Threads of Peru (TOP) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (ngo) registered in Cusco, Peru. The founding members represent the countries of Canada, Australia, and Peru. TOP has been created to educate the world about the unique beauty and cultural significance of the Andean people and their textile traditions. Through the web, community tours, and international sales, we connect indigenous Andean weavers of Peru to a global market; contributing to the survival of this art form and to the health and well-being of the people that sustain it.
Threads of Peru works with indigenous women weavers in the remote communities of Rumira Sondormayo, Chaullacocha, and Chupani.
http://www.threadsofperu.com/weaving-culture/communities/
"Fair Trade and/or Eco Certification Specialist"
This position is for someone who has a passion for fair trade and/or environmentally sustainable practices, and experience in helping organisations to become "certifed" in this field.
There are a multitude of "fair trade" and "eco-travel" certifcations available on an international level. Meeting the requirements is a very different matter.
We are looking for someone who has an interest in these fields to research the possibilities available, and then assist the NGO Threads of Peru/ and or the travel agency Apus Peru to meet these certifications. Your work could also be used by other 'fair trade' weaving organisations in Peru, with which we have good relationships.
This position could be started, via research, from the exterior (ie outside Peru) but would involve visiting Peru (for at least one month) to evaluate the systems in place and how they could fit into certifications designed for 'developed' countries.
This is a position for someone with experience in development and or/ certification/ organisations for standardization (ISO).
Amount of time for volunteering is open - this is not a simple project and may involve research time in your home country, as well as time in Peru.
Proposals for projects are open.
***If you are interested in any of our volunteer positions please contact Ariana Svenson at
ariana@threadsofperu.com to discuss which position you are interested in. If the position is open, you will be given an *application form*, which you will fill out online and sumbit for approval.***
Volunteer cost:
Threads of Peru charges a fee of $50 per week for most volunteer placements. NOTE: This fee does not include accommodations & living expenses - please refer to our website for detailed information on expenses.
http://www.threadsofperu.com/get-involved/volunteer/
Please contact us about group rates. While we realize that you will be contributing your time and knowledge, we are a small organization, and it takes people, time, and effort to provide you with amble and valuable support for your volunteer position.
In exchange for this fee we will provide:
- Airport pickup (if required)
- Initial meeting with Director of Threads of Peru designed to give an overview of company, projects, and briefing on cultural norms in Peru.
- Volunteer Information package on arrival.
- Assistance in locating appropriate accommodation.
- Assistance in locating discounted Spanish classes.
- All costs covered in regards to making field trips with ToP.
- Personalised reference.
- 1-2 weekly meetings with the appropriate staff, to discuss the direction of your project.
Volunteer types:
In all cases, we are looking for self directed, independent volunteers who will be comfortable working unsupervised and only partially directed in a foreign environment. As each of the positions includes visits to remote communities, you should have reasonable physical fitness and be prepared to camp (or stay in people's very basic houses) at high altitude, in cold and harsh conditions.
Note: If you have an idea for a volunteer placement, project or study please contact us with a proposal. If your project proposal is in line with our goals, we'll gladly organize your efforts.
