Volunteer with Kiya Survivors and Make a Difference among Children in Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Sacred Valley of the Incas,  Urubamba,  Los Organos

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Trips going out every month in 2009

Description: Help us give the invisible children of Peru back their voice by volunteering TODAY! There are many ways to help make change happen, the best way is through YOU, your smiles, your skills, your love!

Children with special needs are often seen as a curse from God in Peru and as a result, are hidden away, neglected and often abused due to fear and misunderstanding.

The Kiya Volunteer Program began in September 2001 with the aim of providing our centres and residential homes for children with special needs, abused and abandoned.
We also do our best to give the hands on help required to ensure that the children we care for receive the attention and support that they need. There are over a hundred children that need your love and attention.

Volunteer Program
We run basic, standard and full programs ranging from 4 weeks-6 months, beginning at various dates throughout the year, depending on the project.

New projects start all the time. There are lot of opportunities for individuals to make a real difference.

All volunteer programs include a 3-day training session before starting their program, either in Brighton, in the UK or in Lima, Peru if the participant is a non-UK resident. The training program includes:
* Accommodation
* Breakfast and lunch
* Teacher/therapist shadowing
* Experience hands-on at a special needs school
* Series of talks to help prepare you for your trip

Upon arrival at the training session, you will also be presented with a comprehensive training pack which provides essential information for the work you will be doing with the children in Peru. The training program activities includes:
* Getting introduced to help volunteers prepare for the work they will be doing abroad
* Meet other volunteers who will be on the program
* Learn more about Kiya
* Meet UK staff and past volunteers and talk through any concerns
* Ask tricky questions and learn more about your experience to be
* Receive on-site training at the projects
* Be supervised throughout their program by one of our Coordinators

Our aim is to ensure that you feel secure, are fully prepared to get stuck in at the projects and make the most of your talents!

Whichever program you decide to join, we guarantee that you will be well looked after as part of a very special team. The work is demanding and can even be frustrating and upsetting at times, but remember, you will be making a difference to these children's lives. Enjoy your time in Peru and your learning experiences.

Give a little, Change a life!

To apply for a volunteer placement, please either complete the application form and send it to us by post or fax or contact us for more details.

Highlights:

* Volunteering with Kiya Survivors will offer you the opportunity to not only travel to Peru and see some of the most spectacular and stunning sites in the world, such as Machu Picchu, the lost Inca city, but will be a life-long rewarding experience, knowing that you have made a genuine 'hands on' difference to people's lives.

* The children and staff benefit extensively from interacting with volunteers and sharing ideas and knowledge.

* You're safe in the knowledge that the money you pay for your trip goes directly to the charity and not a penny is wasted.

* Kiya is a registered charity, not a volunteer organisation and only takes small groups of up to 16 volunteers at any one time, every volunteer is treated as unique and receive relevant training before embarking on their journey.

* You'll get one to one support throughout your application process and during your stay in Peru from one of the Kiya Coordinators.

* You'll make life long friends from the volunteer program, the staff and the kids.

Qualifications: Volunteers range in age, experience and background. For some placements, it is beneficial to have some experience with special-needs children, including those with autism, Down's syndrome, learning difficulties or behavioral problems.

It is also an advantage if volunteers speak basic Spanish or can learn Spanish quickly.

Cost in US$: Between $1,000 and $6,000

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: You must have a passion for the cause, be friendly and willing to work hands on. The programme can be mentally demanding and challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Age Range: 18 upwards

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kiya Survivors's Mission Statement: Kiya aims to offer special-needs children living in poverty, abused and abandoned children throughout Peru a proper education and the love and support they deserve.

Year Founded: 2001