Why Peru?

There are hundreds of countries in the world with plenty of volunteer opportunities, so the question is: Why Peru?

Peru’s economy has been one of the fastest growing in South America since 2006, and its stock exchange has been one of the fastest growing in the world. Poverty was reducing quickly, from 50% of the population to 34% of the population in under 5 years, though with the current global financial crisis,these statisticsare beginning to change.

are beginning to change. Volunteers are desperately needed to ensure that not only can the poor enter into the economy legally to share in the wealth that has been generated over the past few years, but also that millions of poor Peruvians do not slip back into the forgotten ranks of extreme poverty when the crisis hits them hardest.

Peru is a perfect place to be immersed in a new and riveting culture and to learn about distinctive ways of life. Though Spanish is spoken by approximately 85% of the population, many native Amerindians maintain their traditional way of life and language, speaking Quechua or Aymara. The modern population of Peru is a mixture of Amerindian, European, Chinese, African, and Japanese ancestry, with smaller groups from many other nations around the globe. Because discrimination and racism are an unfortunate consequence of the diversity of Peru, volunteers are needed for antidiscrimination campaigns. A positive aspect of this diversity, on the other hand, is that it has allowed for creative and unique expressions in art, literature, theater, music, and especially in its food, whose dishes are being met by wild acclaim throughout Latin America and the world. Volunteers have opportunities to help promote the work of poor artisans whose impressive crafts are not currently generating enough money to live on because of the workers’ illiteracy and lack of information on marketing.

Peru also has a fascinating history that beckons to be explored. Peru is the cradle of many great civilizations dating back to around 3000 BC. Some of these include the Chavin, Nazca, Wari, Chimu, and finally the Incas who were ruling the largest empire in South America at the time the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in 1532. In many Peruvian cities, the colonial architecture tells the story of the conquistadors and their descendents while the pre-hispanic ruins remind visitors and residents alike of the ancient roots. Some of the most famous sites for tourists include Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Nazca Lines, Chan-Chan, and Sipán, among many other interesting ancient and modern places.

But unfortunately, despite its economic progress, rich culture, and captivating history, Peru still faces numerous challenges on the road to prosperity, which is where volunteers are needed. Though the statistics seem positive, poverty is still a harsh reality for many Peruvians. Children need a better education, patients with serious illnesses need financial assistance, the poor need opportunities to make their way legally into the economy, the Amazon and the Andes need to be cared for before their diversity of flora and fauna is stripped by global climate changes, and juvenile offenders need help becoming productive members of society. These are just a few of the many ways that caring and dedicated volunteers in Peru can contribute to the development of this country.

So choose Peru! Come be accepted into a Peruvian host family, learn Spanish from new friends, explore Peruvian culture and history, and contribute to a meaningful project that will make a positive impact on the lives of some of the poorest Peruvians.