Project overview
The surf school and the hostel are not exactly charity programs but rather profit-making businesses which care a lot about social responsibility- while making a living at the same time. Idealism and commercialism are hence well-shared.
This project is run by a former surf champion who realized that in Huanchaco surf scene (over than 14 surf trades) only privileged kids are able to step in. This man- with a mission in his heart- left his past behind and started a new life to support two types of children: those who are sons of local fisherman and other who are come from the home for ex-street boys.
He sees lots of potential here and gives kids (with no money at all) the chance to learn to surf and bring their talent to national competition level. If they’re really good at it, they will be able to make a living or pursue a career. In any case, most of the children come with a very hard background (sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol addiction, delinquency or extreme poverty) so through surf they will embrace good basic social principles for their development. Under supervision, kids also learn key values like respect and helping each other; in some point it will mobilize them to become the leaders of the change they need for good.
During summertime (December until April), the school gives out free lessons to about 30 to 50 local youngsters (5 to 16 years old. The rest of the year only a small group of kids keep on attending to classes (once/twice a week) because the water gets freezing and the wetsuits are second hand donations. However the hostel never closes as they’re eager to get the money to the current operations at the school.
The main goal of this project is to offer children a chance to practice a good sport that will improve how they feel about themselves. If you are into surfing, you cannot miss this development “wave”- volunteer now!
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hours
The main chore of volunteers is giving free surf lessons to children for their good sake in terms of self-steem, discipline, personal development and joy. However it is also important to deal with the business part:
• Teaching surfing to children while encouraging them to use good manners, solidarity and mutual respect.
• Giving children tips to repair surfboards, swimsuits and other ad-hoc issues on their own.
• Looking after the hostel: booking, registering and welcoming new users, doing the accounting, cleaning common areas (kitchen, living room, and bathroom), tiding-up bedrooms and ensuring a proper care and/or maintenance of the whole facility.
• Guaranteeing that all the properties, equipment and accessories used by children for surfing are stored and put back into place afterwards.
• Developing strategies to improve the project and appeal more people.
• Setting-up Surf lessons for volunteers at a special price.
During summertime, Surf lessons are mainly arranged on Monday, Wednesday and Friday- preferably in the morning (10:00pm till 12:30am). In harsh winter, normally surf lessons go in the morning twice a week or better at the weekend mornings. However, volunteers should get there from Monday to Friday, especially if you’re supporting the hostel!
Volunteer Requirements
• Basic to Intermediate Spanish level.
• Minimum commitment: 4 weeks- the longer, the better.
• Able to cope with chaotic situations and street wise children.
• Empathetic, Responsible and Open-mind personality.
• Relevant experience/skills on surfing industry or hostels management- would be desirable but not essential.
