My husband and I just recently returned from a Global Volunteers trip to Peru. The experience was absolutely amazing, and this was in a large part due to our team leader, Edith Rodriguez Preciado. We would like to pass on some feedback on Edith.

You are so fortunate to have Edith on your Global Volunteers team at PPA. She truly amazed us with her wide range of skills and talents and strong commitment to the children of Puericultorio. Her leadership and managerial skills were evident in the way she directed our team and managed the expectations and needs of the PPA staff. Edith's daily interaction with the PPA staff was an excellent example of a strong partnership and an effective team working towards common goals. She was respectful and understanding of individual and group needs and was quick to respond and take whatever actions were needed to meet or resolve those needs. There wasn't a problem or issue she was not willing to take on with a positive attitude and creative approach. Strategically, she sees the big picture and the long-term steps needed to accomplish Global Volunteers and PPA's mission and goals. She exudes confidence and sincerity and is an excellent role model for the staff, volunteer teams, and children. Her communication with the team and all levels of the PPA staff was direct and honest and she didn't hesitate to deliver the bad news if something was not doable.

Edith's nurturing relationship with the children was truly inspiring. They love her, and she demonstrates a true love for them and a clear understanding of their needs. Her interaction with the young children is as comfortable as with the older children. Watching her play with the toddlers was such a joy. When she played with them she was also teaching them, e.g., she was showing each one how to roll across the floor and her touch and direct eye contact made each one feel special... their reactions to her were so heartwarming and brought me close to tears. She also knows how to get the children's attention when they're restless or excited, e.g., when we were frustrated with a noisy and excited group of 80 3- to 5-year-olds, she easily and calmly got their attention. Her prior teaching experience was quite evident.

She was so gracious and generous in sharing with us so much of the culture of Peru as well as PPA's heart and soul. So much of her personal time was devoted to us to ensure we had an exceptional volunteer experience. She kept us focused on our mission, goals, and objectives and how we wanted to accomplish them. She was constantly concerned with our well-being, and kept us safe in our new but exciting volunteer country. Edith was consistent in maintaining a professional demeanor but created a fun team atmosphere for all of us.

Coming from a corporate business background, I consider Edith to be an exceptional leader and manager. She is definitely a key player in 'waging peace and promoting justice' now and in the future. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with Edith and we look forward to working with her and the children of PPA again.

Betty and Phil, Peru volunteers

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