Voluntourism with Planeterra


 

Cuzco Kids Project

Location: Cuzco, Peru

In Cuzco we have partnered with a local organization called Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW), Quechua for “House of the People of the Sun,” which acts as a haven for 50 children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty.
Our goal was to purchase a permanent home that will provide IRW with long-term security and support and we did it with the help of many travellers!

Watch a video of the project! Check out the photos on Flickr

The home is open during the day, and is run by a staff of teachers and social workers. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily drop-in to receive help with homework, a warm meal, and participate in classes and workshops that teach them valuable skills, including jewelry making, leather working, sewing, cooking, music and English.

Travellers can also support this project by participating on the Project Cuzco Kids voluntour where you will have the opportunity to volunteer alongside staff and children at this project.

Why is this project needed?
Amidst the mountainous surroundings, stunning architecture and rich culture of Cuzco, you will see the bitter reality of children either working or begging on the streets. Many of these children are unable to cope with the stress of both working and going to school, which results in giving up their studies in order to help provide for their families. Other children leave home because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned, turning to alcohol and drugs or sniffing glue to help relieve their hunger pains. In order to support themselves, some children also resort to begging or prostitution. By providing these children with a place where they receive guidance and support, it helps keeps them off the streets and gives them the hope, confidence and skills needed to create a future for themselves. 

DONATE to support Children in Cuzco
Your support to this project will help us support and develop programs at the new home our travelers' donations purchased in October 2009,  for more children in Cuzco.
 
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Donate to The Cuzco Kids Project

100% of your contribution goes directly toward helping these projects achieve their goals. All individual donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by Gap Adventures.



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