Work in a Home for Teenage Mothers

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Flexible

Description: Statistically, 1 in 4 Peruvian mothers are under the age of 18. Many of these young mothers are the victims of sexual abuse and have been abandoned by their families. ELI works with an organization in Cusco devoted to providing shelter for young mothers while educating them and giving the mothers the life skills they need to provide the best care possible for their children. All the mothers complete their secondary education and receive vocational training as well as training on child health issues, the importance of hygiene, and other child development topics. Volunteers with this organization will help in a variety of areas such as providing care to the smallest children while their mothers are in school, assisting the school aged children and their mothers with homework, helping with chores around the home, or leading other activities. This placement requires patience on the part of the volunteer as well as a high level of Spanish proficiency.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru while working with local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Peru is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Peru has almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

*Peru is home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the world including awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

*Cosmopolitan Lima is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

*Wander along streets the Inca walked in the mountain city of Cusco.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Peru.

Qualifications: Participants need to have an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency.

Cost in US$: Starting at USD835 for two weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Lima or Cusco and provided with transportation to their accommodations

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Peru, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Peru coordinator has years of experience working with Peruvian NGOs. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay either with a local host family or in a shared apartment depending on the project.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

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:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001