Volunteer to Work with Orphans in the Andes of Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Huancayo

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: We currently work at one orphanage in the city of Huancayo Typical work at the orphanage includes English tutoring, help with homework, arts and crafts, sports, games, infant care, counseling, oneonone mentorship/special care, and facility improvement projects. The children in the orphanage range from 6 months to 18 years old and are placed in orphanage care for a number of reasons, including abandonment, protection against physical or sexual abuse, malnutrition, family poverty, and displacement from terrorism. With their turbulent pasts, these children are at risk to be uneducated, use drugs, enter into prostitution, become criminals and engage in acts of violence. Our work with these children helps increase their confidence and self-esteem, and gives them a better chance to escape poverty once they embark into their own lives outside the orphanage.

Volunteers are accommodated in a local family home along with the other volunteers. The program cost includes individual or shared room and three traditional Peruvian meals a day Monday through Saturday. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated.

In addition to volunteering, there is the option to include additional activities such as courses in Spanish, weaving (by a master Peruvian weaver), dancing and painting. Spanish classes are taught individually and are adjusted to your ability. It is not necessary that you speak Spanish upon arrival, you will learn quickly and your host will speak English.

As a part of the program, guided excursions to tourist sites in and around Huancayo are included. Furthermore, our volunteers have the opportunity to visit studios of some of the local Peruvian artists.

Qualifications: Spanish or desire to learn (Spanish classes are offered to improve volunteers Spanish). No degree required (Minimum high school completion).

Cost in US$: 200

- A single or double room with three meals a day, Monday through Saturday
- In country support from Tinkuy Peru staff
- Placement into one or more of our volunteer assignments
- Spanish lessons are not included in the base fee. but are available at a minimal cost which can be found on our website. Exact costs can be quoted via e-mail if you have special requirements
- The cost of guided excursions with Tinkuy Peru is included in the base fee. The cost of transportation and food is not included in the base fee but is minimal. See our website for more details
- Tinkuy Peru is a not for profit organization. The fee that you pay goes toward volunteer projects, the cost to run the program and for room/board

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Mature, compassionate, self motivated, team worker, impartial.

Age Range: 17+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Tinkuy Peru's Mission Statement: Tinkuy Peru's mission is to support the voluntary work for organizations and institutions, both public and private. Our goal is to offer moral, spiritual, intellectual and material support to children and adolescents who have been subjected to moral abandonment or displaced by the social violence.

Year Founded: 2002