Volunteer Programs in Lima, Peru

Lima is a popular tourist destination, yet the wealth derived from the tourism industry does not trickle down to the people who need it most. Therefore, it is possible to volunteer abroad in Lima in a range of fields, to help improve local communities in a multitude of ways. Volunteer placements in Lima include those in education, health care, community development, and various related fields.

Education. International volunteers who wish to create better futures for children will enjoy education volunteering in Lima. It is very common for individuals to volunteer in Lima to teach English at local schools and community centers, but there are also placements teaching other subjects available throughout the city. Volunteers are often assigned to teach in public schools, because understaffing is a major issues and class sizes are therefore large. Additionally, volunteers may find opportunities to volunteer in Lima at orphanages, where it is possible to teach children more informal lessons.

Health Care volunteering in Lima might involve shadowing doctors and nurses during their day to day tasks. Health care volunteers typically work at clinics and hospitals that serve low income families, which also tend to be under-funded and in the greatest need of an extra pair of hands. However, helping support the day to day operations of a healthcare facility requires some type of background in the medical field, so most healthcare volunteers are expected to have educational or professional experience in the field. Volunteers may help healthcare professionals conduct outreach, carry out medical missions (especially in rural areas), or complete daily care of incoming patients. Volunteering in Lima in the realm of health care is a great opportunity for those who wish to expand their medical skills and experience in the field.

Community Development. Those who volunteer abroad in Lima in community development will be working hand in hand with local communities and both local and international non-profit organizations to help meet the needs of underprivileged locals. Community development volunteering encompass a range of placements, including working in orphanages, assisting children with disabilities, and contributing to various community programs and projects. Tasks will often include providing assistance to the administrative body of an organization or community center, researching or assessing programs, conducting outreach, and helping with many other community-related activities.