Our program offers you the possibility to contribute to our Andean society and experience the diversity of our culture, working and learning in our beautiful city Cusco and at the same time improving your local language skills: Spanish.
ABOUT US
Corazón de los Apus is a nonprofit organization that works with families living in extreme poverty in various disadvantaged communities in Cusco, Peru. We believe that in order to change the mindset of any group of people, you have to start at the bottom: with children. That is why we work primarily with them and seek to provide them with a better future. The goal is to make them aware that they can overcome social barriers and live a better life. Most importantly, we hope to help them develop personal values such as love and respect for themselves and others, so that they can lead happy and healthy lives with more opportunities for a better future. This includes our focus on the importance of school, knowledge, and education, providing them with education, food, and a safe and loving environment for their personal growth and enjoyment.
ENGLISH PROGRAM
Given that our country, especially Cusco, is very touristy, it is essential to learn languages to generate more job opportunities for our children and maximize the impact on disadvantaged communities and the local population, mainly through teaching English. However, learning more languages would improve the situation of our children and raise their level. In recent years, classes in German, French, Italian, Dutch, and other languages have also been offered, so we are happy and grateful for the excellent work done by many of our volunteers.
Our program is usually held in the afternoons at our headquarters and at sister projects in different communities. However, it can also be done in the mornings by participating as language assistants, providing support to local public school teachers, with whom we work together to promote and strengthen the quality of education in our community.
HOW DO WE DO IT? HOW ARE WE ORGANIZED?
Our volunteer teachers have the opportunity to:
- Create and plan lessons for their class in advance.
- You can also prepare their materials ahead of time.
- Feel free to create recreational activities inside or outside the classroom for effective and enjoyable teaching.
- To facilitate teaching, we divide the children into different age groups, with each group having a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.
- The number of children varies, as many of them help their parents by working in the market, in agriculture, etc., but there are always children, with a minimum of 30 participating each day.
- If you teach at a school, the groups are larger, but you will be supported by the teacher in charge.
- Be part of the support and work with the children in each social project and public school by participating in their activities, playing, and spending quality time with them.
- Teaching programs may vary, as they depend on various factors, such as the number of volunteers and children, weather conditions, or the specific needs of each project. Therefore, it is important not to have rigid expectations, but to maintain a flexible and adaptable attitude. The presence of volunteers is essential to respond adequately to the needs of each initiative.
- If you wish, you can freely share your hobbies or personal talents to connect with the children. They love it and deeply appreciate it when what is shared is done with love, dedication, and affection.
The volunteers' task is usually to prepare and teach the classes. However, we are flexible and always open to making adjustments. Volunteers are always welcome to contribute ideas for classes or activities. Tasks can also be adapted to their skills and preferences. We love designing the program together and strive to make volunteering as enjoyable as possible. Lastly, we also have several volunteer options and projects where you can lend your support, whether it be working with children aged 3 to 14, animal shelters, or wildlife rescue and conservation centers.
RECOMMENDATION
Although it is not a specific requirement, to get the most out of this teaching program, we recommend taking at least one to two weeks of Spanish classes with us. This will help you gain confidence and have a much more enriching experience.
If you know little or no Spanish, don't worry; for us, the most important thing is your motivation and commitment :)
LOCALITATION
The main project is located in the district of San Jerónimo, a suburb of Cusco. It is a very cultural and safe area, and all the local residents are friendly and helpful. We also work closely with other projects located in the same area.
The bus ride from our host families' homes to the project takes between 30 and 45 minutes, the bus ticket costs EUR 0.25 (1 Peruvian sol).
There is always a local project coordinator present to accompany and guide the volunteers, even on the project. This means that volunteers always have a contact person on-site.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS
- We expect volunteers to be committed, respectful, and sensitive to the reality of the children we work with. It is essential that they have an empathetic, open, and collaborative attitude, that they are flexible and adaptable, but above all, that they enjoy working with children. We highly value responsibility, initiative, punctuality, and motivation to work as a team, as the well-being of the children depends on the caring and consistency of everyone involved in the project.
- How as an organization, we offer a safe, respectful, and organized environment where you can carry out your work with clarity and support. We will provide a preliminary orientation, necessary materials, and ongoing support throughout your volunteer experience. Our team will be available to guide you, answer questions, and ensure that your experience is positive, enriching, and aligned with our mission.
- No special equipment is required. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for working with children, and that you bring your best attitude and willingness to support with daily activities and prepare materials for working with children.
- Our top priority is that the children and volunteers feel comfortable and happy.
