Care for Cuzco: Heart of the Inca Empire

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description:
Care in Cusco: Heart of the Inca Empire: Peru

Cusco is known the world over as the enchanting 'belly-button' of the Inca civilization, and is the principle doorway to one of the great wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. With its narrow, cobble stone streets, Inca stone work, and women in ancient dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century. But the real charm and the challenge come from the orphans with whom you will be working.

Work Project:

The orphanage caters primarily to deaf children, though some have other challenges. These children are hungry for human contact, love and care. Their smiles will melt your heart. Volunteers are needed to help them get ready in the morning before school, to take them on cultural outings, and other such activities. During their school time, and due to staggered 'shifts' you have ample freetime.

Food & Lodging:

The orphanage is located just a couple of minutes walking from all the major sites within Cusco and the main square. Volunteers will stay in modern dormitory rooms (2 to 3 per room) on site at the orphanage. Modern plumbing, hot running water (though via hot water heaters that are not as strong as you're accustomed to), flushing toilets, and electricity are all available. Traditional Andean meals are prepared fresh daily for you.

Leisure Activities:

Volunteers can make an excursion to Machu Picchu (transportation to the site is at your cost, due to tax regulations your contribution fee can not be used for this), and to other various surrounding ancient sites, several of which are in very close walking proximity. You will also have free time to explore the charming pedestrian town of Cusco with your fellow volunteers, to learn how to make Peruvian food, etc. Past groups have met with traditional shamen to learn about their way of life. Others have gone on a Pisco sour tasting mission. Depending on your cultural interests, your volunteer coordinator will help organize these cultural explorations.

Arranging Your Airfare:

You will need to arrange to be in Cusco by 11am on the Saturday your program begins. The program ends at about 10am the following Saturday and it takes approximately 5 minutes for our driver to get you to the Cusco airport. You can essentially arrange any return time on Saturday, as long as it is before 4pm, as the driver will make trips based on your return trip time.

Highlights: see above

Qualifications: no special skills required

Cost in US$: USD 1,050

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 3-85

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Globe Aware's Mission Statement: Globe Aware seeks to promote lifelong advocates for a better world and to sustain the world's cultural and natural resources. The organization, together with the local community hosts, develops effective local solutions to global problems in non-religious, non-political, multi-international environments. The aim is to expand and foster cross-cultural peace and understanding between Americans and the rest of the world, to preserve culture and promote sustainability. Globe Aware expeditions provide volunteers the opportunity to live and work side by side with a host community. The hosts provide a safe and interesting setting in which to learn, help, and have fun. The volunteers help to empower the host communities in creating renewable, self-sufficient programs. While Globe Aware's financial assistance benefits the community economically, it is actually the involvement and collaboration between the volunteers and community that is the greatest mutual benefit.

Year Founded: 2001