Participant Stories

The WindAid Experience was…

Annika Camarillo

Idaho, USA
Cohort 157, July 2024

Learn more about Annika’s experience as a participant of the Engineering Program at WindAid!

  • Arshdeep Singh

    India/France
    Cohort 168-170, June-August 2025

    “I had the opportunity to join WindAid for a three-month internship program. I was warmly welcomed by Gandhi Alva, who was always attentive and very involved in my progress at WindAid. During these three months, I assisted Mr Abel Yupaqui Davila and Daniel Infantes with the manufacture and installation of the wind turbine. At Gandhi’s request, Daniel Infantes and I developed a prototype for WindAid that will measure the wind turbines efficiency and help WindAid to improve it. WindAid is a committed organization that is always open to suggestions for improvement from interns and volunteers. I learned a lot from the Wind Aid’s team. Mr Abel Yupaqui Davila, who is always in a good mood, helped me to integrate in the team. His advice was precious during my time there. I learned a lot from his wind turbine manufacturing methodology. His kindness, enthusiasm for teamwork, and commitment to the team were key factors in the successful manufacturing and installation of the wind turbine in the community.

    As for Daniel Infantes, he helped me a lot with his knowledge in physics and in electronics during the prototype development process, as mentioned above. For me, Daniel Infantes is not only as a colleague but also like a big brother who gives me lots of useful advice. He is very skilled, always willing to help, and very dynamic. I love his personality.”

  • Dan Clarke

    England, United Kingdom
    Cohort 163, January 2025

    “I had an unforgettable four weeks on the Wind Turbine Engineering programme. Being a part of all aspects of the turbine construction was a rewarding experience, and seeing the system generate electricity for the first time after the installation was special.

    Sr. Abel and Daniel are exceptional teachers and operate a workshop that is both engaging and full of laughter. Whether it be the blade fabrication, generator assembly, or welding the base structure they ensure participants are comfortable with their task and follow correct safety protocol. Gandhi goes above and beyond to guarantee volunteers feel at ease upon arrival through his faultless communication and organisation, and is passionate for you to fully immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and everything this amazing country has to offer (I miss ceviche and Cusqeuña!).

    I would recommend a WindAid programme to anyone with an interest in renewable energy, as the project allowed me to apply the theory from my studies to a practical project, whilst delivering renewable electricity to a rural community.”

  • Jorge Rodríguez

    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%”.

  • Tara Mevissen

    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”. 

  • Uche Agwu

    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”.

  • Fernando Siljestrom

    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!”

  • Katie Berry

    Scotland, United Kingdom
    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!"

  • Federica Medici

    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!

  • Brianna Swanton

    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!”

  • Andrew Carlin

    Scotland, United Kingdom
    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.”

  • Iñes Rodriguez Pariza

    Spain
    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.”

Jonathan Auman

Villanova University, USA
Partnership Program, October 2023

Learn more about Jonathan’s experience as a participant of the WindAid x Villanova Engineering Service Learning (VESL) partnership program!

Jennifer Perugi

Farmingdale State College, NY, USA
Cohort 151, January 2024

Learn more about Jennifer’s experience as a participant by watching her Spark Speaker presentation at the 2024 IGNITE Symposium in New York, USA.

The WindAid Experience

4 Week Program

2 Week Program