Description

What does the project do?

The Mother's Association was founded in 2001 as there were many underprivileged parents who were not able to find child care while they went to work. This Association was urgently set up to provide the support that these families needed so that the parents could work safe in the knowledge that their children were being looked after. Presently the association is composed of 70 families who have opened their doors to provide the love and attention that these children need.

What's the project like?

We work with two projects in Cusco, Cuna Urpicha ('little doves' in Quechan) which looks after approximately 20 children aged from 6 months to 3 years and also Yachay Wasi ('House of Knowledge' in Quechan) that has approximately 30 children aged between 6 and 12 years. Paola is a mum of a small boy who looks after the children at Cuna Urpicha along with 2 other women but is desperate for more help but does not have the funding for this. Yachay Wasay is run by Quintina a mum of 5 children, besides her own children there are 35 children who come to Quintina's house. Quintina also has the help of a tutor for the children. As you can imagine the homes are full of little children that love life and the attention that you can give and will enjoy the games, songs, dancing that you can do!

Highlights

Do you love working with children and want to live in one of the most beautiful places in Peru?

Peru is a country steeped in history with Cusco being at the heart of the Incan Empire with many of the Incan ruins nearby, not forgetting the infamous Machu Picchu too! However despite the many tourists that visit, Peru is still a relatively poor country and you will be looking after underprivileged children from the age of 6 months to 12 years giving them the care and attention that they need. Local mother's who are concerned about the plight of these children have opened their doors in order to look after them and give them the daily care that they need. Extra pairs of hands are needed though and this is where you come in! By looking after these children in Cusco you will be giving them the best start in life with that extra care and attention not to mention some valuable help with homework along with lots of smiles and laughter along the way!

Trip highlights:
- Look after some amazing children from underprivileged backgrounds
- Live in one of the most amazing places in Peru - home to many Inca ruins!
- Experience some Inca Cola!
- Cusco is the number one tourist destination in Peru and has some great night life!

Qualifications

Why does the project need volunteers?

The project lacks the funds for hiring staff to look after these children so your help is very much needed. You will need to be patient, compassionate, affectionate but above all have a love of children and really enjoy working with babies and/or children.

Activities and schedule:

You will be washing and feeding the babies, teaching the older ones how to wash their hands, brush their teeth, helping them to eat and also making their days fun with songs, dancing, painting and any other activities that you can think of!

With the older children you will be helping the center at lunch time and also helping the children with their homework when they come home from school and teaching them English.You will be working 4 to 6 hours a day Monday to Friday. The Cuna Urpicha is open from 8am to 4pm and Yachay Wasi is open from 1pm to 6pm, if you like you would be able to work at both centers.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1259.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Apartment or family run guesthouse with up to 2 volunteers per room
* Food: Breakfast and lunch or evening meal
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure help desk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Community Development
• Culture
• Education
• Youth

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Guest House

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994