Volunteer Street Children Program in Cusco-Peru

The Street Children program provides education and day-care services for the children of poor parents who need to work in markets, cemeteries, car washes, mines, etc. This project aims to establish positive mentoring relationships with these neglected children, to encourage them to return to school and to assist them with immediate problems.

It seeks the aim of contributing the integral development of children and adolescents and street workers, through an unconventional training process implemented by street educators.

The program provides support to successfully reintegrate school enrollment of children in schools and colleges, and the extra tuitions.

This program aims to establish positive mentoring relationships with these neglected children, to encourage them to return to school and to assist them with immediate problems. Volunteers should be willing to get down and dirty working with children out of doors.

Currently, there are approximately 35 -50 children ranging in ages from 6 -15 years in each location.

Volunteers help in developing creative programs for art, music, dance, and sports. Being tutors of the kids who attend schools, additional assistance with day trips, sanitation, personal hygiene, cooking, and administrative duties might be requested. Volunteers have to arrange in advance classroom activities, for the kids and are recommended to bring classroom supplies to grasp the attention of the children.

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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 EUR

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.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€232	€368	€472	€576	€680	€760	€856	€952	€112

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

Please Note: -An application fee of €160 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 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.

-- 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

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

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It was my first experience helping in a hospital setting and I observed so much. I expected I would be able to do much because i have not volunteered anywhere else before but was supposed. The nurses were really helpful and actually teaching me how to do things...... read more

Lucia Hong (USA)

I would definitely recommend the organization Volunteering Solutions, to others. I would recommend the program to people who have an interest in helping others, and especially willing to steps out of every day comfort...... read more

Sorsha Huff (USA)

Sorsha Huff-Teacher Assistant in a Kindergarten

I think volunteering through organizations like VS is extremely important because they allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in a new culture while also providing a humanitarian service to the global community. ..... read more

Anna McCorquodale (USA)

Anna McCorquodale-Teacher Assistant in a Kindergarten

This was an amazing experience. I learned more about teaching, Peru, poverty, Spanish and learned more about myself. This program opened up my eyes to a new part of the world and I will be so sad to leave. I loved my placement, the food, the culture and especially my host family...... read more

This was an amazing experience. I learned more about teaching, Peru, poverty, Spanish and learned more about myself. This program opened up my eyes to a...read more Anna McCorquodale USA

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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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