Project Overview
The Casa Hogar in Rodríguez de Mendoza is a housing project that began 13 years ago. It currently houses 14 adolescents who attend high school in Mendoza but whose families live far away. The idea was to provide a means for these children to attend school as their families do not have the economic resources to cover their lodging in the town. The house began as merely a lodging, but over the years has developed into more of farming schoolhouse. It is a ranch where the children learn how to raise guinea pigs, pigs, chicken and pelibuey (an animal that’s a cross between a goat and a sheep), as well as various vegetables in the eco-garden.
Of the 14 high school children at the house, 7 live there all week, while the other 7 stay Monday to Friday and return to their families over the weekend. There is a cook at the house and all meals for the children are provided for. The children have a timetable for studies, their various tasks, and their free time. They work on a rotational basis to share the tasks in tending to the animals and vegetable patch. They eat the products they grow, and sell any surplus to support the management of the house. The Casa Hogar is already famous in Mendoza for high quality of its products! The idea is that the children learn valuable skills that provide them with a means to sustain themselves financially after their schooling.
There are several accommodation options available for volunteers in Rodríguez dem Mendoza: Volunteers can stay in Casa Hogar for minimum donation of 100 soles per month (food included) / or (60 soles just for accommodation). Volunteers will have own room and shower. Hostel options and homestay options are also available.
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hour
The role of the volunteer is to assist with the series of tasks the children have at the house, in whatever capacity she/he prefers. The children attend school in the morning, and the afternoon is when they tend to the livestock and vegetable garden, as well as have other lessons such as information technology, theatre and music. Teaching the children English would be very beneficial for them, so would likely form part of your volunteer role. You could also teach the kids anything you think might be useful or you and they would enjoy; for example art, cooking, sport.
Volunteer Requirements
- Spanish Level to start the project: Intermediate
- Time commitment: Min 1 month
- Minimum Age: 20 years old
- Experience in teaching English
- Other skills such as sports, art, and computer, etc are desirable
