Experience two amazing volunteer opportunities Peru Program Book
the children were extremely sweet and happy to see us... I m just glad I could have been a part of this experience and at least in part responsible for the happiness of these incredibly cute kids. Philip WHY VOLUNTEER IN PERU? 55% of rural Peruvians live in poverty. 78% indigenous children (who make up 45% of the population) live in poverty, with limited access to basic amenities and education A third of all rural children suffer chronic malnutrition. Almost 20% of people do not speak Spanish, and therefore cannot access education, which is in Spanish.
CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Yes! Every person has the ability to make a difference, and this is your opportunity to reach out and help! Between 2011-2013 volunteers with Reach Out Volunteers have been able to build 3 créches for over 200 children, with classrooms, play equipment, running water, toilets and sustainable vegetable gardens. Volunteers have also been working with an impoverished community, building sustainable greenhouses so that children have access to nutritious food. From créches to greenhouses, from new food sources to supplies of clean water and medications, each of our activities has made a real difference.
I definitely felt like we made a huge impact on the Community. The words they spoke to us after we had finished were of the utmost gratitude and happiness. They said they now had hope that other dreams may come true and that their children would grow up healthy and strong. I think the greenhouses will help to provide nourishment to all members of the community which is huge because without your health you really have nothing. Noelle WHERE IN PERU WILL I BE? Your first day is in Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Situated in the Urubamba Valley of the Andes Mountains, it is 3,400 metres above sea level. You will stay in Barrio de San Blas, a picturesque area of artisans, workshops and craft shops. Its streets are steep and narrow with old houses built by the Spanish over Inca foundations, including a parish church built in 1563. On the following day you will travel outside of Cusco and a few kilometres up the Urubamba valley to the village we are working in. This is where you will be living for the next six days. At the end of the first week you will say farewell to the villagers you have worked with and to Ollantaytambo to commence your journey to the indescribable Machu Picchu. Your last two days are spent in and around Cusco getting to know the city and its many attractions.
I believe that we made a worthwhile contribution to the community. The greenhouses that we made will be used for many years to come. Mitchell WHAT WILL I BE DOING? Week 1: After spending a day in Cusco seeing the sights, you ll be setting off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas! You ll stop in the beautiful Andean town of Chinchero, overlooking the Sacred Valley. You ll be visiting indigenous families and learning about Inca textiles, before continuing on to the community to meet the families you will be working alongside for the next week. There will also be the opportunity for a cooking class on return to Urubamba, before getting immersed in the project work the following day. You will stay in the small town of Urubamba, beside a river by the beautiful snow-capped mountain Ch iqun, approximately an hour from Cusco. You will travel further to a small community where you will be working to build greenhouses. This is an area where indigenous Quechan is still spoken. The village is very remote and not often visited by tourists. People in these indigenous communities do not have the same opportunities as elsewhere in Peru and must access education in Spanish, which is not their native language. You ll also get the chance to partake in a homestay at the community to really experience traditional Quechan life!
I definitely feel that we made a worthwhile contribution. The locals were so grateful and I think the greenhouses will benefit the families immensely. Beth Week 2: Machu Picchu & Sun Gate hike Your second week on program will be full of adventure as you take on zip lining and mountain biking through the Sacred Valley! You will also have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous destinations in the world: Machu Picchu, the mysterious Lost City of the Incas, now a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. On the first visit to Machu Picchu, you will be able to hike up to Intipunku (Sun Gate) to observe the panoramic view over Machu Picchu at sunset. After observing this breath taking view you will begin a hike back down to the main city of Machu Picchu Inca City, before continuing down the hill to Machu Picchu town. The next day you will take a bus trip back to Machu Picchu to take part in a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas. There will also be time for you to explore this stunning place at your own pace.
I enjoyed the great people I met, the scenery, and the smiles on the kids faces Deighna ACTIVITIES As well as mountain biking through the Sacred Valley and visit to Machu Picchu, during your stay in the Andes you will become immersed in the local culture, and will learn to cook Peruvian traditional dishes as well as salsa dancing. You will also be tutored in Spanish, having the opportunity to wander the historic lanes and markets of Cusco learning your way around the town and practicing! There is a lot to see during your stay in Cusco, including the vibrant San Pedro Market, the ancient Inca city walls around Plaza de Armas, the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and a number of museums, such as the Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha and Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco.
I would tell them to do it. The opportunities available with ROV are fantastic and they are organised professionally. Plus you get to meet some great people and do some genuine good for the community. Beth PAST EXPERIENCES & BLOGS Want to know what your life will be like in Peru? Check out current and past blogs to find out how a Peruvian Adventure Program operates. When it s 9 a.m. in Sydney, it s 5p.m. in Cusco (yesterday)! Communication with home can be tricky but that s where the ROV blogs can fill the void: we provide daily updates with snippets of news and lots of photos! The blogs are updated daily while you re in Peru so your friends and family can see what you re up to. All they need to do is go to www.rovolunteers.com and choose your program (Volunteer Peru: Peruvian Adventure) and click on the Live from Peru tab (on the far right).
THE PEOPLE AND LOCATION Peru is a country of amazing cultural, geographic and demographic diversity. Peru extends from the dry and arid plains of the Pacific coast to the snow capped Andes in the east. In between are high, dry deserts, lush tropical forests in the Amazon Basin, alpine pine forests, glaciers, as well as warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. The country also has an ancient indigenous culture. A large proportion of the population in the Andean highlands still speak Quechua or Aymara, and follow vibrant cultural traditions dating back to the Inca Empire. They are also heirs to what has been called the most advanced agricultural civilization in the world. Over thousands of years indigenous Peruvians developed many crops such as the protein-rich super-food quinoa, and used selective breeding to develop small wild tubers into the potato we now take for granted. In fact the introduction of potatoes into Europe from Peru is believed to have led to a 65% of the increase in Western Europe s population after 1700! You might not be here today if Peruvians hadn t been so good at developing crops.
Words cannot even describe the things we experienced on this program. For many of us, it was the adventure of a lifetime. It is something that few get the chance to experience. From the heart- breaking smiles on the children s faces to the unforgettable bonds made among our team members, it is just incredible. Becoming a part of Reach Out Volunteers not only changed the lives of those we helped, but it changed each one of ours in some way or another. It is an opportunity that just keeps giving. Shakeirah Peru s population includes indigenous people, people of mixed heritage; Europeans, Africans, and Asians. Most people speak Spanish as their first language, although around 150 indigenous languages continue to be spoken. Quecha is the most prevalent, spoken by 4 million Peruvians, and as many others in neighbouring countries. Despite a booming economy, almost all the wealth is in the hands of the European and mixed European population, while the indigenous people who still make up almost half of the population continue to live in poverty.
The program was absolutely amazing! I met people I d never have the chance to meet without ROV, I saw places and learned things I d never have been able to see/learn on my own. Noelle LANGUAGE You ll have the chance to learn Spanish on your program, but here are few words in Quechan to get you started! hello: rimaykullayki how are you?: allillanchu? I m good!: allillanmi thanks!: solpayki what s your name?: ima sutiiki? my name is...: sutiymi see you later!: tupananchicama
GETTING READY Weather The weather in Cusco and surrounding areas is generally sunny and dry with the average daytime temperature being 21ºC. (70ºF). Mornings and evenings can be chilly sometimes reaching as low as -1ºC (30ºC) so make sure you bring something warm to wear! What to bring Think about your favourite clothes, shoes and handbags and then discard those thoughts! Think practical, comfortable, and easy to wash. Think work clothes, work gloves, hats and sunscreen. Your program will involve lots of hard, practical work, and you won t require precious garments or flashy jewellery. It s about sun protection, easy wear, and no hassle. This information is also located within your Get Ready page, located on your Volunteer Launchpad. Flights For flight and airport information don t forget to check your Get Ready page which will be available when you pay your deposit. Visas Citizens of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US do not need visas. If you are not a citizen of these countries please check the website of your nearest Peruvian embassy. Insurance Although our programs are safe, take the stress out of your trip by making sure you are fully covered for any unexpected health or travel problems that might arise, including cover for emergency flights and hospital visits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can you wear singlets (tank tops) shorts, bikinis? It s too cold! Can we bring toys, sweets / candies and other small gifts? Yes! Do we need bedding? No! Do we need vaccinations? Ask your doctor Do we need to arrange transport for departing flights? No! Can I bring a suitcase? We recommend a backpack Do I need insurance? Yes! What things / clothing should I bring with me to donate in the village? Children s clothes and shoes. Early childhood-development and educational materials such as books, crayons, and pencils. Sports equipment. Running shoes and clothes. Isn t Peru is dangerous? We stay in small towns and rural areas, and look after volunteers throughout their stay. Will I be met at the airport? We will collect you on the day you arrive, and drop you off at the airport on the day of departure. Will I have electricity / adaptors? Not all the time, but often enough to charge your cameras, phones and ipods. Will there be big insects / dangerous animals? There are insects, but if you use repellent they shouldn t be a problem.
It was the best trip I ever went on and I was sad to leave. I would tell people they can have the time of their life while helping a community that needs it. Patty FUNDRAISING Because of volunteers like you, we can provide employment for local tradespeople, medication for children, materials for building projects, donations for anti-poaching activities, and money for local infrastructure (accommodation providers, activities, transport, etc.). Every cent helps the local people. We need your help to make a difference. Many volunteers fundraise for their Reach Out Volunteer program. That means not one cent has come out of their pocket. Your fundraising materials will be available to you once you have paid your deposit or uploaded your priority code to your profile. We also like using crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe be sure to embed Reach Out videos and links to our website to give people an idea of what they re contributing to. People will want to help you help others: all you have to do is put yourself out there!
The program is unlike any other. It incorporates the true objective of volunteering peppered with a whole lot of laughter, fun, teamwork and building strong relationships between what used to be strangers, into becoming solid friends that shared the great opportunity of lending a hand (or many hands!) to making a difference. I did not leave Peru as an unchanged person. I brought back with me a sense of happiness, fulfilment and a better me! Shakeirah SAFETY Every aspect of your program has safety as its highest priority. We organise your program from start to finish. If you arrive at the airport on the day the program commences, there will be a Reach Out Volunteer representative to meet you. The Reach Out Volunteer team leader will be with your group for the entire duration of the program and will be available 24/7 to help in any situation. You will be living in a shared, same-sex room (whenever it is available), in clean, hygienic, and safe accommodations. You will have constant access to safe drinking water. If you choose an extension, Reach Out Volunteers will provide on ground transportation to the next program location, where a Reach Out Volunteer representative will meet you.
I would tell a friend not to be scared about traveling to a foreign country alone, that traveling with ROV is worth every cent because the feeling of helping is priceless. Diego READY TO JOIN? If you haven t already applied for the program, you can do so through our website: www.rovolunteers.com/volunteer_programs.htm Once you have been accepted, you will need to pay the deposit to confirm your place. We re waiting to welcome you to our team! 2014 Reach Out Volunteers Pty Ltd