DESCRIPTION

Volunteering with us on community-based projects will allow you to work in several different fields such as English teaching, environmental awareness, animal welfare, and youth development. All our multi-project volunteers assist at our Recreational and Educational Centre (REC) 1-4 days a week, where our four Huanchaco Education and Learning Programmes (HELP) are run. These projects all focus on providing educational opportunities for children in an informal settlement called Cerrito de la Virgen, and each is dedicated to a different topic: HELP English; HELP Environment; HELP Youth; and HELP Literacy. 

In addition, volunteers may participate in a variety of projects of their choice, including: Global Glow girls' education and empowerment (Spanish speakers only); Homework support sessions; English classes at the library; English classes at the American School in Trujillo; English classes at the María del Socorro primary school; helping out at Huanchaquito dog shelter; playground renovation at Casita de Madera pre-school; assisting with taking inventory at the library. 

This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to work with children while also gaining an insight into the world of NGOs. Also, living in Huanchaco, a small surf town not far from the city of Trujillo, will give you the chance to immerse yourself in another culture and meet lots of new people. As a hands-on role, this position involves much more exposure to the Spanish language than some of our office roles, so it would be a great opportunity for either Spanish-speaking volunteers or those looking to improve their Spanish language skills. 

There is an opportunity here for those with specific skills to take on more responsibility and become a HELP Project Coordinator for either English, Environment, Youth, or Literacy. 

For students, all volunteer positions are available as internships, which is ideal for students looking to complete a year in industry/placement abroad. In this case, you will receive an extra level of mentorship and all appropriate communication with your academic institution to ensure compliance with internship placement requirements.

THIS POSITION INCLUDES TASKS SUCH AS

• Help Project Coordinators to teach classes at the REC (English, environmental education, youth, and/or Spanish literacy)
• Supervise the children during sports, skateboarding, crafts and games.
• Participate in a selection of our partner projects (depending on preference and availability).
• Bring new ideas about how to improve the program and space.
• Attend weekly meetings with your fellow volunteers and coordinator to plan the upcoming activities.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

• Personal pick-up upon arriving and walking tour through Huanchaco
• A thorough introduction to the organization 
• Certified training in First Aid and Child Safeguarding.
• 24/7 emergency support 
• Organized activities (barbeques, game nights, volunteer lunch etc.)
• Certificate of completion detailing your role, the project(s) you participated in and the dates you volunteered in.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Experience of teaching or working with children desirable.
• Empathetic, responsible and open-mind personality.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Able to cope with active children.

REQUIREMENTS

• Age 18+ on arrival
• Current background check from your home country.
• Spanish level: none required but desirable*
• Time commitment: minimum 4 weeks. (Long-term volunteers are preferred so that you have a chance to really get to know the community and get comfortable in your role.)

*If you want to improve your Spanish, we can arrange classes for you in advance (by Skype) or during your stay.