FW: [AAA_SLACA_ListServ] Volunteer Opportunity in Peru

[Keri V Brondo (kbrondo)]

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From: aaasec_slaca-bounces+kbrondo=memph...@binhost.com [mailto:aaasec_slaca-bounces+kbrondo=memph...@binhost.com] On Behalf Of Profess...@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 7:41 PM
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Subject: [AAA_SLACA_ListServ] Volunteer Opportunity in Peru


Dear SLACA Members,
If you have any students who are looking for an opportunity to gain experience in an Andean community, please call their attention to the volunteer program described below. The program begins in late May and run for 6 weeks with students/volunteers living with Quechua/Spanish speaking families on the Peruvian altiplano. Thanks.

Volunteering in Peru: The Chijnaya Program, 2010


Some of the Volunteers with David Cajo, Field Representative (left), Summer 2008 The Chijnaya Volunteer Program began in 2006 with eight volunteers living and working in the community of Chijnaya. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 we had seventeen, ten and eight volunteers respectively, and we placed some of those volunteers in other communities on the Peruvian Altiplano: Ccotos, Pucará, Tuni Grande, Tuni Requena, and Coarita. While most of our volunteers to date have been students at Pomona College, we have had volunteers from other colleges and universities, including Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Pitzer College, Whitman College, Bates College and the University of Pennsylvania. As we continue this volunteer program, we welcome applications from students at colleges and universities throughout the United States and other countries and also from non-students, e.g. retirees, interested in assisting communities in the Andes.
Volunteer Work:
Most volunteers do some teaching of English to adults and school children, approximately one or two hours per day. This is valuable for residents in areas receiving or planning to receive tourists to boost family incomes. It is also helpful to individuals who are beginning to use computers and the internet. Some volunteers may also teach classes in basic computer skills.
The Foundation is actively involved in eight communities supporting projects in agriculture, artisan development, community history, conservation, potable water systems, and health promotion. We work with volunteers to assign them to projects where their skills can be utilized. Volunteer initiative and ingenuity are encouraged, and our volunteers have been highly successful and creative in working with villagers to develop useful programs.
Research Possibilities:
Some volunteers may wish to combine volunteer work and research. We encourage research that contributes to the success of the Foundation’s projects. In the past volunteers have done research on tourism, milk production, and local history, and others have carried out documentary video projects. Pomona College students may apply for SURP and other grants.
Dates: May 23 through July 5, 20010 (individually tailored options may
be available)
This year’s principal volunteer program will take place from May 24 to July 5. It lasts for 6 weeks. Participants will assemble in Cusco, Peru on Sunday,
May 24,
which means they must fly from the US to Lima on May 23 or before.
Application Process:
Applying for this program is simple. Three forms need to be submitted as soon as possible. Although there is no fixed deadline, we will accept applicants on a first- come basis. Early applications are important to help us line up work opportunities in our communities in Peru. We cannot guarantee placement for applications

received after March 15.
There are three forms that need to be filled out:
1) an application form providing us with basic information;
2) a health form;
3) a form that releases The Chijnaya Foundation and our collaborators
from liability in the event of health or other problems a volunteer could experience.
Program Costs:
Transportation: Volunteers pay for their own transportation to Cusco, Peru where the group will assemble. Airfares from the US to Lima, Peru vary tremendously (from approximately $650 to $1100 depending on the airline and the departure city in the US). In general, most volunteers can expect their plane tickets to cost a total of $1,000 to $1,200 (including the Lima-Cusco-Lima flights within Peru). Airlines flying into Lima include Taca, Copa, American, Delta, Continental, United and LAN. Taca and Copa tend to be the least expensive, but they are not nonstop.
Program Fee: The cost to participate in this program is $1,250. This fee includes the volunteer’s room and board with a village family for six weeks, lodging in Cusco for two nights during orientation and high-altitude adaptation, and transportation from Cusco to the volunteer’s community. The fee is due by May 1 and should be paid by check to The Chijnaya Foundation. The program fee is reduced for volunteers working more than four months.
Other Expenses: Volunteers pay their own incidental expenses (snacks, bottled water, local transportation) and any travel they do before, during or after the program.
These may add up to approximately $250 during the six-week program.
Fundraising:
One aspect of volunteering for many nonprofits is fundraising. We ask each volunteer to contact at least 10 family members, friends, teachers or neighbors to request donations to the Foundation to support this work in Peru.
We set a goal of $1,000 per volunteer. Some past volunteers have raised as much as $3,000; others have not come close to the goal. For applicants who do not have financial support from a grant or scholarship to participate, we will reduce the program fee one dollar for each dollar received in donations generated by that volunteer.
The Chijnaya Club
Former volunteers have created a club to support our communities in the
Andes.
Prospective volunteers who are in Claremont should consider participating in the various activities sponsored by the club.
Other Preparations:
Volunteers in Claremont are expected to attend several preparatory sessions during the spring semester. These sessions provide instruction in teaching English and crucial information on how to stay healthy while living in Andean communities.
More Information:
For more information, contact Ralph Bolton:
Phone: 505-690-2594 cell
Email: _Profess...@aol.com_ (mailto:Profess...@aol.com) On Pomona College campus: Hahn 211 (office hours W 11:00-11:45,
4:00-4:45)