- Official Language(s)
- Spanish, Aymara, Quechua
- Population
- 30.1 million
- % of Population Below Poverty
- 25.8% (7.8 million people)
- GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$) (?)
- 11,100 (Canada = $43,100)
- UN's Human Development Index (?)
The recent outbreak of the Zika virus in parts of Latin and South America might be causing some concern for potential volunteers.
Our trips are going ahead as planned. We want everyone to have a safe DWC experience so we take this outbreak seriously and we are monitoring it. So far, we feel confident that travel to Latin and South America is safe for our volunteer teams unless they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, a tropical infectious disease expert with Toronto University’s Health Network, has advised that unless they are pregnant or considering getting pregnant soon, travellers going to affected areas should not be very concerned.
There have been no reported Zika cases in Peru so far. We are staying on top of the outbreak and will keep travellers advised of any changes.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns about volunteering in Guatemala.
Why volunteer in Peru?
Poverty in Peru has its roots in high rates of illiteracy, a 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 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 skills that will enable them and their families to improve their livelihoods. Our in-country partner, IFEJANT, is a well-established, local non-profit agency working for the rights of women and children while providing education and support to working children.
Volunteer projects
Our volunteers have worked on various building projects for the San Jose Obrero School on the outskirts of Lima, including adding a third floor to the Nassae School, located in Jicamarca in the district of San Juan de Lurigancho. This district is populated by migrant families who have moved from different parts of the country to find work, leaving their children in the care of older siblings or other family members. Children living in Jicamarca have almost no access to public education, so the community has rallied to provide schooling opportunities. The number of families wanting to send their children to this school is rapidly increasing, and since present capacity is limited, a third floor will allow for more student enrolment.
See our volunteers in action!
Watch a video created by a DWC student participant who spent four weeks building classrooms in Lima, Peru:
When can I go?
Our High-school, Youth and University, Custom and Corporate Trips are not scheduled on the website. Please contact us for more details.
2017 TRIPS | |||
| PROJECT DATES | COMMUNITY | IN-COUNTRY PARTNER | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 11 - November 25, 2017
Nov 11 - Nov 25, 2017
|
Lima | IFEJANT | Explore Trip » |
2018 TRIPS | |||
| PROJECT DATES | COMMUNITY | IN-COUNTRY PARTNER | DETAILS |
|
April 28 - May 12, 2018
Apr 28 - May 12, 2018
|
Lima | IFEJANT | Explore Trip » |
|
September 15 - September 29, 2018
Sep 15 - Sep 29, 2018
|
Lima | IFEJANT | Explore Trip » |
Note: Please note this trip schedule is updated regularly and will change depending on the availability of flights and other factors that can affect travel.
How much does it cost?
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.
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.