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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.

The people in the community nearby to our Andean School live without knowledge of environmental issues. We aim to teach both the children and their parents the need for a clean and sustainable environment. As a volunteer you will be given the opportunity to teach the children and their parents environmental science and provide practical examples of how they can improve the environment in which they live; for example by planting trees in the surrounding area (not cutting down the existing trees, as is currently the case) and by showing them how to dispose of rubbish cleanly and efficiently.

Environmental consciousness is important as it directly relates to the community's health and well-being. As a volunteer at our organization, helping families to understand this concept would be a great contribution towards the continued welfare of the community, especially the children.

Volunteers 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).

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

220 for first week, 150 a week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Registration fees

Cost Include Description:

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers range from students, school leavers, those taking a sabbatical from work, to those who are retired.

Age Range

18 to 65

This Program is open to

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 15

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