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LOCATION : A VILLAGE NEAR CUZCO, PERU

The village is located 45 minutes from the major Peruvian city of Cuzco. The city of Cuzco lies at 11,300 feet above sea level, within striking distance of Lake Titicaca.

ACTIVITIES

The volunteer positions are organized and run by the local church. They have a diverse and exciting range of activities that you can choose from. These include:

  • Teaching English - . The emphasis is on basic grammar and practical conversation. No prior experience is required, but you must have a good command of English. Classes are for 3 hours from Monday to Friday
  • General Education - Volunteers provide basic educational support to rural children and teenagers. This includes tasks like working/playing with them, teaching them how to clean, what constitutes good behavior, basic health rules (washing hands after using the toilet etc). Classes are for 3 hours from Monday to Friday during regular school hours.
  • Ranch Hand - Volunteers with knowledge of working on a cattle ranch, agriculture, breeding of small animals and horticulture assist locals and exchange technical knowledge with them. Volunteers will normally work on a particular parcel of land. Hours are from Monday to Friday. Volunteers determine their own schedules.
  • Medical and Nursing - Doctors, nurses, medicine students, clinical auxiliary, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other professionals or technical personnel are encouraged to work helping locals that are disabled, provide basic health and social services directly to the Rural Communities. Work is from Monday to Friday in our Community Center. Volunteers determine their own schedules.
  • Arts and Craft Training - Volunteers with skill or talent in the field of ceramics, textiles, painting, cooking, glassware production, handiwork, carpentry train and develop these skills with the locals. This allows them to have an alternative source of access to the work market. Work is from Monday to Friday in the Community Center. Volunteers determine their own schedules.
  • Construction - Skilled volunteers are able to offer their services in the fields of house renovation and improvement, electrical work and plumbing. The emphasis is on passing on skills to locals. Construction work is available from Monday to Friday, with a minimum commitment of three hours daily.

WHY IT MATTERS

This church is at the forefront of helping local people that are weak, underprivileged, excluded, disabled, or in need. These people are often marginalized by virtue of their geographical location, ability to access quality education or earn enough to subsist. The work that you do will help develop skills that are marketable in modern day Cuzco or contribute to quality of life or the production of items to sell.

Volunteering here is an outstanding opportunity to live and work amongst the people in the Cuzco area. This is something that the overwhelming majority of regular tourist fail to see and brings rich rewards, not only in experience but also in the difference that you will make.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This position is ideal for volunteers that have a very limited time to spend volunteering, but wish to contribute and make a difference. Candidates will need to supply their curriculum vitae/resume, a photograph and affirm that they do not have health problems (heart conditions, chronic asthma etc.) that would affect them living at 11,300 feet.

You may volunteer for as little as five days. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old and be willing to work within a Christian Entity (you need not be a practicing Christian). Speaking some Spanish is highly desirable. Spanish classes in Cuzco are available at the economical price of US$185 per week. Contact juandiego@volunteersam.com for details and to book.

WORK SCHEDULE

The work hours are flexible. Volunteers normally work in the morning (3-4 hrs) and return for lunch at the family's house. The afternoon is free for visits to the city etc.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is with a local family in Cusco and includes 3 meals a day and free transfer from the airport (normally about US$5-8). The cost per person per night is Peruvian S/. 50 (About US$16).

GETTING THERE

Getting there is easy. On your first day, you will be collected by a representative from the local village, who will take you on the bus to the village. The journey takes about 45 minutes. You will need to cover the cost of the bus for this person and your self. It's Peruvian S/ 7 soles (US$2.50) per person round trip (one bus and one mototaxi).

COSTS

Volunteer Sam Fee - US$236.50 (US$145 for stays under one week.)

Program cost - A one time donation of US$30.00

Accommodation food and transport - US$19.00 per day.

TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

All volunteers are required to purchase travel and medical insurance for the duration of their volunteer position. We strongly recommend that minimum coverage includes the following:

  • Medical expenses - US$10 million
  • Personal liability - US$2 million
  • Personal accident - US$40,000
  • Personal property - US$3,000
  • Loss of Passport etc - US$1,000
  • Legal expenses etc - US$40,000
  • Cancellation etc - US$6,000

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