Quick Facts
Program code
PE-VOL108
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work, Community Work
Country
Peru
Location
Cusco
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
4 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
On the one hand, Cusco is a stronghold for tourists from all over the world, as the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu is not far away and Cusco itself has a World Heritage status as a colonial city and the former capital of the Inca empire. Unfortunately, it is also one of the Peruvian cities with the highest rate of violence against women. Many Peruvian women experience (domestic) violence during their lifetime. As a result, many women and young mothers with their children seek help at NGOs. They look for a safe shelter, food, physiologic attention, and the opportunity to restart and get back on their feet. Our volunteer project offer women protection and a new perspective for their lives. The women are taught and encouraged that they don’t have to depend on others to care for themselves and their children. This is done by freeing them from their condition of fear and dependence. The women are also equipped with skills through training and further education that will enable them to build their new life.
The women often come to the organization with their young children. The team works hard to provide them with life that helps them experience affection, develop loving behaviors, and learn skills that will help them later in life. The primary goal is that the vicious cycle of domestic violence does not repeat itself and that the children can lead a better life. While the children are supervised, the women go to work, pursue their education, and attend workshops.
In this project you can get socially involved, where every helping hand is really needed. If you are an empathetic, patient, psychologically stable person and also fond of children, this project is the right one for you. Here you can encourage people who have lived traumatic experiences and help them start a new life.
Tasks
At this volunteer project, you will have the opportunity to support the employees in many ways. If you have special skills in any area, like IT, handcraft, teaching, childcare, social work, etc. please let the team know. You will receive your exact work assignments upon your arrival.
Among others, tasks may include:
- Supporting the team within different tasks in the facilities
- Helping the children with their homework
- Organizing workshops for the women
- Listening to the women
- Teaching basic subjects, such as reading, writing, math to the women and/or children
- Helping prepare meals in the kitchen
- Organizing/playing games and sports with the children
- Supervising and monitoring the children
It is important that you are aware that working in the women's shelter can be emotionally challenging at times. It is also essential that you are open and communicate with your colleagues so that you can quickly get involved and become part of the team.
This volunteer project in Cusco is very diverse and you will be able to learn and take a lot with you as a volunteer. It is important that you are aware that working in a women's shelter can be psychologically stressful. Be open and communicate so that you can settle in quickly and become part of the team. We are sure that you will experience a live-changing time.
This volunteer program can be combined with a Spanish course in Cusco in the morning.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
It is very important for the success of your volunteer work that you feel comfortable during your stay in Peru. We therefore offer you two different accommodation options to choose from. All our accommodations are carefully selected.
Homestay
Accommodation in a single room in a Peruvian homestay includes breakfast & dinner allowing you to get to know the local cuisine and immerse yourself in everyday life. In addition, living together with the hosts gives you the opportunity to get to know the warmth of the Peruvian people, their habits and their culture. You can also share your experiences with them and continuously improve your language skills.
Residence
For volunteers who prefer to live with other volunteers or Spanish students from all over the world, we offer single rooms in a residence. The bathrooms are always shared. No meals are included, but there is a kitchen for self-catering. Internet is available.
Location
The city is known worldwide as a starting point for adventurous hikes on the Inca Trail and for the trip to the famous Inca city and World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.
As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is itself a World Heritage Site and in the 13th century it had already reached a size much larger than all other Inca settlements. The history of the city is very eventful and legendary - traces of it can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Today's very pretty cityscape is shaped by the colonial architecture, but there also are impressive remains from the Inca period, such as the legendary seamless walls that can be found everywhere. You can get a deep insight into the city's history in several museums.
Cusco is a lot in one: tourist magnet, starting point for adventures to Machu Picchu and surroundings, as well as a beautiful modern city in a spectacular scenery - you will be amazed!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Peru, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Peru directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Peru!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Please submit a police certificate of good conduct
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Peru located in Cusco.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in the Women's Shelter in Peru includes:
- Single room in Homestay with breakfast & dinner*
- Single room in Homestay/Residence (no meals)**
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Note:
a) Volunteers are requested to contribute US$ 150 in goods directly to the Women Refuge once they are in Peru.
b) There is a US$ 30/week surcharge for special food requirements (vegan, celiac, gluten free).
Costs when living in a homestay*
(single room, breakfast & dinner)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 1,200 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 200
Costs when living in a homestay/residence**
(single room, no meals)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 1,080 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Cusco US$ 30
- Spanish course in Peru
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!