Multi-Project Volunteer at a Peruvian NGO

Volunteering with us on community-based projects will allow you to work in several different fields such as English teaching, environmental awareness, animal welfare, and youth development. All our multi-project volunteers assist at our Recreational and Educational Centre (REC) 1-4 days a week, where our four Huanchaco Education and Learning Programmes (HELP) are run. These projects all focus on providing educational opportunities for children in an informal settlement called Cerrito de la Virgen, and each is dedicated to a different topic: HELP English; HELP Environment; HELP Youth; and HELP Literacy. 

In addition, volunteers may participate in a variety of projects of their choice, including: Global Glow girls' education and empowerment (Spanish speakers only); Homework support sessions; English classes at the library; English classes at the American School in Trujillo; English classes at the María del Socorro primary school; helping out at Huanchaquito dog shelter; playground renovation at Casita de Madera pre-school; assisting with taking inventory at the library. 

This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to work with children while also gaining an insight into the world of NGOs. Also, living in Huanchaco, a small surf town not far from the city of Trujillo, will give you the chance to immerse yourself in another culture and meet lots of new people. As a hands-on role, this position involves much more exposure to the Spanish language than some of our office roles, so it would be a great opportunity for either Spanish-speaking volunteers or those looking to improve their Spanish language skills. 

There is an opportunity here for those with specific skills to take on more responsibility and become a HELP Project Coordinator for either English, Environment, Youth, or Literacy. 

For students, all volunteer positions are available as internships, which is ideal for students looking to complete a year in industry/placement abroad. In this case, you will receive an extra level of mentorship and all appropriate communication with your academic institution to ensure compliance with internship placement requirements. 

Responsibilities:

• Help the Project Coordinators to teach classes at the REC (English, environmental education, youth, and/or Spanish literacy)
• Supervise children during sports, skateboarding, crafts and games.
• Participate in a selection of our partner projects (depending on preference and availability).
• Bring new ideas about how to improve the program and space.
• Attend weekly meetings with your fellow volunteers and coordinator to plan the upcoming activities.

Requirements:

• Age 18+ on arrival
• Some Spanish is desirable but not required*
• Current background check from your home country.
• Experience of teaching or working with children desirable.
• Empathetic, responsible and open-mind personality.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Able to cope with active children.

*If you want to improve your Spanish, we can arrange classes for you in advance (by Skype) or during your stay.

Time commitment

Placements can last from 1-12 months, giving you the flexibility to choose between spending a full year/academic year with us, just one semester, or even a summer internship. This makes our opportunities ideal for students looking to gain professional experience during a year in industry or language-based placement abroad.

Long-term volunteers are preferred, so you have a chance to really get to know the community and get comfortable in your role. 

Generally, 20-25 hours per week, Mon-Fri

What you can expect from us:

• Personal pick-up upon arriving and walking tour through Huanchaco
• Help with organising accommodation for your time in Huanchaco
• A thorough introduction to the organization 
• Certified training in First Aid and Child Safeguarding.
• 2 days holiday per month
• 24/7 emergency support 
• Organized activities (barbeques, game nights, volunteer lunch etc.)
• Certificate of completion detailing your role, the project(s) you participated in and the dates you volunteered in.

A typical day in the role:

The OCN Recreational and Educational Centre (REC) opens from Monday-Wednesday and on Fridays, from 3-5pm. Each day is designated to a different project. Before each session, the project coordinator will meet with the volunteers at the OCN volunteer house to brief you on the lesson plan for the day, delegate roles, and answer any questions. You will then get a mototaxi to the REC together and assist in running the class. During this time you will have plenty of opportunities to play and interact with the children we help and create a bond of trust with them. You will do this 1-4 days a week, depending on the number of volunteers we have at the time and your preferences. 

Each week, there is also a REC meeting hosted at the volunteer house by a member of our management staff, in which HELP project coordinators and volunteers discuss general issues for the REC, such as discipline and attendance, routines, maintenance etc. 

Every Monday morning, you will attend a general OCN meeting at the volunteer house to discuss any relevant updates and activities for the week, contribute ideas and feedback, and plan out the activity schedule for the week. 

The rest of your schedule will depend on which partner projects you work on, as some take place in the mornings and some in the afternoon. 

After work, there is plenty of time to catch one of Huanchaco’s world-famous sunsets from the tranquillity of the beach, or indeed from a surfboard. Then there are various options to fill your evening, socializing with local and other volunteers, sampling the famous Peruvian cuisine, attending talks and cultural events, music, dance, theatre, movies- the list is endless.