Volunteer on Construction Projects in Peru, South America

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Visit our website for upcoming start dates

Description: This volunteer program is based around Colca Canyon near the town of Chivay, in the south of the Peruvian Andes. In this area the indigenous culture is still very strong. Here you will embark on building energy-efficient stoves within the homes of families in the community of Canocota. These benefit them by not only removing smoke from inside the house, but also by reducing the levels of wood consumption, and therefore the amount of local deforestation. During your time you will undertake 20 hours of one-on-one Spanish classes and head out on a three day trek in Colca Canyon. If you plan to explore Peru after your program, trips to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail can be organised from Arequipa and are a must see.

How this program makes a difference:

Currently, families cook on open fires inside their homes, with smoke inhalation a daily occurrence, especially for the mothers, who often have young children still draped over their backs. This inhalation is eliminated by building enclosed brick stoves with chimneys to take the smoke away. Also, due to the enclosed design of the stoves and a larger cooking surface, cooking becomes more efficient and the families will use less wood, leaving more time for work and study, as well as encouraging a reduction in deforestation. Unofficial recent studies have also shown that the stoves retain heat even once the fire inside has finished so helping to warm the room during the cold high altitude nights.

Highlights:
- Make a visible, hands-on difference to the future of an indigenous community
- Get immersed in the local culture
- Experience and live amongst the breathtaking beauty of the Colca Canyon region
- Build a stove from scratch and see others in action
- Get one-on-one Spanish tuition
- Trek the Colca Canyon

Qualifications: No special training or qualifications are required as all training will be provided in the field.

Cost in US$: From USD 1,570

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-65

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum 2 per community

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998