Overview
The Community Outreach programme sends volunteers to a traditional highland community close to Peru’s Sacred Valley. Volunteers largely serve in an educational capacity working at the village school. In exchange for this contribution you are welcomed by the village who will do their best to introduce you to their way of life.
There are around 95 families in the village, with each family consisting of around 7 people. The mother tongue in this community is Quechua, not Spanish, though Spanish is spoken as a second language. The majority of villagers are subsistence farmers, growing potato and grain. The women also produce traditional woven goods and the men, during the dry season, work as porters for trekking tours.
Volunteers work at the local primary school and kindergarten. The kindergarten is particularly underfunded and in need of support. The primary school has 5 teachers where as there is only one teacher at the kindergarten. The kindergarten teacher receives a stipend of approximately 20% of the average teachers salary, yet works tirelessly to support the future generation. Volunteers assist in teaching a range of subjects from maths, art, sports and English. You will be required to lead the English classes by yourself and you will only be teaching the basics.
Schools close from December to February, as this is the main summer vacation. However, during this period volunteers are encouraged to lead summer classes for the children. We will assist you in organising such a campaign. In the past, these camps have focused on creative learning.
During your time on the Community Outreach programme you not only have the opportunity to assist with educational development but also with agricultural tasks. The villagers begin seeding the land in November when the rain season begins. The harvest period lasts from May to July. Your host family will have farm animals, so if you’re feeling adventurous you can help to milk the cows or feed the chickens! Volunteers interested in learning about traditional weaving skills and natural dyes can join the workshops run by the local women who produce goods to sell at local markets.
An intermediate level of Spanish is essential for this programme as you will live and work in a completely Spanish-speaking environment.
It is important to understand that you may be the only volunteer at the programme although there is a strong chance you will be with other volunteers. The local people will work hard to ensure you are integrated into the community and you can always catch up with other volunteers in Cusco at the weekend.
Spanish Lessons
If you are arriving into Peru with little or no Spanish than it is compulsory for you to enroll in our Spanish Immersion Week in Cusco. This week includes 20 hours of Spanish lessons, accommodation and meals. This gives you a great chance to build your Spanish, not only in the lessons but also by spending time with your host family – which give you the foundation to effectively communicate at your placement and so make a greater impact. It is possible to book multiple Spanish Immersion Weeks if you wish to – something we highly recommend for this programme!
You can add Spanish lessons onto your volunteer programme during the online application process. Please note that the Spanish Immersion Week will extend your overall programme duration by one week. For example, if you apply for a 4-week programme and the Spanish Immersion Week – then your total time in Peru is 5 weeks. You should arrange to arrive into Peru for the start date outlined for your volunteer programme but factor in the additional week/s when working out your finish date.. You will take part in the Spanish Immersion Week prior to starting your volunteer work.
Arrival airport: Velazco Astete Airport (airport code CUZ)
Volunteer role: Assist local teachers, lead your own English classes and join your host family in their daily tasks
Working hours: 08:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday. In the afternoon you can lend a hand to your host family
Transport to the project: Walk
Requirements: Intermediate Spanish, minimum age 18, Criminal Background Check
There are around 95 families in the village, with each family consisting of around 7 people. The mother tongue in this community is Quechua, not Spanish, though Spanish is spoken as a second language. The majority of villagers are subsistence farmers, growing potato and grain. The women also produce traditional woven goods and the men, during the dry season, work as porters for trekking tours.
Volunteers work at the local primary school and kindergarten. The kindergarten is particularly underfunded and in need of support. The primary school has 5 teachers where as there is only one teacher at the kindergarten. The kindergarten teacher receives a stipend of approximately 20% of the average teachers salary, yet works tirelessly to support the future generation. Volunteers assist in teaching a range of subjects from maths, art, sports and English. You will be required to lead the English classes by yourself and you will only be teaching the basics.
Schools close from December to February, as this is the main summer vacation. However, during this period volunteers are encouraged to lead summer classes for the children. We will assist you in organising such a campaign. In the past, these camps have focused on creative learning.
During your time on the Community Outreach programme you not only have the opportunity to assist with educational development but also with agricultural tasks. The villagers begin seeding the land in November when the rain season begins. The harvest period lasts from May to July. Your host family will have farm animals, so if you’re feeling adventurous you can help to milk the cows or feed the chickens! Volunteers interested in learning about traditional weaving skills and natural dyes can join the workshops run by the local women who produce goods to sell at local markets.
An intermediate level of Spanish is essential for this programme as you will live and work in a completely Spanish-speaking environment.
It is important to understand that you may be the only volunteer at the programme although there is a strong chance you will be with other volunteers. The local people will work hard to ensure you are integrated into the community and you can always catch up with other volunteers in Cusco at the weekend.
Spanish Lessons
If you are arriving into Peru with little or no Spanish than it is compulsory for you to enroll in our Spanish Immersion Week in Cusco. This week includes 20 hours of Spanish lessons, accommodation and meals. This gives you a great chance to build your Spanish, not only in the lessons but also by spending time with your host family – which give you the foundation to effectively communicate at your placement and so make a greater impact. It is possible to book multiple Spanish Immersion Weeks if you wish to – something we highly recommend for this programme!
You can add Spanish lessons onto your volunteer programme during the online application process. Please note that the Spanish Immersion Week will extend your overall programme duration by one week. For example, if you apply for a 4-week programme and the Spanish Immersion Week – then your total time in Peru is 5 weeks. You should arrange to arrive into Peru for the start date outlined for your volunteer programme but factor in the additional week/s when working out your finish date.. You will take part in the Spanish Immersion Week prior to starting your volunteer work.
Arrival airport: Velazco Astete Airport (airport code CUZ)
Volunteer role: Assist local teachers, lead your own English classes and join your host family in their daily tasks
Working hours: 08:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday. In the afternoon you can lend a hand to your host family
Transport to the project: Walk
Requirements: Intermediate Spanish, minimum age 18, Criminal Background Check
Itinerary
Please make sure you arrive into Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) on Monday.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrival
Welcome to Peru! Whether you’re flying into Cusco or arriving by bus, our team will be waiting for you at your point of a arrival holding a sign.
We will transfer you to our accommodation where you can get settled and meet fellow volunteers. Our local coordinator will show you around the local area and brief you on what we you have in store in the upcoming days.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Orientation
Your orientation kicks off at 9am at our local office in Cusco. The first part of the day will be spent learning about Peru, its culture, safety issues, transport network and travel opportunities. In the afternoon our team will tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day. Your orientation will finish off with a Spanish lesson.
Our team will also tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day.
* If you are taking part in the Spanish Immersion Week then you will begin your Spanish lessons today.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday) Volunteering
On Wednesday, one of our coordinators will travel with you to Umasbamba. On arrival, we will take you to your host family so you can unpack your bags and say hello. After you have had a chance to settle in, we will take you on a walking tour of the village and take you to the school so you can meet the children and teachers you will be working with.
Our local coordinator will then also explain to you about local transport and where to find the amenities you may require. We’ll also provide you with a Peruvian SIM card so you are contactable at all times.
Your first official day of volunteering will be Thursday. The local teachers will have already created a schedule for you. Everything may all seem a little overwhelming at first, but it won’t be long before you fall in love with the place. The simplicity of life in Umasbamba is so refreshing that it will definitely provide you with memories for a lifetime.
Day 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday) Weekend!
What to do for the weekend? Well, the choices are endless. Whether you want to trek up to Machu Picchu, take a tour of the Sacred Valley or soak up some culture in Cusco – you will not be short of things to do!
Our local team can help you arrange any independent travel you wish to take part in.
The following weeks
Your volunteer week is Monday to Friday. It is important that you remain committed and give it your all. Our local team are never far away so if you need any help they are on-hand!
Last day (Sunday)
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The Sunday of your final week is your last day in Peru.
Whatever you plan to do next, our coordinators can assist you with transport arrangements.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrival
Welcome to Peru! Whether you’re flying into Cusco or arriving by bus, our team will be waiting for you at your point of a arrival holding a sign.
We will transfer you to our accommodation where you can get settled and meet fellow volunteers. Our local coordinator will show you around the local area and brief you on what we you have in store in the upcoming days.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Orientation
Your orientation kicks off at 9am at our local office in Cusco. The first part of the day will be spent learning about Peru, its culture, safety issues, transport network and travel opportunities. In the afternoon our team will tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day. Your orientation will finish off with a Spanish lesson.
Our team will also tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day.
* If you are taking part in the Spanish Immersion Week then you will begin your Spanish lessons today.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday) Volunteering
On Wednesday, one of our coordinators will travel with you to Umasbamba. On arrival, we will take you to your host family so you can unpack your bags and say hello. After you have had a chance to settle in, we will take you on a walking tour of the village and take you to the school so you can meet the children and teachers you will be working with.
Our local coordinator will then also explain to you about local transport and where to find the amenities you may require. We’ll also provide you with a Peruvian SIM card so you are contactable at all times.
Your first official day of volunteering will be Thursday. The local teachers will have already created a schedule for you. Everything may all seem a little overwhelming at first, but it won’t be long before you fall in love with the place. The simplicity of life in Umasbamba is so refreshing that it will definitely provide you with memories for a lifetime.
Day 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday) Weekend!
What to do for the weekend? Well, the choices are endless. Whether you want to trek up to Machu Picchu, take a tour of the Sacred Valley or soak up some culture in Cusco – you will not be short of things to do!
Our local team can help you arrange any independent travel you wish to take part in.
The following weeks
Your volunteer week is Monday to Friday. It is important that you remain committed and give it your all. Our local team are never far away so if you need any help they are on-hand!
Last day (Sunday)
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The Sunday of your final week is your last day in Peru.
Whatever you plan to do next, our coordinators can assist you with transport arrangements.
Accommodation and Meals
Host family
Throughout your time in the Sacred Valley you will live with a local family in the village of Umasbamba. The homes are extremely rustic due to the remote setting of this project but they are clean and comfortable. Volunteers have their own room but share their living space and bathroom with the family and other volunteers. Bathrooms are basic but have western toilets and shower facilities. Rooms have an electricity point but there is no Internet in the entire village. You can find Internet cafes in Chinchero, which is approximately 20 minutes from Umasbamba. Please be prepared to do your laundry by hand.
Most families have farm animals so if you fancy taking on some farming duties then you can. Your host family will speak Spanish but not English. Families are extremely welcoming and enthusiastic to teach you about their way of life. Although your dwellings may be simple you surroundings are absolutely wonderful and the sense of community within Umasbamba is great.
Meals
Breakfast is usually light, and lunch is the primary meal. A typical almuerzo (lunch) may include soup and a second course of chicken or beef with rice and potatoes. Stews are also a common dish within the community.
Most meals consist of rice and potatoes – and are always traditional Peruvian dishes. Worry not, you can always grab some western food at the weekend!
* Please inform us in your application if you have a preference of accommodation type and any dietary requirements. Couples, families and older volunteers will be accommodated to suit their needs.
Throughout your time in the Sacred Valley you will live with a local family in the village of Umasbamba. The homes are extremely rustic due to the remote setting of this project but they are clean and comfortable. Volunteers have their own room but share their living space and bathroom with the family and other volunteers. Bathrooms are basic but have western toilets and shower facilities. Rooms have an electricity point but there is no Internet in the entire village. You can find Internet cafes in Chinchero, which is approximately 20 minutes from Umasbamba. Please be prepared to do your laundry by hand.
Most families have farm animals so if you fancy taking on some farming duties then you can. Your host family will speak Spanish but not English. Families are extremely welcoming and enthusiastic to teach you about their way of life. Although your dwellings may be simple you surroundings are absolutely wonderful and the sense of community within Umasbamba is great.
Meals
Breakfast is usually light, and lunch is the primary meal. A typical almuerzo (lunch) may include soup and a second course of chicken or beef with rice and potatoes. Stews are also a common dish within the community.
Most meals consist of rice and potatoes – and are always traditional Peruvian dishes. Worry not, you can always grab some western food at the weekend!
* Please inform us in your application if you have a preference of accommodation type and any dietary requirements. Couples, families and older volunteers will be accommodated to suit their needs.
Volunteer Fees
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What's Included?
- Accommodation - Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat) - Airport pick up - In-country orientation - 24 hour in-country support Registration Fee: - 24 hour UK based support - Volunteer Handbook - 100% Financial Protection - Regular programme inspection |
What's Not Included?
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sun) - Flights (£600-£800) - Insurance (£12 per week) - Return airport transfer (£20) - Visa (Free) - Criminal Background Check (£25) |