Project Overview
In the department on La Libertad in Trujillo there live some 4,500 people with acute visual deficiencies; Tulio Herrera León is the only special education center in this area. The mission of the School is to offer education and vocational training in order to ensure their participation in the overall process of the socio-economic development of Peru. Nowadays, it also opened its door to children with other types of disabilities, such as down syndrome, autism, MR, etc.
The school is run by Madre Nélida who ensures the excellent state of the facilities and does an amazing job of securing books and equipment. There is a wonderful familial atmosphere at the school and it doesn’t take long to become attached to both the staff and students.
The school offers primary school education and assistance with secondary and university school work for students that have moved on to higher levels. It also offers multiple workshops including handicrafts, typing and IT as well as teaching how to carry out domestic tasks to help the students become more independent and self-reliant. Some older students have the opportunity to participate in a unique program offering training in massage therapy, reflexology and beauty treatments, they’re always looking for people to practice on! Once they have completed the training and received certification they have the opportunity to work in a therapeutic center in the city.
Attending the school is free for families with low incomes (families with higher incomes pay a minimal annual fee), and the state pays the salaries of the staff however does not help with the transportation of the students to the school, nor with the purchasing of textbooks, adapted materials or renovation of old equipment. It is because of this that the Center asks for donations and external financial help in order to progress and move forward.
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hour
The teachers at Tulio Herrera León are extremely dedicated, but very much in need of assistants. Every bit of extra help allows them to make better use of their time, therefore providing the students with a better education. Furthermore, every additional volunteer provides that much more individual attention to children that are very much in need of it.
The working hours will be negotiable and depend on when you are needed but are usually Monday – Friday, 8am – 1.15pm.
Due to the distance from Huanchaco, Madre Nélida offers two bedrooms with shared bathroom in a staff area of the school. These rooms are free although you will have to take into consideration whether you would find it easy to permanently live in the environment of the school.
Volunteer Requirements (including following areas)
- Spanish Level to Start Project: Basic
- Time Commitment: Min. 2 weeks
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Enthusiasm, motivation and assertiveness are much appreciated qualities in volunteers.
- Previous experience with disabled children would be an advantage it is certainly not expected or essential.
