Project Overview
In Peru childhood is one of the most vulnerable and unprotected periods of 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.
The home provides social and psychological services at the beginning of the treatment program including an assessment of the child’s care, satisfaction of basic needs, a psychological and social evaluation, as well as dynamic participation in the everyday life in the home. Educational and training activities are also held during the productive workshops.
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hour
For Psychology
- Assisting in initiating and developing psychological workshops.
- Supporting therapeutic activities.
- Supporting the psychological evaluation of the children.
- Observing and monitoring the work of the institution (learning and training).
For Social Work
- Assisting the social worker in taking the children to the doctor.
- Delivering documents to different institutions.
- Accompanying the children to visit their families.
- Assisting in organizing birthday celebrations.
- Implementing recreational activities for parents and children during the visit days.
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: 21 years - CV and motivation letter both in Spanish
Working experience with children and/or adolescents - Professionals or students in relevant area
- Enthusiastic and Punctual
- Ability to work in a team
- Responsible and committed in fulfilling assigned tasks
