Community Work With Special Needs Children in Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Rural Areas

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: Like a good painting, Peru is a country that rewards a closer look. The more famous attractions of Machu Picchu and Cuzco are well worth a visit but the country didn't stop developing once the Incas disappeared. The cities in which these projects are based both lie on Peru's Pacific coast and are good examples of the charms that lie behind the headline grabbing destinations. The centres we work with offer therapy to children suffering from mental and physical handicaps who haven't previously been given any special care or attention. To help make up for lost time you'll be busy dancing, painting, crafting and playing.

*Project details:
We work with three projects throughout Peru. The Divino Jesus Association in Mancora, Northern Peru was set up in 2003 with the aim of offering therapy to children suffering from mental and physical handicaps. The children are aged between 3 and around 20 and have not previously been given any special care or attention. This centre has recently been given governmental recognition as an educational institute and offers the community a centre where physical and occupational therapy can be offered.

Centro Educativo Carlos A. Mannucci based in Trujillo, looks after kids/adults with mental disabilities like Down's Syndrome, autism and deafness. The centre was founded 44 years ago as a charity, and around 20 years later the centre received recognition as a public school, and nowadays it is partly financed by the government and partly by the parents, through tuition fees.

We also have the opportunity to combine working in one of these centres with teaching in a local school also based in Mancora. Tupac Amaruis is a primary school and they have the need for English teachers

*Why the project needs volunteers:
Working with children how come from very low income families and very little or no government or private funding all three projects have a very limited budget to employ permanent staff. Volunteers are essential to support the project and give the children the care and attention they need to continue to develop and have the stimulus they need.

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

Highlights:
* Working hard to help care for the children at your project
* Learning all about Peru and the way of life from your homestay family
* Sampling a Pisco Sour - a Peruvian institution

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You would need at least a basic level of Spanish for this project, any further Spanish you can learn will be of benefit while in country. You need to be compassionate, affectionate, patient and you should really enjoy working with children!

It would help if you are reasonably independent as the projects are quite isolated, being a good distance from the capital, Lima.

Your role as a volunteer:
You can get involved in a wide range of activities such as dance, arts, crafts, and helping with playtime. You may get a chance to get involved with physical therapy as well.

Generally you can have the opportunity to teach in the morning and spend the afternoon working with children with special needs.

Cost in US$: USD 1535.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse or homestay
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

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

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994