Community Education

Volunteers assist an educational outreach programme supporting young children from difficult backgrounds with a desire to further their learning. The main language spoken at the project is Spanish and volunteers are involved with a number of tasks which can include:

• Helping with homework; Spanish, maths, English and other subjects
• One-to-one tuition with children who are struggling
• Creative activities; music, arts and crafts
• Active games and sports
• Help on the nutrition awareness programme, healthy living and hygiene education
• Preparing healthy snacks for the children
• Assisting with group excursions/trips with the children
• Cleaning and maintenance at the project
• Assisting with resource development initiatives including donor communication and marketing

In addition to this, if you have any specific skills such as an interest or experience in social work, psychology, art, environmental sustainability, literacy & numeracy, health education, fundraising or Spanish language / translation, please let us know in case the project can utilise these skills during your placement.

Working days and hours

Volunteers work five days a week; Monday to Friday. The day usually consists of two sessions from around 8am-12pm and 3pm-6pm however volunteers often prep before and after these times.

Other volunteers

There are generally between 1-6 volunteers at the project at one time working alongside a local coordinator and full-time teacher.

Child Protection

Pod is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults - please see our Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy.

All volunteers are required to have a criminal records check, which we will arrange with you.

Closure Dates

The project is closed due to national holidays between 21 – 31 Jul 2017, 22 Dec 2017 – 1 Jan 2018, 24 - 31 Jul 2018 and 22 Dec 2018 - 1 Jan 2019.

Volunteer Reviews

Read about volunteer experiences and challenges in our Peru Community Education Volunteering Reviews.

Volunteers work in partnership with local full-time staff to support lessons and educational games and to bring a new perspective and creativity to teaching and activities at the project. Volunteers expand the children’s horizons, acting as positive role models. The educational support they receive from volunteers boosts the children’s confidence at school and improves their chances of academic and social success.

The Community Education project aims to support the education of young children deemed ‘at risk’ of dropping out of the public school system due to poverty or lack of family support. They currently support around 60 children aged between 6-18 years old. The Community Education project is a positive influence in their lives, providing a stability that many do not have at home.

The project provides a supportive environment in which the children obtain help and encouragement with their homework. They cover any associated costs of the children’s education including uniform, shoes, stationary etc. In addition to this, each child is provided with a nutritious meal at the project.

Volunteers live in an apartment in Huaraz, a small city nestled at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

The volunteer apartment is basic but in a great location, in the centre of town a short walk from both the project and local shops. Bedrooms are shared with 2-3 volunteers per room and there are shared bathrooms. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and living area. The apartment has an internet connection, but it is not always reliable!

The city has many beautiful walks, it is not far from the serene wilderness but also has the benefit of a lively market. The region is also known for it’s adventure sports and outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting and mountain biking.

Before you go:

• Carefully selected and vetted volunteer project
• Support from our friendly and highly experienced Pod UK team
• Single point of contact - Gemma is your dedicated placement manager
• In-depth Volunteering Guide on your volunteering placement
• Travel information - visa, health and safety advice
• Help arranging criminal record checks
• Discounted online teaching course
• Access to specialist travel insurance at exclusive rates
• Recommended travel agency for flights and tours
• Access to special deals and resources
• Fundraising guide and support
• Financial protection for monies paid to Pod

On your placement:

• Teaching volunteering placement
• Assistance arranging transfer to Huaraz
• Being met on arrival in Huaraz
• Accommodation - a shared room
• Induction
• Onsite support from local team
• Support from Pod UK office by phone and email
• 24/7 emergency back up
• Incident Management and Emergency Response Plans

On your return:

• Contact from your placement manager
• Feedback scheme
• Volunteering certificate (on request)
• References (on request)
• Member of the Pod community

Not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa (if required), criminal records check, food. Budgeting guidance is provided in our Volunteering Guide which we will email you when you apply.

Pod Volunteer is run as a non-profit organisation. Fee levels are set to match costs and any surplus monies are distributed to the projects we work with via the Pod Charity.