Participant Stories

Spain
Cohort 158, August 2024

“Participating in one of WindAid’s projects was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life. During the experience, I learned so much from every member of the team. From Sr. Abel and Dani, who guided us in workshops teaching us how to use the machines and build and install the turbine, to Gandhi, whose dedication and care for the organization are truly inspiring. The way the team welcomes you and makes you feel part of the group from day one is simply remarkable.

This experience not only allowed me to apply the knowledge I had gained during my engineering studies but also gave me the opportunity to be part of a practical engineering project for the first time. On top of that, having the chance to explore Peru was extraordinary. It’s a country filled with breathtaking landscapes, a rich culture, and incredibly kind people.

I’m immensely happy to have lived this experience, and I absolutely recommend it 100%”.

Australia
Cohort 158, August 2024

“The Windaid experience reignited my awe and appreciation for the applications of physics within our day to day. Displaying the invaluable impact practical engineering can have on families and lives, all whilst fostering friendships I continue to cherish”. 

USA/Nigeria
Cohort 157, July 2024

“As I was finishing my grad school program, I was looking for an international volunteer opportunity to use my engineering skills to do truly meaningful work, learn new skills, and expose myself to a different culture. The WindAid Insitute provided all of that and more. WindAid was a wonderful opportunity to implement sustainable energy solutions for families in need, and I learned more about wind energy and manufacturing processes in general. Additionally, participating in the WindAid program allowed me to explore the beautiful landscape of Peru and connect with its rich food, culture, and people. I will always be grateful for such a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this opportunity to anyone looking for an immersive and impactful volunteer experience”.

Spain
Cohort 158, August 2024

“During my exchange year at Cornell University, I discovered WindAid through a professor in a renewable energy course. I spent the month of August at WindAid, and for the first time, I had the chance to apply the knowledge I had gained during my studies to the design and construction of a wind turbine.

The experience and the team were incredible, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn, have fun with other volunteers and the amazing WindAid staff, and, most importantly, make life a bit easier for people in need!”

Scotland, UK
Cohort 147, October 2023

"My four weeks at WindAid completely exceeded any expectations I had before I went. The energy of our volunteer group as well as Gandhi and Abel was amazing - the work we did in the workshop and at the installation didn't even feel like work at all because we were all having so much fun! As well as gaining practical, hands-on engineering experience, I also had the opportunity to try many new activities outside of work such as surfing and sandboarding. I'll never forget my time in Peru and would recommend volunteering with WindAid to anyone!"

Bologna, Italy
Cohort 146, September 2023

“Collaborating with WindAid has been an enriching experience from many perspectives. During my three-month stay in Trujillo, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Engineering Program while also pursuing research for my Master's Thesis. This dual involvement allowed me to improve both my practical and theoretical knowledge with WindAid’s support.

Working hands-on in the field provided me with a deep understanding and appreciation of the mechanics involved in constructing a wind turbine, while the final phase of turbine installation was particularly fulfilling. Thanks to WindAid, I was able to embark on an international project and gain valuable experience in a hands-on environment, an opportunity that is quite rare. 

Thank you WindAid for one of the best experience of my life!”

New York, USA
Cohort, 2022

“WindAid was an amazing experience. I had no workshop experience, no engineering degree and renewable background - but I gained so much experience at WIndAid! I learned to weld, use an array of tools, and create resin models from molds. The housing was right in the heart of Trujillo and near many food options. Abel, the workshop leader, was truly a gem and taugh me in spite of my lack of experience. Gandhi, the director, is a fantastic personable individual who made the program fun. This program truly was fantastic. From learning how to create things at the workshop to installing our wind turbine in a rural community, my experience at WindAid was unique and unforgettable!”

Glasgow, UK
Cohort, 2016/Cohort, 2022

“I had an amazing experience at WindAid, getting the opportunity to make a wind turbine with my own 2 hands. Further we had opportunities to travel around Peru at the weekends. When the final week came, it was super awesome to be offgrid, an experience I’ve not had since - I was disconnected from social media, could see the Milky Way, eating local produce every day and changing a families life all the while.”

Bilbao, Spain
Cohort, 2018

“It was not only a personal growth experience helping others, but also an opportunity to get to know the incredible family called WindAid. I left with the certainty that the more you give, the more you receive.”