Volunteer Abroad in Peru PIURA Volunteering Children Teaching programs www.abroaderview.org

Volunteer Abroad in Piura Peru: Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer Abroad in Piura Peru:Founded in 1532, the city of Piura is older than Lima and the first Spanish city founded in South America. As an ancient colonial city in Peru, Piura served as the first main port through which the Inca gold the Spaniards had gathered was shipped back to Spain.

Located on the banks of the Piura River, the city is charming with many old colonial buildings and new structures blending in. Although it is a growing city of 400,000, it still remains a small town atmosphere. In the city there are colorful markets, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a cinema, a theatre, parks and much more.

Some of Peru's most beautiful beaches are only one hour from Piura and easy to get to. The unique mestizo culture (the oldest in South America) still thrives today with a large community of mystics and shaman beliefs. In surrounding areas of Piura you can find lakes and lagoons known for their healing magic powers. Getting to Piura is quite easy; there are regular scheduled LAN Peru flights from Lima. The flight takes about an hour and costs US$ 60-90. Overnight buses are available from Lima, the bus takes about 15 hours and costs $US 20-30

In spite of receiving thousands of tourists every year, Peru is the second poorest of the Andean countries. There are several poverty-stricken rural and coastal communities surrounding Piura. The majority of children do not have formal education, and drop out rates between primary and secondary school is sometimes 80%.

Many children are forced to stay at home to watch younger siblings and are not afforded the luxury of an education. We offer volunteer placements in orphanage and teaching programs. With our volunteer program we allow you to discover life in rural Peru, while doing meaningful community work. This is a great opportunity to enhance your Spanish knowledge, live with the locals and realize one person can make a difference

We offer the following programs in Piura: (1-24 week placements - Optional start date)

Program Length: 1-24 weeks

Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day

Accommodations: Local home stay Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day

Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge, an able body, can-do attitude, self-starter and adventurous nature.

Social/Welfare Service:

Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing; as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Teaching English, math, as well as manual labor (sweeping, painting, and gardening) may be involved. Basic/Proficient Spanish is required, as well as a positive, self-starter and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching:

Volunteers can teach, or assist the local teacher with English classes. The kids vary in age and most do not have any proper schooling.

By speaking English, new opportunities are available to the children that would otherwise be destined to stay in the cycle of poverty. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic/Proficient Spanish is required, as well as a positive, flexible and committed attitude. Volunteers will need to create their own lesson plans with the help of the local teachers.

Program Includes:

Homestay or local guesthouse or on-site volunteer accommodations at orphanage. Includes three meals a day. Airport (or bus) transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide orientation briefing, city tour, half day Spanish lessons. Introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915

volunteers@abroaderview.org - www.abroaderview.org