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VOLUNTEER HEALTHCARE &MEDICINE PROJECT IN PERU

 

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INTRODUCTION PERU HEALTHCARE AND MEDICINE

In many communities, as in Lima, there’s a disparity in the amount of information, outreach, and support available to the population surrounding their healthcare needs. Help to bridge this gap by contributing to the social determinants of health, including education, access to resources, and care for the most vulnerable members of the community. ThroughΒ The KIVOLEX Global Health Project, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the many components of health while making real sustainable contributions to community organizations. Join us in empowering healthier communities!

 

While medical services do exist for communities in need, preventative care and appropriate sanitation facilities continue to be a primary struggle for children and families. Through group-based projects with 4 or more individuals, you can improve access to water by creating a WASH station in schools and community centers, run a vision project for children to receive eyeglasses, and participate in dental hygiene initiatives to ensure children have access to these supplies. By serving the most vulnerable communities in Lima in child health projects, you will prevent the spread of disease and further increase access to education.

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEERING IN PERU

Peru’s physical health sector resources include some 338 hospitals
(containing 30,000 beds), 785 health centers, and 1,925 health posts. The
country’s medical personnel include approximately 13,500 doctors, 11,000
registered nurses, 2,800 pharmacists, and 28,000 paramedical personnel (1984 estimates). The principal institutional health care providers in the public sector
are the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Institute of Social Security (IPSS). Together with the health services operated by the military, the police, and
several large parastatal enterprises, public sector health care resources account
for 78 percent of the country’s hospital beds, 93 percent of its primary health
care facilities, close to half of its medical doctors, and a substantial majority of
its nursing and paramedical personnel. All told, public health also accounts for
two. thirds of total health sector expenditures. The MOH reaches only half of the 60 percent of Peru’s total population for
whose health care it is directly responsible and accounts for only 27 percent of
total health spending. In contrast, IPSS, which is responsible for providing
medical care for only 18 percent of the population, accounts for 33 percent of total health sector expenditures. Parastatals and the uniformed forces, which maintain their own exclusive health services, account for another 3 percent of
cove: age and 6 percent of expenditures. The private health sector is less easily quantified. If all doctors not primarily employed in public health institutions were included, the number in private practice would be over 50 percent of Peru’s doctors. The private sector provides only 18 percent of all hospital beds ,nd four percent of primary health care facilities, but accounts for three-fourths of all pharmaceutical sales. A recent household survey on health (ENNSA 1984) reveals that between one-third and two-thirds of all inhabitants of Peru’s major urban areas routinely consult private doctors for their outpatient heath care needs.

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VOICE FROM PERU COMMUNITY

β€œWith the kids, it’s really refreshing and eye opening to see how positive they are given their circumstances.”

“KIVOLEX volunteers have helped to improve our students’ social skills. Mothers of our students have also benefited from the cultural exchange with the volunteers.”

“Help from foreign volunteers gives our students and their families more hope for their future. For staff, it has been an enriching experience and a chance to meet people from different cultures.”

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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PERU

volunteer cultural activities abroad

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LIMA STREET ART & GRAFFITI

Explore the streets of Callao, Lima’s fishing port just north of the city, where art expositions, films, and photo shoots all converge into one colorful explosion in this hip and up-and-coming district. Learn about the history and meaning of the street art that meets you at every turn, and leave your mark on Lima through a graffiti tour and class.

TAKE SPANISH LESSONS

Our Spanish lessons will help you communicate with ease during your volunteer experience, and out in the community while you’re exploring. Courses are held twice a week at the KIVOLEX Home-Base, and are tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers. Whether you want the know-how to find “el baΓ±o” at a restaurant, or are hoping to put your Peruvian slang to the test, your KIVOLEX language instructor will help you get there.

TOUR PLAZA DE ARMAS & CATACOMBS

Join us downtown, the colonial district of Lima where vestiges of Spain’s colonial empire still linger. Make your way through the palm tree lined Plaza de Armas to catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco to see the catacombs, which served as a burial place until 1808.

MIRAFLORES ARTISAN MARKET

At the traditional Inca market in Miraflores, you can purchase alpaca socks (or alpaca anything, really), along with artisan goods from all over the country. Have fun practicing your Spanish skills while bargaining for a better price (don’t be shy; it’s expected!)

VISIT THE “EARTH MAKER” AT PACHACAMAC

Named for the pre-Incan god Pacha Kamaq, or “Earth Maker”, the ruins of Pachacamac will transport you back in time to the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon to learn about the religious beliefs and cultural systems of one of Peru’s earliest civilizations.

MAKE PERUVIAN CHOCOLATE

While the origins of chocolate are still under debate, many experts agree that the cocoa bean originated from the Andes foothills in the Amazon rainforest. Create your own “food of the Gods” at a chocolate-making class in Peru, and get a taste of what is becoming known more and more as one of the best chocolates in the world.

TRY YOUR HAND AT PERUVIAN FONTS

Located in a small artist studio in the heart of Barranco, attend a workshop focused on teaching us about the famous Lima font that can be seen on the sides of taxis, buses, and trucks. This font dates back to the 1950’s and has become a contemporary aspect of street art in Lima. In this workshop, you will learn how to make this font, and will create a piece of art you can take home with you.

BOAT AROUND LAKE TITICACA

Visit South America’s largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.

SEE COLCA CANYON

Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you’ve been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you’ve got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.

VISIT CUSCO

Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu and a convenient stop on the way to the Amazon; it’s also an incredible historical and archaeological treasure. Visit Choquequirao to explore the ruins of this small Incan City, then head back to town to check out Spanish cathedrals and chow down on some of the amazing cuy — guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy. Take a photo or two of the β€œWhite Christ” statue watching over the city with arms outstretched.

EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU

Lace up your hiking boots and hike the four-day Inca Trail from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu’s sun gate just in time for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the nearly 600 year-old Incan ruins. You can also choose the one-day hike or take the train, but be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the entire complex. Wander through the ruins of the temples and see for yourself why Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Peru’s largest city is the perfect place to practice your Spanish. Sing a duet with new friends at a karaoke bar downtown, or join in with the local kids as they splash around in the fountains of the Parque de la Reserva. Once you’ve toweled off, be sure to hang around for the nightly light and water show that starts after dark.

FREE TIME IN PERU

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EXPLORE BOHEMIAN BARRANCO

Lima is brimming with trendy, fun neighborhoods, with a blend of ancient architecture, artsy cafes, and colorful streets. In the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, hold your breath across the Puente de los Suspiros bridge and discover dance troupes, street art, and a delicious taste of ceviche as you discover how Peru blends the best of old and new.

PARAGLIDE ON THE PACIFIC

See Lima from a bird’s eye view with a paragliding experience off the cliffs of Miraflores. As you sail over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll spot urban high rises, the foothills of Lima, and surfers enjoying the world-famous waves of Peru

SANDBOARD AT A DESERT OASIS

Discover Ica and the desert oasis community of Huacachina. On the sand dunes of one of the driest places on earth, try your hand at sandboarding. Or visit the Ballestas Islands to enjoy the penguins and sea lions that live freely in the Paracas National Reserve.

BOAT AROUND LAKE TITICACA

Visit South America’s largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.

SEE COLCA CANYON

Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you’ve been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you’ve got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.

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HOME BASE ACCOMMODATION IN PERU

Your Home-Base in the Chorrillos district of Lima reflects Peruvian culture, with access to vibrant markets and cozy neighborhood eateries, all located within close proximity to the communities we serve in an authentic and welcoming community. The Home-Base, located on the second floor of a Peruvian family home, offers a rooftop terrace and a lovely patio garden so you can make yourself at home. Join fellow volunteers in a comfortable living area adorned with Peruvian decor before you retreat to shared bedrooms, separated by gender. The lifelong

friendships forged in the KIVOLEX Home-Base are just one incredible benefit of this unique environment.

Enjoy locally-prepared meals each day in the Home-Base reflecting Peru’s world-famous cuisine. You’ll love lunch served with fresh passion fruit juice, and volunteers can’t get enough of the incredible chili sauce that you’ll want to add to every meal. With a plethora of options for you to discover, we’re sure you’ll find your favorite Peruvian dish in no time.

WORDS FROM OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN PERU

I believe that positive impact and investment in education can change the realities of the beneficiaries we serve. I am passionate about ensuring that each volunteer makes a meaningful difference, but also experiences Lima from the perspective of a Peruvian, from the delicious food to our history and culture.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from San Ignacio de Loyola University (Lima, Peru) and a Master’s Degree in International Cultural Heritage Management from Durham University (Durham, UK). My work experience ranges from tourism to cultural heritage to social responsibility, where I have a particular interest in creating experiences that represent a true Peruvian immersion.

I am passionate about impactful volunteering and sustainability. KIVOLEX gives me a chance to make a difference.

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