|
|
| NEWS: OCTOBER 2026
*A summer of connection, adventure and practical change* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A summer that will stay with us…..
To our wonderful supporters,
As we head into autumn we reflect on the action packed and amazing summer Kiya had!
Our family volunteers brought energy, kindness and a willingness to get stuck in to the Mama Cocha project. Alongside our Peruvian team, they built, painted, created and shared in the everyday life of Mama Cocha. They left us with practical improvements, new friendships and so many moments to treasure.
To every sponsor, donor, fundraiser who helped make the team’s trip possible, and of course, to each of the volunteers who came: thank you. You helped make so much possible!
The photographs in this newsletter tell part of their story—from a new bathroom for Emerson’s family to the quiet connection of a child, a parent and a volunteer spending time together.
Aside from the volunteer programme, we launched an equine therapy project and surf and swim programme for the children at Mama Cocha to enjoy and…we have reached full capacity with 45 patients and their families now being supported at Mama Cocha and more asking for help.
Last month, we also celebrated Mama Cocha’s 23rd anniversary!!
It was a moment to honour the children and families, our dedicated team, and everyone who has supported the project along the way. What an achievement!
We have much to celebrate, however, we also have a £6,000 funding gap to close as one of our long term sponsors had to leave us in June ´26.
I hope the following stories show why your continued support matters so much.
With love and thanks,
Suzy and the Kiya team |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| From Lima to the Pacific coast in north Peru….
Our journey began in Lima, where we explored the catacombs, marveled at the street art and began our Peruvian adventure as a team! We then continued through the sand dunes of Huacachina and the coast at Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, then finally, to Máncora! We experienced ethical whale and dolphin encounters, had fun surfing and enjoyed delicious food together around the table at the beach house that was our home for 2 weeks. However, the biggest adventure, was getting stuck into our project work at Mama Cocha and connecting with the staff and families.
Exploring and sharing meals together gave the families time to get to know one another before becoming a team at Mama Cocha and creating some truly special memories. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| More than a building project..…
For Emerson’s family, one of the summer’s most important projects took shape brick by brick: a new bathroom, built with care by our volunteers. From the first walls going up to the finished bathroom, our volunteers got tired, got messy, laughed and kept going. Along the way, they shared precious moments with the children, families and team. For Emerson’s family, it meant a new space built with dignity and care. For those building it, it was a lasting contribution they could see taking shape with their own hands.
Even though the trip has ended the work these amazing humans did, will continue helping this family for years to come.
Equipment that opens up possibilities…
Our volunteer programme also included donations of wheelchairs and a standing station. One especially moving moment was when Zaid was presented with his first wheelchair. Until then, his mum had carried him everywhere. The chair opened up new possibilities for mobility and participation, while supporting his mum too.
Murals and bringing life to the centre…
The volunteers’ creativity can now be seen throughout Mama Cocha: in colourful walls, stair faces, a special birthday tree and a photo display celebrating the children who come through our doors.
One project was brightening the speech therapy space. The new mural brought colour and warmth to a room where children come to learn, grow and communicate. Thank you to everyone who helped make the centre more welcoming, playful and full of life!
These bigger projects sat alongside something equally valuable: the time volunteers spent with children and their families at the centre.
The heart of the work…
Some of the most meaningful moments happened quietly in a therapy room. A parent beside their child, a team member offering guidance, a volunteer joining an activity: connection, trust and patience are at the heart of daily life at Mama Cocha.
Our youngest volunteers brought curiosity, kindness and energy. They helped make sensory toys and bottles, joined activities and got to know the children. These simple moments of friendship crossed ages and backgrounds, giving everyone opportunities to learn from one another.
The Power of Laughter!
Our Clown Doctor workshops invited mums, dads and the team to let go, be silly and laugh together. This year we took the show to the plaza, bringing our characters, colour and energy into the community. It was a beautiful reminder that laughter can bring people together across barriers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| If this looks like something you’d love to do as a family, get in touch!
For 2028, we are running a relaxed 15-day programme combining volunteering with morning beach yoga, surf lessons, ethical whale encounters and Clown Doctor workshops. A private chef, breakfast throughout the stay, and lunches and snacks at the volunteer house are included.
Early bird prices start at £1,650 p/p, based on a group of 10 or more, with a maximum of 12 places. Get in touch to find out more and don´t miss this amazing opportunity! |
|
|
|
|
Percy and Turquesa: connection without words
|
|
|
| We have started a small equine therapy programme with Turquesa the pony! From Percy’s very first session, we began to notice a special connection taking shape. Percy has autism with level 3 support needs and finds connection difficult.
Sometimes connection begins without words.
Percy seeks out closeness with the pony, resting against Turquesa and reaching out to touch. He seems to feel safe in her company. Alongside that growing connection, we have also begun to notice changes in how he connects with the people around him: accepting hugs and physical affection, and beginning to say some words. For Percy, his family and those accompanying him, these moments mean so much.
Every child experiences and responds to therapy differently, and development cannot be rushed. What we can offer is a space to feel safe, understood and free to explore connection at their own pace. For Percy, time with Turquesa seems to be becoming one of those spaces: a relationship without pressure or the need for words. A hug, a word, a moment of trust—what may look like a small step from the outside can be enormous for a child and their family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAMINO FOR MAMA COCHA 21-26 MARCH 2027!
|
|
|
|
|
| Our dates have changed to 21–26 March 2027. Nine walkers are already paid up and eager to go, and we have just ONE place still available! We will walk the final 54 km of the Camino Francés, from Melide to Santiago de Compostela, raising funds for Mama Cocha.
The trip costs £680 per person, with a £500 fundraising commitment. It includes four walking days, five nights in three-star hotels, breakfast and dinner, luggage transfers, trail assistance and cancellation insurance. Enquire about the final place: active@kiyasurvivors.org. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your support makes the next chapter possible
| £6,000 funding gap • Could you help us close it? |
One of our main sponsors has had to step away, leaving Kiya with an annual £6,000 shortfall for the charity. We are so very grateful for the support they gave us but we now need help to replace that funding as more families turn to Mama Cocha.
Could you, your business or a group of friends become a sponsor? A new main sponsor—or several supporters contributing together—could help close the gap.
One-off donations and introductions to potential sponsors would also make a difference.
Please DONATE NOW if you can help.
|
|
|
|
|
| THANK YOU FOR STANDING BESIDE US AND THE FAMILIES AT MAMA COCHA! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
