambodia-orphanages-_b_2164385.html
