Possible fields of interest include social work, education, cultural work, catering or construction. While most of the volunteer projects take place in the city, there are also projects out of the city.

Volunteers may choose to work in the following areas:

Many children come from families in extreme poverty, the majority live without the protection of parents or society.  They have abandoned school, family and are developing antisocial behavior and losing their values. There is an urgent need to help them recover it. There are many different childcare placements available in Cusco, where the volunteers assist the children with their homework, organise educational activities and provide the children with love and attention.

Volunteers can work at orphanages, homes for abused children, daycares for babies, community centers and working with street children at shelters. A minimum of 2 hours work per day is required, from Monday to Friday and there is also a minimum time of 3 weeks of participation required. If you have an area which you are particularly interested in please let us know, although it will depend on availability as to which project you will be placed.

Healthcare:

The children who are here, have some type of mental backwardness or disabilities, in the performance of their natural functions.  There are two options for this program: the first is to work at a clinic for mentally and physically disabled children. The second one is work assisting children with mentally and physically problems.  This project does not require any qualification or experience. Offering them affection and giving them attention can speed up the recovery process.

Volunteers essentially help to look after the children, organizing activities and helping at meal times. This project is for pre-med students (with relevant first aid or experience working in a clinic or hospital), med students or qualified nurses or doctors. Volunteers for these projects require at least basic Spanish as the staff they will work with have limited English.

At the end of this program you will receive a certificate for volunteer work showing the responsibilities held, the hours worked, and the length of service.  However, the most important thing is that you found the satisfaction to help children who need your support.

At construction projects volunteers assist with construction and/or renovation usually at a childcare project that will be of much benefit to children who need a place where could develop their skills. Construction projects are mostly near the Cusco City.

In those volunteer jobs there exist many activities to be involved in, from drawing, painting, reading, writing, doing some handicrafts with them, teaching some English words, teaching kids how to do such things as sing, wash them selves, cook, sew, weave, organizing recreational activities, etc.

Please remember that Volunteering-Peru is a non-profit organization that does not receive government funding or private donations. All fees paid by volunteers are used to cover administrative and development costs, etc. We strive to keep these fees as low as practical to enable more people to actively participate