Work with Women and Youth in Cusco I

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Term: Summer 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Session I: May 29 to June 28 or July 5.

Description: During your time in San Sebastian (Cusco), you'll volunteer with the families who live and receive services at La Casa de Acogida 'Kausakusun", a temporary shelter for women survivors of domestic violence and their children. Whether you choose to work directly with the adults, youth, or staff of the organization, your support will be much appreciated as La Casa de Acogida begins its second year of service in San Sebastian.

During the week, you'll spend time with the families who are currently living at La Casa de Acogida, as well as the women and children who receive legal assistance, counseling, and financial advice from the staff members. You can choose one community project to focus on, or take part in several projects that will be taking place at the same site.

Highlights: On the weekends, you'll be able to take advantage of all that the Cusco area has to offer. You can take a trek in to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, or visit the highest natural lake in the world, Lake Titikaka. Or, perhaps you'll choose to explore the Sacred Valley, shoot the river rapids by raft, or take a horse or bike for a spin.

If you opt to stay for the fifth week of Summer Session I, youll travel with the group to fly over the Nazca Lines, one of the greatest mysteries in the world! These amazing figures are so large that they can only be seen in their entirety by airplane. Visit the Paracas Reservation and the Islas Ballestas to enjoy the nature and wildlife of the Pacific coast up close. And, finally, sandboard and dune buggy through the dunes surrounding the magical oasis of Huacachina, located just outside of the city of Ica. All lodging, meals, transportation, and group activities for the week are included in the $495 optional 5th week cost.

Qualifications: Experience with children preferred

Cost in US$: $1795 for 4 week program. (+ $495 optional week of travel)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Independently Or in Groups

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American, European and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 14

Scholarships are Available. Need-Based Scholarships.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Peru 109's Mission Statement: Peru 109 is a small, family run organization based in Vermont that leads volunteer programs exclusively in the country of Peru. Co-directors Anne (USA) and Juan Carlos (Peru) designed the Peru 109 trips with the goal of not only facilitating community changes for the better, but also encouraging Peruvians to be active in initiating and maintaining community growth. Peru 109 offers both group and independent volunteer programs throughout the year. Each program is unique in location, project, and community involvement. Regardless of length of stay or location, each Peru 109 trip focuses on a project that both benefits and includes residents of the host community. Host communities currently include neighborhoods in the cities of Cusco, Trujillo, and Chimbote.

Year Founded: 2007