Orphanage placements

Doing your bit in an orphanage or other childcare facility is rewarding, sometimes chaotic, but always great fun. Childcare projects may take place in either an orphanage or an after school program, community centre or shelter. All of our childcare projects work with severely underprivileged children. The children require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship.

You will assist with organising activities for the children as well as helping them with their school work. We encourage you to use your skills and interests to develop workshops such as music and dance, jewellery making, aerobics, arts and crafts, etc.

You will be supported by our in-country coordinators but they may not always be on site at your childcare program. These projects are severely understaffed and underfunded, which is why they are in urgent need of volunteers. The children are always happy to see you and are very welcoming to our volunteers in Peru. You truly are needed and appreciated at these projects.

Volunteers in Peru who do not speak Spanish should take the affordable Spanish courses offered by our partners in Peru.

Medical – Pre-med - 1st and 2nd Year Medical School

Love Volunteers' partner places medical volunteers in local hospitals, clinics and care facilities. Volunteers in Peru will need to supply medical certificates and should speak intermediate Spanish. Taking your evolving medical ability to a location where the need is greatest can give you a real buzz. Placements will be in state-run clinics in Cusco or in orphanages that are part of the Medicina para los Andes program.

The facilities and equipment are often very basic and volunteers can make a huge difference to the everyday life of those who do not have regular access to medical attention.

Volunteers should be aware that they will primarily be shadowing local staff, but there may be the opportunity to take weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, as well as undertake routine hospital tasks such as making beds, cleaning and talking with patients, preparing medical materials and sterilizing equipment.

In the Medicina para los Andes program, our partner manages basic healthcare and health campaigns for four orphanages in the Cusco area. Places on this program are limited and can not be guaranteed before arrival. The program involved working alongside a local doctor to provide check-ups and general care for up to 80-100 children.

Medical volunteers in Peru should understand that independence in medical projects will always be determined by the level of training and expertise, Spanish level, age, ability to take initiative and duration of the program.

Note: You are required to bring your own basic medical supplies, including white coat, scrubs and stethoscope.

Medical – 3rd and 4th Year Medical School & Licensed Professionals

Placements are either in state-run clinics in Cusco, in orphanages or in other care facilities. Clinics care for 180 patients per day, including 10-20 emergencies. For legal reason volunteers will primarily shadow local doctors, but may be asked to clean rooms, assist with consultations and physicals, take medical histories, as well as promote medical campaigns.

Medical volunteers in Peru should understand that independence in medical projects will always be determined by the level of training and expertise, Spanish level, age, ability to take initiative and duration of the program.

Note: You are required to bring your own basic medical supplies, including white coat, scrubs and stethoscope.

Healthcare – Non-medical volunteers

You will be volunteering in Peru at a clinic that provides treatment to mentally and physically disabled children. The clinic is also home to some of these children including very young babies. There are both dining facilities and a school on site for the children. Volunteers in Peru work with the children organising arts and crafts, playing with them in the onsite playground, assisting with physical therapy and helping the children during meal times. Volunteers in Peru will also help the children with personal hygiene including going to the bathroom, brushing their teeth and bathing.

Please take special note that conditions at this project can be very emotionally challenging, but fulfilling. Volunteers in Peru should prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to work one-on-one with severely disabled children.

Teaching English

Imparting your own language in a way that works for the learner is always a stimulating challenge. Your students will possibly be of all ages and certainly from low income families. You will have the autonomy of devising your own lessons which could be taught in any sort of space. Lessons will sometimes be on a one-to-one basis or they may be in a small group. Our local team will provide you with ample materials, books and lesson ideas to get you started.

English, being the international language, is in huge demand in Peru. Unfortunately the underfunded state schools are unable to provide regular lessons. Those teaching English in Peru are giving local people the real opportunity to improve their skills, and thus their opportunities and lives. You do not need to be an experienced teacher, but a basic understanding of Spanish is required and we strongly recommend that you take part in the Spanish courses offered by our team in Peru.

Please remember that local schools may feel disorganised and understaffed. This is the reason you are so badly needed.

Construction

State-owned buildings in Peru are often underfunded and, as a result, in a bad state-of-repair. Taking part in a construction project is often the most rewarding option for shorter volunteer in Peru placements.

You will be volunteering in Peru at a construction project in or around Cusco. Construction projects include renovation work (painting, plastering and repairs) and full construction (making adobe bricks, masonry, laying tile and plumbing). These projects generally take place at small rural schools, community centres and orphanages. All construction projects are led by a professional Spanish speaking foreman who is experienced in guiding and training international volunteers in Peru.

Note: Construction volunteers in Peru are strongly encouraged to bring work gloves, work boots, safety glasses and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Also note that clothes should keep you warm during cold or rainy mornings and cool during sunny afternoons. Dressing in layers and being prepared for the elements is important.

Jungle Conservation

As is the case in many developing nations, the environment often takes a backseat to the needs of people. Our jungle conservation program allows the intrepid volunteer in Peru to be immersed in the Amazon Rain Forest. Nature-lovers will be getting their hands dirty carrying out reforestation or compiling wildlife inventories - getting you thrillingly close to the native species of birds and mammals of Peru.

The two primary work areas are reforestation and wildlife inventories. Working in reforestation includes planting trees, shrubs and orchids, as well as removing non-native and invasive species of bamboo. Wildlife inventories include observing and counting various species of birds and primates.

Please note that during rainy days work may be limited and may include repairs at the lodge and/or working with the local school. Volunteers in Peru can also get involved in teaching English at the local school following their regular work.

Note: Jungle volunteers in Peru will NOT be able to take part in Spanish lessons during their time in the jungle. However, we can arrange for Spanish lessons before or after your project though, though this may include additional costs for housing.

Photojournalism

Photojournalism projects are created based on the interests and skills of the intern, as well as the needs of our various projects and availability. Past projects have included yearbooks for rural schools around the Cusco area, a photo documentary of Peruvian volunteer projects and capturing traditional Peruvian festivals, markets and lifestyle. Volunteers in Peru are required to bring their own equipment and are responsible for covering all costs related to their project such as purchasing and developing film. Film and photography equipment are available in Cusco, however we recommend brining any specialty film (slide, medium and large format) and other equipment with you. There is an excellent public exhibition space for the final project.

Andean Cultural Immersion

Volunteers will experience total cultural immersion in a small village in the Andes Mountains outside of Cusco. The project provides an income source for small communities and promotes cross cultural understanding. Volunteers have the option of being involved in the following activities:

• Education — There is a local community center in which volunteers assist in teaching English classes and take an active role in educating the local children.
• Agriculture — As an agriculturally based community the most common crops are potatoes and quinoa. Volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, storing and transporting crops.
• Construction — Volunteers help mix and form adobe bricks and construct adobe homes and buildings within the community.
• Textiles — Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about traditional weaving skills and natural dyes by working with the women who create traditional textile products to sell at local markets.

Due to the extremely rural setting of this project volunteers should expect the accommodations and meals to be very basic. For example, running water is unreliable and hot water is unavailable. Bathing is done using a bucket of water. Volunteers are expected to take part in local festivities and community gatherings.

It is also very important to note that no English is spoken at this project. The first language in this community is Quechua, not Spanish, though Spanish is spoken as a second language. Despite the language barrier, it is possible to have a full and complete experience, though it is critical that you approach your project with this knowledge in mind. The community is very warm and welcoming to all volunteers.

The village of Chinchero is approximately 30 minutes from the project and the city of Cusco is approximately 1.5 hours from the village of Chinchero. This makes Cusco very accessible for weekend excursions and nightlife.

Remember that ultimately, the success of the volunteer experience depends on the idividual. Expect a language barrier and lack of structure at the project. Generally, volunteers will be in a busy, Spanish speaking environment that works with minimal funding, so approaching it with a “go getter” attitude is important.