Why the project needs you.

There is crushing poverty and a lack of opportunity in most of Peru and particularly in the beach town of Trujillo. Central government builds and equips schools, and provides teachers, but there is considerably greater demand on their resources than they can supply. This project is so worthy because the parents have taken the initiative and brought CEP to where it is today. But there’s a limit to their resources, both financial and physical, which is where you come in. Let alone any other benefit, just by being there and taking an interest, you start to be a force for good.

Who does the project need?

Flexible, open minded individuals. Not afraid to work in primitive and uncertain conditions.
Experience with and affection for working with children (3-11 years old).
Able to generate authority in an informal way with these streetwise kids.
Spanish speaking (basic to intermediate).
Able to deal with chaotic situations.
To lead a class you will need some experience of teaching an arts subject. (Not required if you wish to volunteer as a classroom assistant.)

Min Commitment & volunteer team size.

Normally a minimum commitment of 4 weeks, but some flexibility.
1 (min) to 4 (max) volunteers.

Your host.

Peter (a Brit from Warwickshire) and his Peruvian wife Juany, look after several volunteer projects. They are not directly involved in the day to day workings of this school (although Juany is on the Management Committee) but are Project Managers. They will introduce you to your project as well as to other volunteers in the area, working on other projects.

Spanish language proficiency.

Crucial: if you do not have at least basic spoken Spanish you must complete a minimum two week language school before joining. If you would like to brush up your Spanish before you start, the language classes are optional. See the associated pdf.

The Project In a nutshell.

Location: Shanty town between Trujillo and Huanchaco, on the Pacific coast of northern Peru.

Resources: Poor. Any art materials or games you can bring will be welcome.

Accommodation (included): Either family homestay or volunteer house with up to 4 volunteers sharing. Your choice, but depends on availability.

Accommodation upgrades options:
1. Mid-range comfortable hostal: US$ 150 per week (payable locally);
2. Private apartment: US$ 150 per week (payable locally),
3. Ocean-front house (3 bedroom):US$ 250 per person per week (payable locally) based on 2 sharing.
All options subject to availability.

Volunteers may start in family stay or volunteer house then move to hostal/apartment/ocean front house, providing this is booked and confirmed in advance.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch are included (with homestay and the volunteer house). For supper you are free to explore the local cafes and restaurants, or self-cater.
Volunteers’ lunch: one lunch per week is set aside for you to meet other volunteers, from other projects, so that you can compare your experiences and share travellers’ tips on the local area.

Downtime: Superb surfing; lively beach scene; socializing with other volunteers.

Included in the project: Trujillo airport collection and transfer to the project site; project induction and walking tour of local area; emergency support from local English-speaking staff 24/7; 2 or 4 weeks accommodation in the Volunteer House or family homestay (your choice); Breakfast and lunch, 7 days per week; One hosted lunch per week with volunteers from other Trujillo projects; Certificate of appreciation upon completion of project.

Not Included: International flights; travel insurance; language school; weekend activities; passport and visas.

How am I selected? Complete the “Project self-assessment form” and send to VentureCo with your latest CV. We will then arrange a telephone call between you and the project manager in Peru.

Price:

Duration	£	Local payment US $
2 weeks	£750	300 $
4 weeks	£1,095	300 $
Additional weeks	£0	175 $

Starts: Trujillo, north of Lima.
Ends: Trujillo, north of Lima.
Dates: Join Trujillo any Sunday in term time.
2009 provisional term dates:

2 March to 24 July
10 August to 11 December
(Check before booking)

Staying on:

Huanchaco is a great beach for surfing/sunbathing/people watching and Chicama beach has the longest left-hand wave in the world. Lots of pre-Inca sites to explore nearby as well as world-class museums and colonial houses. Trekking in the north (Huaraz) and central region (Macchu Pichu and Choqueqirao) are a day’s travel away. To the east of the Andean watershed lies the Amazon.

Join a group or call us to tailor-make an itinerary.

< Return to Worldwide Projects page.