Meet Your Peru Team Leader: Jorge Sánchez 

Born in Colombia and raised at Sagrada Familia in Ventanilla, Peru, Jorge Sánchez Prieto, Global Volunteers’ Peru Team Leader, has spent most of his life within the very community he now serves. From a young age, Jorge dreamed of learning English, not only to open doors for himself, but to teach and help others reach their potential. His story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and giving back to the place that shaped his future. 

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By Jorge Sánchez Prieto 

I grew up at Sagrada Familia in Ventanilla, Peru, and have lived here since I was 11 years old. From the beginning, I wanted to learn English so I could translate and eventually become a teacher. In 2016, I graduated from the Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Privado in Lima as an English teacher, and I returned home to Sagrada Familia to teach English to the high school students — children who, like me, were growing up in this loving but humble community. 

During my time teaching, I met many Global Volunteers who came to Sagrada Familia to serve. I made great friendships with them and saw firsthand how much their time and effort meant to our students. Their kindness and dedication inspired me deeply. 

One day, Miguel, the founder and community manager of Sagrada Familia, told me about a wonderful opportunity. Global Volunteers needed a Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Technology Manager to help introduce the RCP program in Ventanilla. They were looking for more than an English translator—they sought someone who carried the community in their heart, someone who understood both its people and its culture. I was excited to embrace this opportunity. Later, I was honored to be promoted to Peru Team Leader. I guide volunteers with dedication and a deep commitment to our collective impact.

Working with volunteers is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. Every team is unique, and every volunteer brings their own amazing story and experience. Together, we create meaningful memories and make a difference for the children and families at Sagrada Familia. 

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and playing soccer with the children here in the community. Those moments remind me of my own childhood — and how much this place continues to give me. 

When you volunteer in Peru, you’ll experience the smiles of hope from every child in Sagrada Familia, the gratitude and resilience of the mothers enrolled in the RCP Program, and the inspiring story of Miguel and his project that has given thousands of children better opportunities for their future. 

Sagrada Familia continues to have many needs, including support for basic daily necessities. Childcare and nutrition support, educational assistance, and trade skill instruction are all consistently requested.

I invite you to come to Peru and see for yourself the incredible work being done at Sagrada Familia and through the RCP Program in Ventanilla, Peru. You will leave with a full heart and unforgettable memories. 

Jorge warmly invites volunteers to Peru, where they can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and welcoming community while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Peru. 

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