Volunteer with Casa Hogar Los Gorriones in Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Ayacucho

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: This is Ayacucho, one of the poorest cities in one of the poorest countries. This is where the infamous terrorist organization "The Shinig Path" (Sendero luminoso) was born and violently ruled the area during the years 80-90. Today, this city, although quite charming and tremendously welcoming, is home to thousands of workless peasants who fled the miseries of the campus. We're talking unemployment rate of 80%...But what does this means in reality? The intensity of the mid-day sun is unbearable through the ever-growing shantytowns. An old lady is spending countless hours at the local market selling clover for less than a dollar a day. A moto-taxi driver goes home after is daily 15 hours shift knowing he won't be able to afford sending his kids to school. We are far from the golden empire of the Incas! Beyond Peru's vibrant culture and heritage, a large number of inhabitants share this same destiny. Faced with these challenges, many children are suffering. Alcoholism and violence are gaining ground in the households and prostitution has become abundant in the streets. For many parents, the only hopes of seeing their children survive come downs to abandoning them on the street. Orphanage and public institutions are rare and the ones in operation are over crowded.

Los Gorriones gets its volunteers primarily by word-of-mouth. Each years volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come here with an open heart and a yearning to make a difference. They have become a precious presence for la Casa and the children. Without volunteers our work would be much more difficult. Not only do they bring their physical help, they also add color, new ideas and a wonderful energy from around the world.

Highlights: The city of Ayacucho, capital of the province, is one of the most remarkable colonial urban settlements. Known as "Sevilla Peruana" for its religious festivities of Semana Santa (Holly Week) and "Ciudad de las Iglesias" (city of the churches) for its several temples and beautiful houses of European style. Beautiful houses with ample patios and various museums constitute interesting tourist centers.

It is interesting to visit its 33 colonial churches of renaissance baroque and mestizo styles, with stone fronts and insides carved in wood and covered with layers of precious metals.

The handicrafts of Ayacucho, some of the best of Peru, are admired all over the world. Its reredoses with every-day-life scenes are popular (made of alabaster with lime figures), the wooden crosses with the symbols of the passion of the Christ, the fine weaving of alpaca and vicuña wool, the stone sculptures of Huamanga and the jewelry in silver filigree.

Located at 450 km South -East of Lima

Qualifications: no qualifications

Cost in US$: depending on the volunteer's generosity

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Mature, compassionate, self motivated, team worker, impartial.

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Casa Hogar Los Gorriones's Mission Statement: To offer a family spirit in the orphanage. We promote a family environment based on respect, listening, responsibility and solidarity by seeing after each child self-esteem and personality development.

Year Founded: 2001