Street Children Volunteer Project Peru

Project Age Limit
The minimum age for participants is 18 years and there is no maximum age.

Duration
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 weeks as this facilitates the build up of trust between you, the children and the staff.

Requirements
All the volunteers need to have some knowledge of the Spanish language before starting their volunteer work, not only to get the most out of the project, but also to get around and integrate with the locals. If you do not already speak Spanish it is strongly recommended you take our language course prior to the start of the programme. These are available for 2 or 4 weeks, and are easily combined with the project.

Background
A non-profit organization working with high-risk street children and adolescents who, for a variety of reasons (from being abandoned/orphaned to having alcoholic parents) would otherwise be living on the streets of Cusco. All funding for the project comes from voluntary donations, and the staff consists of 11 professionals who volunteer at the centre in their spare time. The children are offered a structured, educative, formative and occupational programme with the aim of identifying and relating to the needs of the individual.

As with many of our social placements, many of the children at the centre have never had a "real" childhood or experienced loving, caring, stable relationships. By playing games with volunteers they can learn to live as a child again and to share and express their emotions.

Volunteer’s affection towards the children is so important for their self-esteem and personal development.

Orientation
On your first Monday at the Language school you will have an orientation to help you get settled in and feel comfortable in your new surroundings.

Project Support
Throughout your stay in Cusco you will have the support and guidance of the coordinator. They will be able to provide you with any help or advice you may need during your stay. In addition to the in-country support, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number should you need to contact one of our UK staff at any time.

Accommodation
Our volunteer apartment is around 5 minutes walk from the language school and many volunteer projects. Living here gives volunteers an opportunity to live independently and come and go from the project as they wish.

Volunteers can request shared or private rooms but share a bathroom, kitchen and living room with other volunteers. Please note that meals are not included during your stay in the apartment. Many volunteers take it in turns to cook meals or simply eat in restaurants. Food is very cheap by Western standards. The bargain hunters amongst volunteers can find a 2-course meal for as little as 30p in Cusco, with a drink included! You will be given a key for your apartment so you can come and go as you please.