We are a registered Peruvian NGO nestled in a valley between the majestic mountains of Huaraz; Peru. The program has been running since 2006 from our own small school in the centre of Huaraz. The school provides a safe space for 50 impoverished children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are at a high risk of dropping out of public school. Classes are held from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm; Monday through Friday. We provide support with homework as well as being given emotional support from our volunteers.
We always need International Volunteers and welcome anyone with a positive outlook and enthusiasm. In Huaraz; the school day is very short with an average of 4 hours so Seeds of Hope aims to extend this learning by providing a safe environment to learn with volunteers to enhance their learning. Following the pandemic when learning was online; our focus has been on mathematics as many students do not understand the basics; including adding; subtracting and multiplying; while their school classes are trying to teach more advanced mathematics. We are trying to bridge the gap. Literacy; reading and spelling is another focus for the younger students. We do not require volunteers to be experts in teaching or these subjects as the subjects tend to be very basic. The children are taught to take responsibility for their own education and to value the opportunity they have to learn. Other projects we run include teaching the importance of personal hygiene; providing a nutritious meal each day; financial support through giving the students school uniforms; study materials; and covering school matriculation fees as necessary for each child to attend the public schools here in Huaraz. In addition; we also help to provide medical assistance by trained professionals (or in conjunction with other organisations) should the need arise.
There are many opportunities to partner with us; whether it is working directly with the children as a school tutor or through working with us on projects such as: environmental education and sustainability (recycling and gardening projects); building construction and maintenance; media and communication (video and photography projects); performing and visual arts workshops (puppet show and mural projects); English classes; literacy and numeracy (developing literacy learning resources and mental maths competitions; health and wellbeing (health education; sports and games to encourage physical fitness); fundraising (fundraising events and merchandise); social work (programs to raise self-esteem and prevent teenage pregnancy). We also run evening English classes in person and online which we encourage volunteers to engage in. There are no classes on the weekend; so volunteers are free to explore the Peruvian countryside. Our Director; Yuri has lived in Huaraz his whole life and has fantastic knowledge of the activities and best excursions to do in Huaraz and around the area. Throughout the year; we organise six major events which combine our volunteers; local tutors and students to get to know each other better. You can visit our website to find out more.
We can arrange cheap Spanish classes with a local Peruvian tutor if interested.
Huaraz
Year round
2 weeks minimum (at least 1 month recommended)
Adults of both sexes 18+ (unless accompanied by an adult)
Whilst experience working with children is ideal; it is not a requirement to come and volunteer with us. As long as you have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for working with children; we know you will have a great impact at Seeds. Our school is a Spanish speaking environment; however volunteers come to us with a range of Spanish speaking abilities. A main component of your role as a school tutor is to help the children with their homework and so; having at least a basic level of Spanish proves helpful with this.
For international volunteers; we ask for a US$200 monthly contribution fee; as we are still a small NGO and our funding is limited. This money goes directly towards the children and the operational costs of keeping our organisation running. We have a very safe and secure volunteer’s apartment in the heart of the city; within walking distance to our school. If you would like to stay with us the cost of accommodation is as follows: Dorm (shared) room with ensuite (US$220 monthly); Twin-share room; shared bathroom (US$240 monthly); Private room; shared bathroom (US$260 monthly).
