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

Description: Known to many as the "Ciudad Blanca", the White City, Arequipa's reputation often precedes it. The majestic palaces and mansions of the city center stand as a permanent reminder of Spanish occupation and it's their unique white Ashlar walls which give the city its name (though a little research could uncover more sinister roots). Nestled as it is at the foot of three colossal volcanoes, it is not just the colonial architecture for which Arequipa is famed. Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, lush despite the desert landscape that lies beyond, can be seen from across the city. Venturing out of the city brings just as many rewards with the Colca River Canyon, the Adagua Valley of Volcanoes and the majestic Picchu Picchu just a short journey away. These impressive natural attractions offer a vast array of adventure activities including mountain biking, trekking and, if you don't mind getting a little wet, white water rafting. Arequipa is a city filled with possibilities but what will make your time here really special is your work at a local project where you will have the opportunity to give hope to disadvantaged youngsters.

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, organising 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$: 2065 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide 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 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 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