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: 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).

*Project details:
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru located 2325m above sea level and is surrounded by volcanoes and deep gorges. It is also known as the "Ciudad Blanca" (White City) for the numerous and magnificent constructions of temples, convents, big houses and palaces in white ashlar.

Working in one of two projects in Arequipa you could be based at the Asociacion Hogar de Cristo. This project, founded in 1994, works with children who come from the poorest areas of Arequipa. The centre can host up to 50 children at any one time aged from 5 up to 17. This shelter home provides them with breakfast, lunch and a snack as well as daily care but the current staff are overstretched and would welcome volunteer help with open arms!

The second project, Hogar Jose San Benito Cottolengo is a charity founded in the year 2000 based in Arequipa a beautiful city surrounded by spectacular mountains. It presently lodges 17 special needs children (15 girls and 2 boys), who have different needs, such as Down syndrome, autism, mental disabilities, and who have been abandoned or come from the extreme poverty sector, and therefore their parents cannot take care of them. Their ages range from around 4 up to 28 years old.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
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.

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

Highlights: Trip Highlights:
* Working alongside dedicated Peruvians determined to improve the lives of those less fortunate than themselves
* Marvelling at (or even climbing) the Misti volcano at the edge of the city
* Sampling a Pisco Sour or two - Peru's 'national' drink

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 enjoy working with children, be patient, determined, imaginative and mature minded.

Your role as a volunteer:
Depending on which project you are placed at you could be helping with physical therapy, helping with feeding and washing, playing sports with the kids, organising English workshops, helping with homework and even leading practical classes in the likes of arts and crafts.

Cost in US$: USD 1,260.00 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-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