Description

The streets of Lima are a tough place for kids with nowhere else to turn. Many Peruvian children end up on the streets as an escape from extreme poverty, abusive home situations, or as a result of losing a parent or other family members. On the streets, children face serious issues such as drug addiction, sexual assault, and teen pregnancy. Volunteers work with an organization devoted to rehabilitating and educating street children in a residential facility. The organization emphasizes education and vocational training with the goal of integrating the children into the workforce when they graduate from the program. Volunteers will assist with teaching academic subjects, leading activities and spending time with the children.

Highlights

Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru while working with local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Peru is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Peru has almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

* Peru is home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the world including awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

* Cosmopolitan Lima is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

* Wander along streets the Inca walked in the mountain city of Cusco.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Peru.

Qualifications

Participants in this program must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency. This project requires at least a 12 week commitment to provide as much stability as possible for the children. Volunteers working with street children must be motivated, creative, and patient. Working with street children is a big challenge but incredibly rewarding.

Intern Types

• Education
• Social Work

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Prices Vary. Please contact us for details

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Lima or Cusco and provided with transportation to their accommodations

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Peru, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Peru coordinator has years of experience working with Peruvian NGOs. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay either with a local host family or in a shared apartment depending on the project.

Experience Required

yes

Participants in this project should have some experience working with at-risk youth. Also Spanish proficiency is required.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001