Volunteer in PERU
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish
POPULATION: 28,220,764 (2007)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Peru $7,088 Canada $36,687 (2008)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 53% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human development: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
Peru Country Ranking #80 (2008)
WHY VOLUNTEER IN PERU?
Poverty in Peru has its roots in high rates of illiteracy, lack of essential services, and inadequate agricultural resources and training. Many children leave school early to help support their families. In Jaen and Lima, volunteer participants work hands-on painting walls, installing windows and doors, and building fences to improve and expand educational centres for working children. These educational centres provide meals and teach students important life skils that will enable them and their families to improve their lives. Our Host Partners, CEPRONAM in Jaen and IFEJANT in Lima, are well established, local, non-profit agencies working for the rights of women and children while providing education and support to working children.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer! Volunteers will be doing the hands-on work of building educational and community facilities in both rural Peru and in poor outskirts of Lima. This will include anything from digging foundations to mixing cement to installing windows and doors. No special skills are required.
We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Peruvian projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service.
WHAT WILL I SEE?
Upon completion of the Volunteer Experience, we recommend participants take a breathtaking train ride through the Andes from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes and spend a few days at around Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and the most recognized historical site of the ancient Incas. Enjoy the shopping and history of Cuzco and the Pisac Valley. If you haven't already, spend a couple of days in Lima, "The City of Kings". Lima is one of the oldest, most important capitals of South America and today is a vast, sprawling city that offers a great blend of history, parks, outstanding restaurants and excellent nightlife.
WHEN CAN I GO?
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2012 - Volunteer Experience Schedule |
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MARCH 10 TO MARCH 24 (Short Term: Jaen) |
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MAY 5 TO JUNE 2 (Student: Lima) |
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JUNE 9 TO JULY 7 (Student: Lima) |
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OCTOBER 6 TO OCTOBER 20 (Short Term: Jaen) |
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Note: The Volunteer Experiences Schedule will be updated every two weeks. It is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes in-country food, in country ground transportation, in-country accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the host partner. It does not included airfare however it’s 100% tax deductible including airfare.
