Volunteer work in Day Care Center in Cusco-Peru

Volunteers in the Day Care Center program in Peru get an opportunity to help, guide and play with children aged between six months to four years old. There are 8 to 16 kids per day care center. The majority of the children are between 1 and 2 years old. The oldest kids are learning how to spell and are doing other basic lessons in preparation for kindergarten. Each centre has only one caregiver and very basic utilities (small old beds, old sheets and blankets, and few pillows). Therefore, the value of having volunteers in these centres is obviously great; it is even more obvious when taking into account that 25% of the children have single mothers, and 95% of them come from very difficult background situations.

As a volunteer you will be involved in the day to day care of the children and be involved with playing with the children, running many types of craft activities, teaching some English too or arranging creative activities such as drawing or arts and crafts. You need to help these kids to develop their skills in order to be ready for kindergartens. The day care centers are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 A.M to 16:00 hours. At each centre the kids have no real schedule-they come to the centres to play, eat and learn basic lessons. This program offers you a chance to use your own creativity in a highly productive manner.

Volunteers work for 4-5 hours/day divided in mornings and afternoons - 5 days a week (volunteers are reminded to remain flexible)

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. You should have love for children, plenty of patience and understanding and enthusiasm to make a difference. You do not need formal teaching qualifications or formal teacher training. Volunteers need to have a basic - intermediate level of Spanish for this program.

Project Location

The project placements are located in and around the city of Cusco. Most of the volunteer projects are located at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the accommodations and volunteers travel by either bus or taxis depending upon the distance.

During your Free Time

Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. On the weekends most of the volunteers plan a trip to Sacred Valley or the world famous 'Macchu Picchu' - the lost city of Incas. In Cusco, you can walk around Plaza de Armas and explore the different restaurants and shopping areas.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer:Volunteers are picked up from the Cusco Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Peru will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand or at the bus station.

Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety and volunteer placements are given during the orientation. The orientation will be given by the local staff in Peru.

Lodging: Volunteers are provided accommodation with local host families. By staying with a host family you will experience the local culture, customs and Peruvian way of living. Volunteers are hosted in shared bedrooms with other volunteers. Usually there are 2 bathrooms in every host family with hot showers. Accommodations are clean and comfortable. Some houses have WiFi connection and cable TV as well.

Food: Volunteers are provided with three cooked meals a day (Monday- Saturday) at the host family house. Meals vary from day to day and generally include soups, vegetable salad, rice, potatoes, juice, dessert etc.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinators will be happy to assist you in making travel arrangements to different areas in Peru.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$290	$460	$590	$720	$850	$950	$1070	$1190	$140

Language and Culture week in Cusco starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of every Month. - $350

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£203	£322	£413	£504	£595	£665	£749	£833	£98

Language and Culture week in Cusco starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of every Month. - $350

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation
Accommodation
Meals
Insurance (Provided at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Visa and Visa extension fee
Airport drop, airport taxes
Local Transportation
Any personal expenses

What are the Program locations in Peru?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Cusco and Iquitos. Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 1.5 million visitors a year. We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and it is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Peru. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Peru?

We are able to offer placements on the first Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are joining the project in Iquitos will be picked up from Iquitos Airport.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or homestay. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Peru-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program

-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling from Bus within Peru is cheap; however, you should carry around $40 - 50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Peru?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around Cusco and Iquitos city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

Depending on your host family you will be provided with three meals a day from Monday to Saturday at their accommodation. Food is usually vegetarian and a mix of meat and salads.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Peru?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Peru?

For cheap airline flying into Cusco and Iquitos are LAN Peru, Star Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Kindly visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com

Haniya Hasan (United Kingdom)

Haniya Hasan-Dentistry - Healthcare program

I really enjoyed my program placement. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. They had complete faith in me and trusted my work. It was also near to the house which was convenient...... read more

Silvia Schengeler (Switzerland)

Silvia Schengeler-Volunteer in a Day Care center

The kids and the women in the day care were very sympathetic and open to our inputs, games, etc. I have many highlights from this program, living in a Peruvian family, contact with the kids, nice sightseeing, Macchu Picchu and so on...... read more

Lorah Cuento (USA)

The host family and other volunteers in the house were fun and fascinating to get know. The city, Cusco, was fun to explore and interesting to learn their way of life. The volunteer experience as a teacher assistant aide was most rewarding and it motivates me to seek other volunteer opportunities...... read more

Andrea Orange (USA)

The highlight of my volunteering experience would be coming back to classes when the children had learned the materials from the previous class, and remembered it. It was exciting to see them learn...... read more

Liliana Manuel (USA)

Liliana Manuel-Teaching English & Working with disabled children

My work was certainly challenging but I think that is the way it should be. The work with disabled kids was really FANTASTIC for me. It was very difficult at times but I learned so much. The staff was really kind and full of great people. I grew very fond of children...... read more

Devorah Fried (Canada)

Devorah Fried-Volunteer in Day Care Center

The children were delightful and loving. The staff was very nice. It was a bit of a culture shock as well , but overall a very positive and wonderful experience...... read more

My experience at the clinic was eye-opening and eventful. I learned many useful skills, such as giving injections, cleaning/dressing wounds and suturing...read more Vivian Lee USA

view more stories →

Peru - Staff Profile

Jenny - Program Coordinator - Peru Jenny is a native of Cusco and has also lived in Arequipa. She has over 6 years of experience dealing with international volunteers in Peru. Jenny has been working with Volunteering Solutions since 2008 and has hosted many happy volunteers in the beautiful country of Peru. Jenny is one of the reasons why volunteers keep going back to Peru!
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