Volunteer in PERU

 
  OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:  Spanish, Quechua

 
  POPULATION: 29.5 million

 
  GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Peru  $10,200     Canada  $41,100

 
  % of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 31.3%

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.

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

Volunteers will be doing the hands-on work of building educational and community facilities in both rural Peru and in poor outskirts of Lima. In Jaen and Lima, volunteer participants work hands-on painting walls, installing windows and doors, digging foundations,and mixing cement. These educational centres provide meals and teach students important life skills that will enable them and their families to improve their lives. No special skills are required.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

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?

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?

SHORT TERM TRIPS: A two week trip to Lima will cost $1,869 or $2,139 depending on accommodations. A two week trip to Jaen costs $1,969. This includes in-country food, in country ground transportation, in-country accommodation, program costs and a substantial direct donation to the host partner. It does not included airfare; however, the entire cost paid through DWC is 100% tax deductible, including airfare.

STUDENT TRIPS: A four week student trip varies in price from $2,000 - $2,400 (flights not included) based on number of particpants and location. You can fundraise for your trip and DWC will issue charitable receipts to your donors.

Trips may be cancelled if not enough people are registered so please sign-up early to avoid disappointment. A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip; the remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your trip.

We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Peruvian projects and programs through Developing World Connections.