Volunteer to Work with Disadvantaged Children and Orphans in the Andes of Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Huancayo

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: We currently run a school in one of the poorest areas of Huancayo, in the heart of the Andes. Typical work at the school includes teaching Mathematics, Art and Sport, but the main aim is to teach the children English to help improve their prospects for the future. Other activities can include infant care, counseling, one on one mentorship/special care and facility improvement projects.

The children in the school range from 3 to 16 years old. All are disadvantaged in some way, from being abandoned by their families, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, malnutrition, family poverty or displacement from terrorism. With their turbulent lives, these children are at risk of being uneducated, using drugs, entering into prostitution, becoming criminals and/or engaging in acts of violence. Our work helps increase the children's confidence and self-esteem, and gives them a better chance of escaping poverty.

Whilst previous teaching experience would be beneficial for volunteers, it is certainly not a necessity. We more than welcome volunteers with no teaching experience; all we ask is that you are enthusiastic and are willing to wholeheartedly engage with the children.

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

In addition to volunteering, there is the option to take part in additional activities such as courses in Spanish, weaving (by a master Peruvian weaver), dancing and painting. Spanish classes are taught individually or in groups and are adjusted to your ability. It is not necessary that you speak Spanish before you arrive, 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 available, including bike rides and horse rides through local mountain villages and towns, hiking at a nearby glacier and even a trip to the jungle for the very brave. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to visit the studios of some 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$: 220 for first week, 150 for each week thereafter

- 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, food and equipment 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, enthusiastic, unbiased.

Age Range: 18+

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-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Tinkuy Peru's Mission Statement: is to work as a community organization aimed at planning and implementing educational, environmental and healthcare activities in the impoverished region of Huancayo, Peru. We aim to promote voluntary work for both public and private organizations and institutions. Our goal is to offer moral, spiritual, intellectual and material support to children who have been subjected to family or society abandonment, or who have experienced social or domestic violence.

Year Founded: 2002