Work in School for Children with Down Syndrome

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: From March till December

Description: You will have the chance to assist teachers in conducting their daily class lessons. There is a range of subjects that are covered within the classroom which include math, literature, sciences and history, music and dance. Workshops are also available which involve teaching job skills to the students in areas such as cooking, dressmaking, cosmetology, and carpentry. There are also opportunities to become involved in after school activities and sports. If you have medical training or a background in therapy or psychology, you can dedicate your time towards collaborating with local professionals and educating them about updated methods of diagnostics and treatment.

The school helps children with down syndrome to develop their skills in areas such as ceramics, cooking, gardening, computers, basic subjects, etc (depends on locations). There are about 250 students, divided by levels as per their progress and performance. AN approximately of 35 students per class, and 15 people working for the school.

*Volunteers are class assistants of math, literature, science, history, sports, music, dances and also be involved in various workshops like cooking, ceramics, gardening and computers. The school also needs a phonoaudiologist, psycho pedagogue, psychologist, physiotherapist, genetic specialists.

Furthermore, Volunteer will work as a class and workshop assistant with pupils with down syndrome, and prepares games, songs and activities to help students in their learning process. Volunteer work for 5 hours a day from Monday to Friday. All the required textbooks will be provided by the school. Volunteer may bring games to share with the school children.

Highlights:
* Affordable Program Fees
* High Quality program
* Wide variety of programmes and experiences.
* Quick, accurate and efficient response time to e-mails and others
* Spanish speaking Host-family
* Permanent coordinators (24/7)
* Flexibility on starting terms
* Cultural immersion

Qualifications: Volunteers involved in the special care programs need to be highly patient and motivated. It is important to understand that these students learn at slower rates due to their disabilities and that they require much more time and care. No prior training or background is necessary to participate in these projects but if you have a background in medicine, therapy or psychology your skills would be welcomed and highly valued. But more importantly, you should be open-minded to the challenges that may arise from dealing with children and adults with disabilities. However, it's important to have an intermediate Spanish level.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Program Fees from USD 300 (1 week)

* Food: The program fee covers three daily local meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday to Saturday.
* Accommodation: Volunteers will stay with a host family in a single or shared room (depending on availability).
* Pick up: With Lima city exception pick up from the bus terminal or the airport is included in all other locations.
* Support of local coordinator: From the very beginning to the end of the project, Awaiting Angels coordinator will help volunteers by supporting them and regularly visiting them.
* Information Packet: Awaiting Angels offers detailed information on issues that will concern volunteers, such as health, safety, and cultural shock.
* Orientation: Upon arrival in your location, participants are met at the airport or bus station and taken to the home of their host family. There you will receive an orientation that will familiarize you with the local area, the Peruvian culture, and your program.
* Certificate of Completion: Upon completion of your respective service project will receive a certificate illustrating your contributed time.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17 and up

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 15+

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Awaiting Angels's Mission Statement: With our volunteer programs we aim to give love, care and education to Peruvian children as well as help them to improve their quality of life and to serve as agents of change in our society; To provide short term volunteer opportunities on a low cost to international people through a fast and easy application process; To provide the volunteers with the opportunity to serve close to our communities in a developing country while improving their Spanish language ability; To implement the international rights related to child development; To improve the quality of education in deprived areas of Peru; To explore the use of information and communication technologies for social development; To provide volunteers the opportunity to learn our culture through cultural exchange; and Work side-by-side with local people, connect with others from around the world and have time for personal adventures.

Year Founded: 2003