Youth Worker

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Trujillo

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: SKIP is a charity working with children, young people and their families in the impoverished area of El Porvenir in Trujillo, Peru.

The teenagers range in age from 12 to 18 years and many have been involved in the SKIP programme since they were in primary school and have been able to engage in education as a result of SKIP's support. We are very proud that one young person from the programme will be studying to go to University this year (in Peru you finish secondary education at 16 years and then take two years to prepare for entrance exams into University).

We have been reviewing the secondary programme, and have now planned a number of different workshops, computer lessons, English, literacy, numeracy, help with homework and so on. We are also providing 7 young people with the opportunity to go surfing every weekend - a rare chance for these young people to get some time away from school and work.

Two Peruvian University interns are also doing a project with the young people to design their own comic, this idea has proved very popular and 16 young people are taking part.

We would also like to run other workshops for the young people, looking at important social issues and so on, in order to expand their minds and help them to develop critical thinking skills.

Highlights: We do ask for a contribution to the charity in return for participation. We know that it can seem strange to be asked to 'pay to work' but we really rely on these donations in order to carry on working here, they currently form over one third of our annual budget so you will be able to see how the money is being spent when you get here.

Accommodation will be provided, the cost is included in the contribution you pay.

We use a system where the contribution gradually reduces, the longer that you are working with us.

1st and 2nd month - USD350 per month
3-5th month - USD250 per month
6-8th month - USD180 per month
9-12th month - USD125 per month

We have lots of fundraising ideas so please get in touch if you want more information

If you are interested in a number of positions, it is fine to combine two jobs - for example you can do English teaching and also work on the youth Project...or Economic development...etc

Qualifications: We are looking for youth workers, social workers, psychologists or teachers with experience in working with young people, aged 12 to 18 years.

We need innovative thinkers who will be able to use our limited resources to have maximum impact for the 120 young people enrolled on the programme. Due to the large numbers enrolled, we feel that a key focus of the work needs to be group activities, so as to reach as many of the young people as possible.

Spanish language skills are of definate benefit for participation in this programme, but we are also able to offer places to those with more limited Spanish language skills.

Cost in US$: Varies per length of stay.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: It is very difficult to describe a 'typical' volunteer as the programme appeals to a wide range of different people.

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Supporting kids in Peru's Mission Statement: SKIP is a non-profit organization helping disadvantaged children to realize their right to an education. We work to promote quality education for economically-disadvantaged children in El Porvenir and foster the capacity of children and families to be the principal agents of change in their own lives. We work in partnership with families through holistic programs focusing on the educational, economic, emotional and social development of each child and family.

Year Founded: 2003