Our program offers you the possibility to contribute to our Andean society and experience the diversity of our culture, working and learning in our beautiful city Cusco and at the same time improving your local language skills: Spanish.
ABOUT US
Corazón de los Apus is a non-profit organization that works with families living in extreme poverty in Cusco, Peru. We believe that in order to change the mentality of any group of people, you have to start at the base – with the children. Thefore, we mainly work with the children and try to give them a better future. The goal is to bring awareness to the children, that they can break through social boundaries and live a better life. Most importantly, we hope to help them gain personal values like love and respect for themselves and others, to be able to lead happy and healthy lives with more opportunities for a brighter future. This includes our focus on the importance of school, knowledge and education.by providing education, food, and a safe and loving environment for personal growth annd fun.
HOW DO WE DO IT? HOW ARE WE ORGANIZED?
We are open Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5 or 5:30 p.m. to provide...
- ...help with school homework.
- ...teach English.
- ...conduct sports and recreational activities.
- ...practice soft skills (e.g., conflict management, creativity, equal rights).
- ...give love.
- ...have fun.
- ...share personal talents (e.g., music, dance, yoga, art, theater, etc).
The volunteers' task is usually to prepare and teach the classes. However, we are flexible and always open to making adjustments. Volunteers are always welcome to contribute ideas for classes or activities. Tasks can also be adapted to their skills and preferences. We love designing the program together and strive to make volunteering as enjoyable as possible.
LOCALITATION
The main project is located in the district of San Jerónimo, a suburb of Cusco. It is a very cultural and safe area, and all the local residents are friendly and helpful. We also work closely with other projects located in the same area.
The bus ride from our host families' homes to the project takes between 30 and 45 minutes, the bus ticket costs EUR 0.25 (1 Peruvian sol).
There is always a local project coordinator present to accompany and guide the volunteers, even on the project. This means that volunteers always have a contact person on-site.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS
- We expect volunteers to be committed, respectful, and sensitive to the reality of the children we work with. It is essential that they have an empathetic, open, and collaborative attitude, that they are flexible and adaptable, but above all, that they enjoy working with children. We highly value responsibility, initiative, punctuality, and motivation to work as a team, as the well-being of the children depends on the caring and consistency of everyone involved in the project.
- How as an organization, we offer a safe, respectful, and organized environment where you can carry out your work with clarity and support. We will provide a preliminary orientation, necessary materials, and ongoing support throughout your volunteer experience. Our team will be available to guide you, answer questions, and ensure that your experience is positive, enriching, and aligned with our mission.
- No special equipment is required. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for working with children, and that you bring your best attitude and willingness to support with daily activities and prepare materials for working with children.
- Our top priority is that the children and volunteers feel comfortable and happy.
