Women's Rights Volunteer Projects in Peru

  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year; every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.

Description: Womens Rights
There is a great need in Peru for women to have a comfortable place to gather for support and education. Participants have the opportunity to take part in unique projects at a womens refuge in Cusco. The refuge offers women in the local community access to group activities, a community kitchen, legal and psychological assistance, space to sell their handmade crafts, and information on domestic violence and spousal rights.   

Depending on their skills and preferences, participants may assist with workshops and activities, fundraising efforts, and may even help create and coordinate new projects for women at the refuge.

Shelter for Teenage Mothers
Many teen mothers abandon their babies due to lack of support, or simply being overwhelmed and unprepared for the experience. The purpose of the shelter is to give the mothers another option by teaching them about childcare and the realities of motherhood. There is also a small workshop where the mothers produce artisan products. The skills they learn in the workshop can help them to find work outside the shelter, and the products created can be sold to raise money for the upkeep and running of the home.

Participants may help in caring for the children, as well as assisting with educational workshops for the young mothers. This is an ideal placement for early childhood education students, or anyone who loves children.

Highlights: Accommodations:
During their volunteer projects, participants will live with a Peruvian family either by themselves or with a small group of other volunteers in their city. Participants will be provided with 2 meals per day. Even though some host families may be able to launder participants clothes, participants should plan to spend around 3.50 USD per week on laundry.

** A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living instead of home-stay accommodations.

Visa Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If participants are interested in a longer program, AIDE will assist in applying for a visa extension. We recommend checking with your local Peruvian consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

Language Classes:
For those who need them, optional language classes are available in Lima. Classes are held prior to participants volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with a personal tutor, although sometimes they are held in small groups. Classes are 20 hours per week (4 hours/day) for an additional USD 400/week and include home stay accommodations and meals. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve proficiency in the Spanish language.

Volunteer Projects:
Listed above are brief descriptions of the kinds of projects and locations we offer. If participants are interested in volunteering in an area they dont see listed, they are welcome to consult with an AIDE Program Manager. We do our best to accommodate all requests.

*** Please note that specific details, such as exact work hours and the type of work, will be determined by expertise, skills, attitude, and Spanish language ability.

Qualifications:
* Participants must be at least 18 years old
* Participants must be able to speak at least at an intermediate level of Spanish
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Peru

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD 400
2 weeks: USD 800
3 weeks: USD 1,200

Also Included:
* Pre-departure orientation
* Guaranteed Volunteer Placement
* Visa assistance (if needed)
* Travel/Medical insurance
* Airport pickup
* Transfer to your accommodations
* Arrival orientation
* Accommodations and meals
* Full-time local representative in Peru
* 24/7 personal support
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of the services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AIDE 's Mission Statement: Through education and the exchange of ideas and people across borders, AIDE will build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. AIDE will be a catalyst for change in the world by building bridges between individuals from diverse cultures.

Year Founded: 1992