Volunteer Opportunities

For those able to spare the time and energy, volunteering in South America is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. One can participate in various programs with little or no Spanish (and even learn Spanish whilst there at low cost). Volunteers can stay from as little as one week.

Searching for volunteer opportunities in South America produces hundreds and hundreds of results. Sadly the vast majority are sites demanding extravagant amounts of money for short-term placement. Even sadder is that much of the money never reaches the children. Sonrisas en Peru will only list credible organisations with a track record of providing benefits to the local community as well as providing a volunteer experience at a low cost.

Aldea Yanapay

Aldea Yanapay is a small organisation in Cusco, Peru providing school care for children as well as a service to children in police detention. The organisation has a wonderful philosophy and volunteering is totally free. You have the choice to live in the volunteer house from $12 US per day (including meals), at the Yanapay hostel owned by the organisation (profits go into the school) from as little as $5 US per day (not incl. food), or seek out your own accomodation.

I volunteered at Yanapay for several months and it is a very worth-while positive organisation. Cusco is a fun, and beautiful ancient city located close to Machu Picchu.

For further information visit www.aldeayanapay.org