In Peru we work with Jovenes de Buena Voluntad (JBV) in Ventanilla. The area has seen a proliferation of drug abuse and crime among teens, teen gangs, and teen pregnancies in recent years. JBV promotes and enables the participation of youth in the development of local communities, recognizing youth as powerful agents of change. Jovenes de Buena Voluntad (JBV), is a non-profit organization, run largely by volunteers, which reaches the aforementioned goal by:

• Providing the space to develop the capacity of youth, both as individuals and as part of a larger group, within the local community.

• Promoting social change through voluntary service, improving quality of life, and contributing to the wellbeing of youth.

• Promoting values of solidarity between the youth and the community.

You will be part of an exceptional team working on the front lines of urban poverty and community development. Through your role, you will help youth to become leaders in their community.

Positions Available for this Program

Leadership for Street Youth Worker

Educational activities are set up to complement the school curriculum of minors. Examples are activities of cultural exchange with the international volunteers, and workshops focused on good behaviour, sports activities, and the acquisition of new skills. Here, volunteers will work approximately 1 to 2 hours per day, usually in the afternoons.

Duration:
2 months +

When:
Mid-March to the end of June; 2nd week of August to the end of November

Language:
At least basic Spanish, or a willingness to learn

Who:
Everyone

Description of Activities:

• Mentor children and youth who are served by the centre
• Tutor children in various academic subjects
• Help to run after-school programs for the children
• Coordinate special activities such as excursions and community visits

To Apply:

• Complete online application

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"Winter" Camp Supervisor

Once a year, while winter takes hold of the northern hemisphere, you can volunteer as a camp supervisor at a summer camp near Lima. The summer camp provides a positive environment in which children can laugh, learn, play and just be kids.

This special program has been developed to offer children and adolescents a set of activities in order to make good use of their free time over the summer period. Children and youth are constantly engaged during their vacation by doing workshops, cultural and recreational excursions, camping, and other recreational activities.

Duration:
2 months

When:
January & February

Language:
Intermediate Spanish

Who:
Everyone

Description of Activities:

• Mentor children and youth who attend summer camp
• Supervise children on hikes and excursions into the surrounding natural areas
• Work with a team to run the various aspects of camp programming

To Apply:

• Complete online application

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Early Childhood Caregiver

In this program, volunteers work with children aged 2 to 5 in different areas of Ventanilla. Early childhood development is critical, and volunteers work with children to help them develop socially, mentally, and physically. Each classroom has 25-30 children, and volunteers work for 3-5 hours per day.

Duration:
2 months +

When:
April to December

Language:
At least basic Spanish or a willingness to learn

Who:
Everyone

Description of Activities:

• Assist local staff in caring for children
• Run extracurricular and educational activities for children

To Apply:

• Complete online application

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International Community Development Camp

Volunteer and learn from fifteen to twenty young people from different parts of the world with diverse cultures, religions and political thoughts. It is an opportunity to live together, and work in cooperation with the local people of Ventanilla. By doing so, all players involved work together to develop actions that will benefit the local population.

Duration:
3 weeks

When:
The last three weeks of July

Language:
At least basic Spanish or a willingness to learn

Who:
Everyone

Description of Activities:

There is the opportunity for dialogue and mutual learning with the local community. Volunteers will take part in community development activities including:

• Help to build homes
• Construct furniture
• Construct trash cans

Volunteers will take part in educational & cultural activities including:

• Creative Development Workshop: this workshop develops the volunteer’s capacity for artistic expression using a variety of art materials. Volunteers can share art and activities from their own countries. This strengthens intercultural tolerance.
• Night of Cultural Exchange: International volunteers partner with local youth, teaching them about typical food, dance and culture. Each culture present at the International Winter Work Camp will be explored.
• City Tour: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn the culture and history of Lima by visiting important landmarks throughout the city.
• Camp Excursion: Volunteers will take a one day break from the Work Camp and city life to spend in the countryside. Local youth will also take part in this activity. It is an opportunity to improve understanding across diverse cultures.

To Apply:

• Complete online application

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Solidarity Tour in Chincho, Ancash

Explore and understand rural Peruvian life with local communities. This is an amazing program through which our volunteers have the opportunity to travel off the beaten path into rural Peru. Throughout the duration of the program, volunteers are in constant contact with nature. In partnership with local volunteers and residents, THEX volunteers will undertake development activities in Chincho, Ancash.

Duration:
3 weeks

When:
First three weeks of April

Language:
At least basic Spanish or a willingness to learn

Who:
Everyone

Description of Activities:

• Paint the school
• Create, maintain, or construct recreational areas for local youth
• Deliver educational materials for the school and community
• Lead recreational activities with the children
• Organize walks, visits, and excursions for the children to surrounding areas

To Apply:

• Complete online application