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.

*Inca Jewellery-Making Cooperative

Work on a fascinating project which combines the resurrection of traditional cultural Inca jewellery making techniques with a social initiative in the city of Cusco. Young adults from disadvantaged communities are being given apprenticeships to learn the ancient techniques of their Incan ancestors, providing them valuable skills and an income while ensuring the skill never dies out. The workshop looks to sell the pieces it makes to sustain its work and is looking to attract the tourists in Cusco to see their craft.

*Peru Spring Break Volunteering week with Sacred Valley Tour

Become a volunteer in Peru this Spring break and work with a number of our community projects that have asked for help with refurbishment this Spring. The schools and child care centres that receive teaching and child care volunteers throughout the year have tired and run down facilities that with a coat of paint and some cheerful murals can provide a better environment for the children of these homes and classrooms.

*Work with Disabled Orphans in Peru

By volunteering abroad in Peru you can bring much needed help, care and support to a specialist orphanage located just outside of Cusco. With more than 26 children on site, the 4 female staff members have a lot on their hands even before you consider the difficulties facing these children. A large number of the children are orphans or have been abandoned and a lot suffer from down syndrome and other physical and mental disabilities.

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.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single room in a home-stay
* Food: 3 meals per day  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided.
* Language classes: Five hours of language classes provided
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursions: Local staff can help you to arrange extra excursions for your spare time (at extra cost)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post 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