VOLUNTEER
My volunteer programme was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable 8 months of my life, an opportunity to learn new skills (and a new language!) and meet some truly inspiring people whose friendship will stay with me always.
Rosie, Volunteer
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
Kiya Survivors operates its volunteer programme to ensure there are enough hands to help with the young people in the centres, to encourage new ideas and enthusiasm amongst the staff and to help raise money for all our projects.
Founded in 2001, the Kiya Survivors volunteer programme is the invaluable building block that has enabled Kiya Survivors to expand and provide professional care and help to more children and young people in need.
Our volunteer programmes are designed to give volunteers the opportunity to visit and live in a fabulous country whilst making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children, young people and their families. Volunteering with Kiya Survivors promotes individual development and is a rewarding and fun experience!
At Kiya Survivors, one of our main aims is to educate families and communities on special needs, to encourage understanding and acceptance and thus break away from the belief that many communities still hold, that children born to be different are a curse.
Sponsorship and travel insurance
Activities you can get involved in
- Assist teachers with classroom support and daily school life
- Work alongside locally employed staff teams
- Meet local families through the Outreach Programme and gain insight into typical Peruvian lifestyle
- Assist our therapy team with their patients and workshops
- Have the opportunity to teach English to local children
- Have fun organising activity workshops in topics of your interest – music, dance, arts and crafts, cookery, etc
- Get involved with various sporting events with the students
- Get involved in any construction projects currently being undertaken by the Outreach Programme to improve home sanitation
Support for volunteers
In the UK: right from the start, our volunteer coordinator will be in close contact to ensure that the application process will be as smooth as possible for you. You have the option to arrange a Skype call before your arrival to discuss any details about your volunteer programme and travelling in Peru.
In Peru: once you’ve arrived, our English speaking coordinator will always be on hand to offer support and advice during your stay with us. You will have a weekly individual meeting with your coordinator to plan your volunteer work schedule and check-in about how you’re getting on with life in Peru!
When can I start volunteering with Kiya Survivors?
We send volunteers to our projects all year round. Most of our volunteers sign up between 2-12 months before departure, which allows for the opportunity to fundraise, prepare, and receive all relevant information and training.
If you want to join a programme leaving in less than 2 months please contact us to discuss your options and see if we have any available positions.
Where will I live?
Volunteers are currently only being allocated to Mama Cocha based in the North of Peru and they will live in the fishing village, Mancora, where the project is based.
Kiya helps volunteers find bespoke accommodation to suit their individual needs either in a local hostel or a family home.
Volunteers are always allocated their own private room, but there are rooms available that can sleep up to 3 people if you’re coming as a small group of friends to volunteer together and would prefer to share!
Mancora is right on the beach and is famous for its surfing and beautiful beaches. It is a fun place to live with a local market, bank and all necessities. The nearest airport is Tumbes.
Volunteer Programme Brochure
Volunteer training
Training sessions will take place upon arrival in Peru onsite at the project where you will be based. The training sessions are tailored to meet the needs and interests of the volunteers taking part. Typically, it covers a wide range of aspects of the volunteer experience including shadowing the different members of staff to give you an idea of where you would like to focus your energies, the opportunity to meet and have questions and answers with the Peruvian team and a day out on Outreach.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
Though we didn’t know a word of Spanish we immediately felt welcomed by everybody. Spending the day shadowing staff members, we got to know some of the children, and Mel told us their stories – at first you don’t believe what you’re being told, but you eventually find out how much they’ve all improved.
There is so much to do in Urubamba – if you’re not at school or having Spanish, you’re playing volleyball with the Rainbow House kids, walking a small hike, going out with other volunteers in Urubamba, playing football with locals, relaxing in our hammock or shopping for groceries and being creative when it comes to dinner.
Deciding to volunteer for Kiya Survivors has been the best decision I’ve made so far – and I’m finding myself in the middle of having the time of my life every day!
Anna Clara Laugesen
My favourite experience has to be a parade to celebrate the month of special needs education, where the kids, along with their families, marched through Urubamba, and were so proud to represent the Rainbow Centre. It was really touching and it made me feel very proud to be a part of this amazing project!
Sameena Zehra
Sarah Faeste – Denmark
OTHER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES
Volunteers can also choose whether to work with us as part of a group, or a family. Learn more below.