Community Work with Disadvantaged Children in Arequipa, Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa

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

Description: Do you want to help underprivileged children?

Known to many as the 'White City', Arequipa's reputation precedes it. The majestic buildings of the city centre stand as a permanent reminder of Spanish occupation and their unique white Ashlar walls give the city its name (though a little research may uncover more sinister roots). Nestled at the foot of three volcanoes the city offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Venturing out of the city brings just as many rewards with the rugged landscapes begging to be rafted, biked, and trekked. Our partner project in the city is a shelter home that provides underprivileged children with daily care, physical therapy, arts and crafts classes and English workshops (as well as a little TLC). Don't forget we'll include our TEFL certification when you sign up.

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

Highlights: This project works with children who come from the poorest areas of Arequipa. The shelter provides them with breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as daily care, but the current staff are overstretched and would welcome volunteer help with open arms!

Why the project needs volunteers:
Both projects the lack funds needed to hire staff and buy resources, so volunteers play an important role in brightening and improving the lives of some of Peru's most vulnerable residents.

Your role as a volunteer:
Depending on which project you are placed at you could find yourself helping with physical therapy, assisting with feeding and washing, playing sports with the kids, organizing English workshops, helping with homework and even leading practical classes like arts and crafts.

Where the project is based:
The project is based in the city of Arequipa and although it has approximately 700,000 inhabitants, it still has the air of a small town. For many, the relaxed pace is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the country. The Colca canyon is reportedly the deepest in the world and unlike most of the Grand Canyons portions of the Colca canyon are habitable, with pre-Colombian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life. But it's the Andean Condors that bring in more and more visitors every year (mind you, the breathtaking sights are a major bonus as well). The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling but here in Colca Canyon visitors can see them at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals and scan for carrion far below them.

You will need to arrive into Lima (LIM) on your specified arrival date for orientation. You will need to arrange your own flights to Arequipa on the Sunday after you arrive. Please contact your desk officer for more information.

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:

Volunteers need to have basic to intermediate level Spanish (i.e. be able to hold a reasonable conversation). You need to be patient, determined and imaginative but most of all you need to enjoy working with children.

Cost in US$: USD 1260.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Both projects lack funds in order to hire staff and buy resources so volunteers play an important role in brightening and improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable Peruvians imaginable.

Age Range: 18 and up

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

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, 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