Kaya Community Development Projects in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: A community project will enable you to fully immerse yourself within the community, and by the end you will feel like one of the locals. There are a diverse number of projects you can be involved in from ecotourism in Peru to women empowerment projects in Ecuador for abused women. Projects like these help you contribute in preserving some unique and special ways of life and helping people achieve a common goal.

Social Assistance Project in Peru

Help Kaya empower disadvantaged people by improving their education, skills, knowledge, and prospects for their future. In and around the Cusco area we place volunteers in a variety of social welfare projects including orphanages and homes for abandoned children, senior citizens, and the disabled. In addition, we work with outreach centers and organizations for street kids, the blind, the deaf, the mentally challenged, and teen mothers. Kaya and its volunteers also support family planning programs, as well as rehabilitation for troubled youths. Our aim is to help disadvantaged people support themselves through community development, access to education, and by increasing their future options.

Women Empowerment Project in Peru

Enable rural Peruvian women and children to escape psychological, verbal, and physical abuse while helping them take the necessary steps toward financial self-sustainability and independence. K'anchay Wasi, which means "House of Light" in Quechua, is a women-and-family center that provides emotional, moral, spiritual, and financial assistance for women and children in need.

Stove Development in Peru

One of our simplest yet highest-impact projects with far-reaching positive benefits, Kaya's stove development program improves air quality, prevents deforestation, and improves the health of thousands of low-income Peruvians.

Most of the rural agricultural population in the province of Urubamba cook indoors over an open fire without adequate ventilation. This traditional cooking style means residents must use forest trees to burn for fuel, and live and breathe in smoke-filled homes. For generations this population has suffered respiratory and other health problems, while cutting and burning trees for fuel.

By installing fuel-efficient stoves and ventilation systems in rural homes, Kaya staff and volunteers help reduce the amount of wood consumed by community members while simultaneously reducing illnesses related to smoke inhalation.

Highlights: Known as the 'Land of the Incas,' Peru, with its geographic and cultural diversity, is a must-go destination at any time of year. Explore the jungles, beaches and ancient Andean trails whilst living amongst the Incan descendants, and join effective projects which help thousands of South America's poorest people.

Sandboarding on Huacachina:
Sandboarding is a fast-growing activity around the globe with strong roots in Peru. This is one of the best locations in the world for sandboarding as Peru boasts the largest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, which stands at 2070m. Flying down the slopes with tremendous speed you are guaranteed an adrenaline rush and a thrilling experience.

Mountain climbing/Canyoning/Rappling:
The most exciting experience available near Cusco, the sport of canyoning introduces you to the beautiful countryside within the archaeological complex of Pisac while delivering an inimitable adrenaline rush. At Pisac a canyon cuts into the Vilcanota River valley from the NE. The gorge is 100 meters deep. This is wet, upside-down climbing on some beautifully sculpted river rocks.

Manu Biosphere Nature Reserve:
Manu National Park is one of the largest natural protected areas in the world. To see biodiversity on such an unparalleled scale is such a special experience. This UNESCO world heritage site contains about 15,000 species of plants, 250 varieties of trees, 800 species of birds and 200 species of mammals, including the endangered Jaguar.

Volunteers help the communities economically develop and take care of their natural environment. Furthermore, you provide health and social awareness trainings to the Peruvians to assist them in enriching their personal values.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide 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

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008