Organisation

This private project was designed by a Spanish person, Nieves, who raises funds at different organizations. It’s a home for mentally handicapped children. There are 2 buildings and each of them can lodge 20 boys and 20 girls. The home is situated in a suburb of Cusco. The children are 3 through 15 years of age. In the morning the children go to special education. The boys often can’t read or write. Two girls are deaf. The aim is to give these children safe shelter, food and adjusted education. There is also a kindergarten for the children. Here are around 9 children in the age group of 4 through 8 years. 18 employees are attached to the institute, among which a psychologist, social worker, special education teacher, nurse and caregivers.

Project activities

From 14.00 until 19.00 hours the volunteers help the children with skills like dressing, eating, personal hygiene, their school tasks.  Besides they can undertake creative activities with them. There is no rigid structure. Volunteers have to discuss a lot with each other in order to organize several activities. There’s room for 2 volunteers at the boys group, 2 volunteers at the girls group, and 1 volunteer at the Kindergarten.

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• 21 years or older
• Independent / pro-active
• Solid
• Speak Spanish well
• Positive attitude
• Motivated
• Flexible
• This is a heavy project. Training and/or experience with this group is recommended.

Accommodation and living environment

• Guest family who has experience with long term stay.  Costs $81 per week for SIW volunteers, 3 meals a day included.
• Or you can share an apartment with 1 – 2 other people. You then have your own room and share the shower, toilet and kitchen. Costs $175 per month including guess, water and light.
• Combination of first in a family and later in an apartment is possible.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year. You work throughout five days a week. The working hours are to be determined, usually from 14:00 until 19:00 hrs. During the holiday period from December until March, more people are needed to also undertake activities in the morning.

Local costs

• Cf. Accommodation.