Project Overview
In Peru childhood is one of the most vulnerable and unprotected periods of the life. Two thirds of children under the age of 5 live in poverty and 2 out of 10 live in extreme poverty. Similarly, 4% of children aged between 5 and 11 years do not attend school. More than 54% of the population lives in poverty or in extreme poverty meaning children and adolescents are at great risk.
Street children are minors in social risk who live in deplorable conditions on public roads where they eat, sleep, steal, sniff glue "Terokal", make bets, establish relationships, have children and are victims of labor and sexual exploitation. 92% of these children consume drugs and alcohol. This critically affects their mental and physical health. These children come from dysfunctional families with major economic problems, are far more likely to drop out of school, and are often victims of abuse and violence. They are children and adolescents who, for the most part, have "escaped" from their home. Their personality is characterized by low self esteem, frustration, irritability, deficits in self-control, distrust of others, problems with authority and exacerbation of sexuality and aggression
Started in 2001 in Huanchaco, Home for ex-street children is a not-profit association whose goal is to provide children and adolescents living in the streets and in extreme poverty an opportunity for a better future. It strives to generate the necessary means and resources needed for the street children in order to reintegrate them into society as useful and well-adjusted human beings.
Home for ex-street children is a home by the sea with a capacity for 16 children. It offers the children a healthy environment that contributes to their active incorporation. When a new child enters the home he will learn the rules and regulations and will learn to live in a group, which helps in leaving behind his antisocial behavior. The child’s integration into life in the home is helped by the multidisciplinary team: teachers, psychologists, social workers and also by teacher workshops and a varied program of activities. At this stage it is also very important to stabilize the child and keep him away from drugs (for those with an addiction).
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hour
- Guiding and supervising in cleaning.
- Guiding and supervising in laundry.
- Supporting recreational activities inside and outside the home.
- Supporting the children with their school homework.
- Accompanying the children on external activities.
- Assisting in preparing and serving meals.
Working hours can be flexibly arranged. Volunteers are required to commit 20 hours per week of volunteering.
Volunteer Requirements
- Spanish Level to Start Project: Higher Intermediate
- Time Commitment: Min. 2 months
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- CV and the motivation letter in Spanish
- Appropriate clothing for working with children
- Flexible in working hours and able to adapt quickly to changes in work content
- Able to work in a team
- Proactive and Punctual
- Responsible and committed in fulfilling assigned tasks
