Volunteering in Arequipa
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Arequipa is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to immerse themselves in the local culture and community of Arequipa. Not only does it provide an opportunity to make a positive impact, but it also allows expats to meet like-minded individuals, practice Spanish, and gain a deeper understanding of the city. Arequipa offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, catering to different interests and skills.
Helping Hands Arequipa
Helping Hands Arequipa is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children and families. They focus on education, health, and community development. Volunteers can teach English, assist with homework, or help with community projects. To get involved, visit their website and fill out the volunteer form. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically working 2-3 hours per day.
Website: helpinghandsarequipa.com
Location(s): Various communities in Arequipa
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per day
HOOP Peru
HOOP Peru is an NGO that works to break the cycle of poverty through education and social support. Volunteers can teach English, math, or art, or assist with community projects. To apply, visit their website and complete the application form. Volunteers typically work 3-4 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Website: hoopperu.org
Location(s): Flora Tristan Community, Arequipa
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per day, Monday-Friday
Casa Hogar Torre Fuerte
Casa Hogar Torre Fuerte is a children's home that provides a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children. Volunteers can help with childcare, teaching, or maintenance tasks. To volunteer, contact them directly through their website. The time commitment varies but is typically a few hours per day.
Website: casahogartorrefuerte.org
Location(s): Arequipa
Time Commitment: A few hours per day
SKIP Peru
SKIP Peru is an education-focused NGO that works with disadvantaged families in the outskirts of Arequipa. Volunteers can teach English, work in the economic development program, or assist with community projects. To apply, visit their website. Volunteers typically work 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Website: skipperu.org
Location(s): Alto Cayma, Arequipa
Time Commitment: 4 hours per day, Monday-Friday
GVI Peru
GVI Peru focuses on sustainable development projects, including education, community development, and conservation. Volunteers can teach English, work on construction projects, or assist with community workshops. To apply, visit their website. The time commitment varies by project but is typically 2-4 weeks.
Website: gvi.co.uk/locations/peru
Location(s): Various locations in and around Arequipa
Time Commitment: 2-4 weeks
Maximo Nivel
Maximo Nivel offers a variety of volunteer programs, including teaching English, working with kids, healthcare, and conservation. To apply, visit their website. Volunteers typically work 3-4 hours per day, Monday through Friday. They also offer Spanish language courses for volunteers.
Website: maximonivel.com/volunteer/peru/arequipa
Location(s): Various locations in Arequipa
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per day, Monday-Friday
Volunteers Peru
Volunteers Peru is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Arequipa. They focus on education and social support. Volunteers can teach English, assist with homework, or help with community projects. To get involved, visit their website. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically working 2-3 hours per day.
Website: volunteersperu.org.uk
Location(s): Various communities in Arequipa
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per day
Light and Leadership Initiative
The Light and Leadership Initiative aims to empower women and children through education and community development. Volunteers can teach English, women's empowerment workshops, or assist with community projects. To apply, visit their website. Volunteers typically work 3-4 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Website: lightandleadership.org
Location(s): Huaycan, Arequipa
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per day, Monday-Friday
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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