This summer, rather than spending time on the beach or hanging out with her girlfriends, Richmond's Natalie Tabakman will head to a small village in Peru to work with mentally and physically disabled children.

The 20-year-old couldn't be happier.

"Last year, a friend of mine volunteered to go to Vietnam on a humanitarian trip with Global Volunteer Network and she told me how great an experience it was," said the University of B.C. nursing student.

What appealed to Tabakman about Global Volunteer Network's program specifically, was that "they tell you that your humanitarian trip is about what you make of it ... you are more or less independent but they are there to help you out."

On a personal note, Tabakman was also attracted to the idea of working in a Latin American country for three weeks.

"I took Spanish in high school at Palmer and I want to practice my language skills," said Tabakman, adding she leaves July 16 and returns Aug. 8.

"I love children and I've always wanted to work with them one-on-one.

"This trip will be an excellent opportunity to do just that."

While in Peru, Tabakman will be working in a village clinic in Cuzco, which provides food, education and activities to mentally and physically disabled children.

"The clinic is also home to some of these children including very young babies," she added. "Many of the children are deaf so hopefully I'll learn a little sign language while I'm there."

She's been told she will spend between three to four hours a day playing with the children as well as teaching them a little about hygiene skills.

"Then, I have the opportunity to spend the rest of the day with a language partner," said Tabakman. "I'll be partnered with someone who wants to learn English."

Her weekends will be free and Global Volunteer Network's affiliate in Peru, Maximo Nivel -- a non-profit organization for international volunteers -- will help Tabakman with her leisure travel plans.

This busy young woman, who hopes one day to be a registered nurse in either pediatrics or maternity, also volunteers her time at BC Children's Hospital.

"I work on the navigation desk and help people find their way around the hospital, but later next week I start in the Child Life program," she said, adding she isn't sure yet what that entails.

Meanwhile, Tabakman is hoping Richmondites can help her with her efforts to raise money to purchase food and hygiene supplies, as well as clothing, for the children of Peru.

"I am looking for donations so that once I get to Peru I can buy the supplies for the clinic," said Tabakman.

"All of my expenses for my trip have been covered by myself, my family, and from sponsorship from BC Children's Hospital and my synagogue."

When asked how much she hopes to raise for her cause, Tabakman said: "I don't have a goal of what I want to raise because any donation I receive will be appreciated."

To learn more about Tabakman's upcoming humanitarian trip or to make a donation, visit her webpage at www.perukids.chipin.com/peru-clinic-for-disabled-kids.

For more information about Global Volunteer Network, visit www.globalvolunteernetwork.org.