Peru Volunteer Program

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Ollantaytambo

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: We need volunteers who speak Spanish. We have opportunities available at two different orphanages. Volunteers can help the children with their workshops, by teaching them English or helping with projects such as bakery, ceramics, music, theatre or sports. There is also a kindergarten, which needs basic help with daily duties of caring for the children. The orphanages are also in need of nurses.

There is also a kindergarten associated with one of the orphanages. Volunteers here will assist the teacher with teaching English and music. Some of the children who attend here do not live here, so your assistance will be needed to help them walk home safely.

One of the homes has 20 orphans in it, ranging in age from 7-18 years old. This particular orphanage is privately supported and provides a simple home to these children who are orphans due to bad social and economic problems with their families. They are what is called "social orphans" meaning they have biological families living, but who are unable or unwilling to support these children. This is a very poor orphange! They do have 3 old computers and the children make handicrafts that they sell. Volunteers are needed during the school day, Monday thru Friday, mornings or afternoons.

The second home is supported by the Cusco Regional Government. There are 60 orphans in this home ranging in age from 1-18 years old. 80% of the residents are children and 20% are teens. These children are also orphans due to bad social and economic problems with their families and were sent by the courts to live here. Again, they are what is called "social orphans" meaning they have biological families living, but unable or unwilling to support these children. The children live in "apartments", in groups of 10, with each group having a house mother who takes care of them.

There is also a kindergarten at this orphanage, with 80 students, some of whom are from the home and some from the nearby area. Volunteers are needed during the school day, Monday thru Friday, mornings or afternoons.

Highlights: While in Cusco, you'll stay in the home of a local travel guide, and his family. He has a wife and son. His house has an attached apartment, where you'll actually stay. It has three bedrooms and three baths, a living area, and kitchen. They provide breakfast and dinner, and you're welcome to fix snacks anytime. The bedrooms have two twin beds.

The house is located in a real Peruvian neighborhood, a 30 minute walk from the main plaza. We will make all the arrangements for you to transfer from Lima to Cusco, pick you up at the airport and get you settled in. Then we will show you around Cusco so you can navigate the city (which is easy) and introduce you at your volunteer placement.

A minimum stay of two-weeks is required. At the beginning of your stay, you'll receive a 4 Hour Spanish introduction course, if needed.

Qualifications: We need volunteers who speak Spanish. The orphanages are also in need of nurses.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 380.00

PLACEMENT FEE of $200 includes making your arrangements and reservations to get from Lima to Cusco, including making arrangements for you to overnight in Lima if needed (cost of airport pickup and hotel not included).

Pick up from Cusco airport and city tour. Introduction at your placement and other assistance as you may need from time to time while living in Cusco. 4 Hour Spanish introduction course is also included in your placement fee.

HOMESTAY FEE of $90 per week: At our own volunteer's house with hosts, Brenda and Yure. Includes breakfast and dinner each day.

Time - minimum stay of two weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average volunteer for The Mountain Fund is physically fit and cares about humanity.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The Mountain Fund's Mission Statement: Everyday we are working to eliminate poverty, its causes and symptoms, in developing mountain communities around the world.

Year Founded: 2002