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 developemnt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
Peru Country Ranking 80
WHY VOLUNTEER IN PERU?
Poverty in Peru has 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. Volunteer Participants work hands-on, from painting walls to installing windows and doors, to help build an Agricultural Training School for the citizens of Huancayo. This school will teach students important life skills that will enable them and their families to prosper long term. Developing World Connections' long term commitment is to help improve the community members' life options and to increase their self-sufficiency.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer! Volunteers will be doing the hands-on work of building the school in the beautiful farming valley of the Mantaro River. This will include anything from 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. 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?
| 2010 - Scheduled Experiences |
| APRIL 10 TO APRIL 24 (Short-Term) |
| MAY 8 TO JUNE 5 (STUDENT) |
| JULY 10 TO AUGUST 7 (STUDENT) |
| AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 21 (Short-Term) |
| OCTOBER 2 TO OCTOBER 16 (Short-Term) |
Note: Schedule 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, accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the host partner. It’s 100% tax deductible.
