GoAbroad
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Student rating
3Reviews
220Programs
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers support community-run daycare and after-school centres that serve children from low income or underserved communities. You will help create a welcoming and safe environment where children can learn, play and receive care while parents work or study. Typical activities include assisting with basic lessons and reading, leading games and playtime, supporting arts and crafts, helping with mealtimes and hygiene routines, and offering encouragement and support. You may also help with light cleaning or maintenance to ensure the centre remains a clean, safe space. This programme is ideal for volunteers who enjoy spending time with children, have patience and energy, and care about supporting early childhood development and education. No prior childcare experience is required. Local staff provide guidance and training from your first day. A friendly, open-minded attitude and willingness to adapt to local life are important for a positive experience. In your free time you can explore Lima’s bustling city life, visit cultural sites, walk coastal areas, enjoy Peruvian cuisine and get to know local families while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the city.

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Program Highlights

Programs start the first and third Monday of the month. Duration from 1 to 12 weeks
Includes volunteer-house or homestay accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 5 hours a day working in children’s homes, day-care centres or community projects with children aged 3 to 12 in Lima
Tasks may include providing individual care and attention, playing games, helping with homework, organising educational or recreational activities and assisting with general childcare duties
Opportunity to support early childhood development in Lima while gaining experience working with children and immersing yourself in local culture

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Pre-Departure Orientation
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Quick Details

Location
Lima, Peru
Starts AtContact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Tours
Causes:
  • Childcare & Children
  • Special Needs
  • Youth
Types:
  • Volunteering
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated May 20, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Lima, Peru

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Duration: 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Career Break / Mid-Career, During College, During High School, Post High School

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Program Administration
4.7
Living Situation
4.3
Day to Day Life
3.3
Health & Safety
3.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

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Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Kailee JobeOctober 2022

It’s way less scary when you get there

My volunteer trip showed me that everyone, no matter their age or education is at a different place in their life. We have more than enough time to achieve anything you’d want. It also showed me how possible traveling while volunteering can be if you do it right and with the right intentions. It’s way less scary when you get there, everyone is secretly scared to some extent too. The people in your house are there to help and support you. It feels much less lonely and scary immediately after you arrive.

Ashley MUnited States · September 2017

My amazing time in the Childcare program in Lima, Peru.

I first volunteered with IVHQ in 2016. After my first experience, I knew that I had to do it again. I chose to travel to South America this year, specifically Lima, Peru. Going in, I had no real expectations except to go in with an open mind and an open heart. My time in the childcare program was unbelievable. I got to interact with teenage moms, their babies and the staff. Everyday I went into work feeling so blessed and excited to share my skills but also to learn new skills from the girls. Everyone was so kind and helpful every step of the way. I ever felt unsafe or unwanted. I also really loved my volunteer house. By the end of my two weeks, I had gotten to know my fellow volunteers so well that I felt like I was leaving best friends behind. Volunteering both times with IVHQ have left me feeling so blessed and grateful to get the opportunity to experience something like this on my lifetime. I always recommend the organization to my friends and family because I want them to experience all the great things I did. I will without a doubt be signing up with IVHQ for a third time, I am in love with them.

Photos

Response from provider

Hi Ashley, Thanks for your great review! It has been awesome to have you join us in Lima and we are so happy to hear that you had another inspiring and gratifying experience. Thanks for recommending IVHQ and we can’t wait to have you join us again! <br/>Lachlan – IVHQ Peru Lima Program Manager

MarcadesBowmanville · June 2015

I will never be the same

Going to Lima, Peru put a lot into perspective. The orphanage experience had an incredible impact on my life. I would recommend volunteering abroad to anyone any age. It is a great work to experience new things while at the same time making a positive difference. If its even a blimp in your mind, just do it and make it happen! Thanks IVHQ for helping me make it happen

Response from provider

Hi Marcades, No problem! We are glad that your 2 weeks volunteering in Peru - Lima was such a positive experience. We hope to see you back on another IVHQ program at some point soon.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Childcare in Lima programme involve?

You support early childhood education centres that work with children aged around 3 to 5. Tasks include supervising playtime, helping with games and learning activities, preparing basic educational materials, and assisting local teachers with daily routines.

  • Supervise children during play and classroom activities
  • Lead games, crafts and simple learning exercises
  • Support teachers with daily care and classroom tasks

Who can volunteer for this programme?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Those under 18 need parental consent and may need character references. Adults must provide a criminal background check. English skills and volunteer travel insurance are required.

  • Minimum age 16
  • Background check for adults; parental consent for minors
  • English fluency and travel insurance required

When can I start and how long can I volunteer?

The programme starts on the first and third Monday of each month. You can volunteer for 1 to 12 weeks. Daily volunteering is up to 5 hours.

  • First and third Monday start dates
  • Duration from 1 to 12 weeks
  • Up to 5 hours per day

What impact does this programme aim to make?

Volunteers help give young children more attention, learning opportunities and emotional support. This improves early development, strengthens education quality and eases the workload of local teachers in under-resourced centres.

  • Improve early learning and development
  • Provide children with more individual support
  • Strengthen childcare quality in busy centres

What accommodation and support are provided?

Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house or homestay. The programme includes meals, orientation on arrival, airport pickup for eligible arrivals and ongoing in-country support.

  • Volunteer house or homestay accommodation
  • Meals provided
  • Orientation and local support included

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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