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Description

We currently run a school in one of the poorest areas of Huancayo, a Peruvian city in the heart of the Andes. The children in the school range from 3 to 16 years old. All are disadvantaged in some way, from being abandoned by their families, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, malnutrition, family poverty or displacement from terrorism. With their turbulent lives, these children are at risk of being uneducated, using drugs, entering into prostitution, becoming criminals and/or engaging in acts of violence. Our work helps increase the children's confidence and self-esteem, and gives them a better chance of escaping poverty.

However we do not just seek to educate the children, our aim is also to improve the livelihood of the nearby community as a whole.

Working to change the mindset of the family dynamic in the area is an important goal of our Andean School. Many parents of our students began having children at a very young age and do not understand that the basic needs of children include attention, love and affection. The students mainly come from broken families or have parents who work very hard for up to 18 hours a day.

By us showing the children that there are people who care in the community it provides an example for the parents to follow. We also regularly meet with the parents to discuss their children's needs and educate them in the importance of basic care, such as giving the children the appropriate attention and highlighting the need for good hygiene. By doing this we are slowly achieving a change in the way parents care for their children, which in turn helps prevent the children from treating their peers in the wrong way.

Volunteers at our organization are accommodated in a local family home. The program cost includes an individual or shared room and three traditional Peruvian meals a day, Monday through Saturday. Vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements can be easily accommodated.

In addition to volunteering, there is the option to take part in other activities such as courses in Spanish, weaving (by a master Peruvian weaver), dancing and painting. Spanish classes are taught individually or in groups and are adjusted to your ability. It is not necessary that you speak Spanish before you arrive, you will learn what you need quickly and your host will speak English.

As a part of the program, guided excursions to tourist sites in and around Huancayo are available, including bike rides and horse rides through local mountain villages and towns, hiking to a nearby glacier and even a trip to the jungle for the very brave. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to visit the studios of some local Peruvian artists.

Qualifications

Spanish or desire to learn (Spanish classes are offered to improve volunteers Spanish). No degree required (Minimum high school completion).

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

220 for first week; 150 a week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees

Cost Include Description:

Volunteers at our organization are accommodated in a local family home. The program cost includes an individual or shared room and three traditional Peruvian meals a day, Monday through Saturday. Vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements can be easily accommodated.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers come from different backgrounds; from those who are taking a gap year between school and university or between university and work, to those taking a sabbatical from work and to those who are retired.

Age Range

18 to 65

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Peru

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4 to 16

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

4 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Tinkuy Peru's Mission Statement

Tinkuy Peru is to work as a community organization aimed at planning and implementing educational, environmental and healthcare activities in the impoverished region of Huancayo, Peru. We aim to promote voluntary work for both public and private organizations and institutions. Our goal is to offer moral, spiritual, intellectual and material support to children who have been subjected to family or society abandonment, or who have experienced social or domestic violence.

Year Founded

2002