Day Center for Abandoned Youth
Peru Volunteer Placement

A non-profit organization working with high-risk street children and adolescents. All funding for the project comes from religious organizations and volunteer donations. The children are offered a structured, educational, formative program with the aim of identifying and relating to individual needs. This home functions under the direction of the Social security and Charity of Cusco. It has a capacity for 50 children and teenagers who are identified as being in a state of material and moral abandonment. The ages of these children vary from 7 and l7 years. They receive attention and education to form them in values and to prepare them for adult life through workshops, lectures and specific training. After these morning sessions, the children attend school. Some typical courses include: woodcarving, tailoring, shoe making.

8am-10am: Participate in the workshops collaborating with the personnel to organize the children and to direct them in work. At this time volunteers can also organize art projects (painting, theater, music) depending on their experince, skills and interests. 10am-12pm: Help the children complete school assignments. At this time volunteers help with their school classes and drills (mathematics, English, etc.). Depending on the experience of the volunteers, they may be to give basic classes of English to the children.

Work Schedule: Varies. Usually 8am-12pm.

Location of Placements: Cusco

Lodging: Shared apartment. Homestay available at extra cost.

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.
• Minimum Spanish level: High-Beginner
• Specific interest in children and be willing to help them
• Some skills or experience in teaching
• Creativity and organizational skills
• A great deal of energy and patience