Community Work with Orphans and Underprivileged Children in Lima

  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: The constant flow of travellers to their shores hasn't blunted the enthusiasm with which Peruvians welcome new arrivals. A cool glass of the famous Inca Cola awaits everyone, especially those who have come to volunteer their time and efforts. Keep a couple of cans handy as they'll go down well with the kids at this charity which works with around 270 abandoned or orphaned girls. The girls range in age from 5 to 18 and all receive shelter, food, education, health care and plenty of much needed attention. You'll join a friendly team of psychologists, teachers, doctors and nurses to teach English, art, cooking and sport amongst other things.

*Project details:
We currently work with a number of projects, the first is the 'Hogar Ermelinda Carrera' was founded in 1896 by a Franciscan nun and is a home for around 180 abandoned or orphaned girls. In this home, the girls, whose ages range from 12 to 18, receive shelter, food, education, health care and much needed attention. Ermelinda Carrera is a charity. It receives funding from the government and from donations from the community and private companies.

The Casa Hogar Virgen del Carmen, was founded in 2006 through an agreement of the local governement and the Italian organization Fondo Italo-Peruano, and started operating in January 2007. The Hogar offers a home to approximately 60 teenagers aged between 12 to 18 years who are considered to be under physical or psychological risk. These girls used to live on the streets and came from an area in Lima of extreme poverty. This home provides the girls with shelter, food, education, health care and attention. Some of the teenagers also have their babies living with them.

La Casa de Los Petisos was founded in 1985 and offers a home to approximately 35 boys aged between 10 to 14 years. These boys are considered to be under physical or psychological risk and may belong to families that are from the extreme poverty sector or have been sent to the home under the advice of the local judge. The home provides the boys with shelter, food, education health care and attention.   

*Why the project needs volunteers:
The girls at Ermelinda Carrera and at the Hoga Virgin del Carmen are desperately in need of care and support and as the home is a charity it welcomes any help that volunteers can provide.

Volunteers will be able to support the girls at the Hogar providing them contact with the outside world and helping them on a daily basis, they will also be able to help personnel at the centre. Please note that this project takes only female volunteers.

The boys at La Casa de Los Petisos need some care and attention, also help form the volunteers with their homework and education. They love sports so you can help be a coach!

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Making a positive impact on the lives of these disadvantaged children
* Living with and learning from your homestay family
* Taking a bike tour through the city - a great and different way to spend some of your free time

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
As the locals do not speak that much English, you'll get more from your experience by learning some Spanish. Recommended level: Intermediate. You need to be compassionate, affectionate, patient and you should really enjoy working with children!

Your role as a volunteer:
Depending on your capabilities, you could be participating in various workshops with the children: English, cosmetics, arts, sewing, cooking, sports for example. You may also assist the teachers with the girls (some with special needs) and also help the teenage mothers with their babies. For the boys you will be involved in helping with homework in English, maths, computer skills, sports activities, and generally helping to feed the children.

Cost in US$: USD 1,535.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

When you go on an i-to-i Volunteer Placement we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you go, we prepare you with:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination and inoculation recommendations
- advice on health, safety and culture shock
- contact details to pass along to those at home

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994