Description

The Seeds of Hope school was opened in Huaraz, Peru in March 2006. Seeds of Hope provides a safe environment to help 55 impoverished students achieve academic and social success. To achieve this, we use a multi- facetted approach, combing tutoring, emotional well- being classes, daily nutritious meal and a family environment focused on educational success.

We provide a supportive environment in which children obtain help and encouragement with their homework. This is crucial as many of them come from families where the parents cannot read or write, or work long hours to feed and clothe their families. Our main aim is to help the children so they remain in education until the point of graduation.

Seeds recognises that to succeed in education these children need to overcome many barriers and disadvantage. Our work is to make sure the children have everything they need to fully participate in their education through emotional and material support; providing school uniforms and equipment, without which they would not be able to attend school.

Seeds of Hope has many available opportunities for a variety of volunteers. Most of our volunteers come to work as school volunteer who assist the children at the Seeds of Hope school with their individual learning. Volunteers typically help with the morning and afternoon school sessions. Working alongside a qualified Peruvian teacher, they assist the children with their homework or set tasks for those children who don't go to school or don't have homework. This is usually mathematics, reading, writing or art. On Fridays, there is a focus on personal and emotional development followed by play and sport. However, we also in need of building and maintenance volunteers as well as play therapist/counselors. We encourage all volunteers to take creative approaches to contributing to Seeds.

Highlights

Located in the Andes mountains, Huaraz is one of the best places in South America to enjoy superb mountain scenery and outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, biking, skiing and rafting. It's also a great place for the less adventurous there are plenty of day walks and lots of local villages to explore. The setting of the city, at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca, is spectacular. Over 20 snow-capped peaks are visible, of which the most notable is Huascaran the highest mountain in Peru at 6768m. Huaraz has two main mountain ranges both easily reached by public transport the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca to the east and the Cordillera Negra to the west. Huaraz can provide all the facilities and infrastructure required by volunteers just about everything you need is on or near the main street including restaurants, tour agencies, banks and the post office.

Huaraz also gives volunteers the chance to experience first-hand the local customs, dress and many festivals. As Peru is a Spanish-speaking country it provides the perfect opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish.

Qualifications

No qualifications are necessary for volunteers. Anyone with an interest in working with children, a positive outlook, and enthusiasm is welcome. It is crucial volunteers are open to learning about a new culture and working along side with local Peruvians. We accept all professions and do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion or sexuality. A basic level of Spanish is helpful but not essential.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

200 USD per month

Cost Includes:

• In-country staff support
• In-country orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

Since Seeds of Hope is still such a small NGO and our funding is limited. Much of our annual budget comes from volunteers. We require a USD200.00 monthly volunteer fee. This money goes directly towards the children and operational costs of keeping Seeds running. We do have reduced costs for volunteers who are willing to make a commitment of more than 6 months.

This fee also includes information about Huaraz, help with arranging and making reservations for your lodging while in Huaraz, in country orientation/training, along with a volunteer packet with useful spanish phrases, maps, places to eat, and ideas for weekend and side activities.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Although the majority of volunteers come to support the children with their learning and homework at Seeds school. We are also looking for trained play therapist / counselors to undertaking planned therapeutic sessions with the students to address a range of issues such as sexual abuse, rape, violence and attachment. We also have opportunities for volunteers to undertake essential maintenance work and repairs at the Seeds school in addition to helping us with landscapinga and setting up a garden for children to grow fruits and vegetables. In addition, we are looking for an international coordinator to stay for 5 plus months!! It is an unpaid position however you are exempt from the volunteer fee and Seeds of Hope will pay for your accommodation. The International Coordinator would have the following responsibilities: * Recruit, train, and supervise International Volunteers * Constantly checking and following up with emails in regards to new and old volunteers and donors * Working on fundraising initiatives * Updating social networking sites. * Writing our monthly newsletter * Managing donations and contacts with sponsors and donators. * Work with Children and assist the Director and School Coordinator at the Seeds of Hope School in ensuring that the children study material that is appropriate to their grade and that the work is planned, in advance, for each term and during school holidays. We are currently reviewing applications for the position. If interested, please contact us for more information.

Age Range

18+ years

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Letters of Reference

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Seeds of Hope's Mission Statement

Seeds of Hope supports children living in extreme poverty, providing education and vocational training for those without economic means, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.

Year Founded

2006