Programme Details
The Youth Outreach programme we offer is split into four options:
Option 1: Orphanage
The orphanage was opened in 1997 by the Peruvian government and offers help and care to abandoned and mistreated children. The aim is to return the children to their families after receiving the psychological assistance and attention they require. In cases where this is not possible, the children are given the opportunity to experience a similar environment in institutions running 'family style' schemes. Working alongside local staff, volunteers will assist in teaching these children skills such as leatherwork and weaving together with basic maths and English. Gaining such skills and knowledge will help them prepare for adulthood and increase their opportunities for the future.
Option 2: Day-care Centre
The Day Care Centre is a most worthwhile project, offering a free service to those living in some of the poorest areas of Cusco. The centre accommodates 25-45 children from three to five years of age, however, the children are not obliged to attend this programme.
The children and staff are full of energy and often involve the local community with parents helping with the cleaning and making breakfast.
Option 3: Teaching in Cusco
In this option you will be able to work at a school of around 30-50 children aged from three to 13, in a deprived area of Cusco. The school only has two permanent teachers with volunteers and students providing the rest of the help at the project. While at the school you will run your own classes so your imagination and energy will be vital and will make a big difference to the children.
Option 4: Adolescent boys' home
This programme works with boys aged from twelve to 18. The boys all live at the home, where they are educated and taught sports. Most of your volunteer work will be concentrated on helping with the sports lessons. A good level of Spanish is required for this programme as you will be working with older children.
Volunteer role
The projects will work with between four and eight volunteers at any time, depending on the programme and you may get involved in various activities depending on availability and skills. These programmes encourage you to help out and provide support wherever it is needed the most; this can involve teaching English, Music or Sports, helping in the classroom, assisting with the children’s health care or with a variety of occupational activities. By playing games with volunteers they can learn to live as a child again and to share and express their emotions
Generally the volunteers will help out during the afternoons with options 1 and 2, as the children attend school in the mornings, however there may be opportunities to help out further should you choose to. This is a great chance to make a difference to the lives of children who‘ve had a bad start in life, to help build their personalities and develop skills that will aid them in the future.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Accommodation
- Placement
- Detailed information pack prior to departure
- Airport Pick-up in Cusco
- Orientation on arrival
- Assistance from in-country co-ordinator
- 24-hour emergency contact in the UK and Peru
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- International flights
- Meals
- One night stopover in Lima
- Lima to Cusco transfer
- Travel insurance
- Extra activities over and above itinerary
- Extra snacks and alcoholic beverages
- Return transfer
Prices and Durations
Peru Youth Outreach Volunteers - 2 weeks £499
Peru Youth Outreach Volunteers - 3 weeks £599
Peru Youth Outreach Volunteers - 4 weeks £699
Peru Youth Outreach Volunteers - 5 weeks £799
Peru Youth Outreach Volunteers - 6 weeks £899
