Otra Cosa Network is a well-established UK Registered Charity and Peruvian registered not for profit (NGO), addressing the educational needs of children and vulnerable adults in an extremely impoverished area of Northern Peru. We work in informal settlements where many community members have been displaced by climate change, disaster and political instability, in the town of Huanchaco.

Our mission is to promote education and social development in our local communities.  

Our Vision is equal opportunities in Peru for everyone to succeed and thrive.

 

Our Projects (HELP: Huanchaco Education and Learning Programmes)

  • HELP Environment focuses on environmental education to influence the younger generation of Huanchacho and their attitude towards to environment. We have done this by boosting their knowledge of large-scale environmental issues and explaining how day-to-day behaviours can impact their environment and community.
  • HELP English makes learning English accessible to all members of the community in Cerrito de la Virgen in Huanchaco.
  • HELP Literacy aims to improve literacy in disadvantaged communities across the world. We do so by teaching the kids of Cerrito de la Virgen how to read and write in Spanish, or improve upon their current skills.
  • HELP Youth includes a wide range of activities about culture, science, sports and arts, and provides the kids in the community a safe and secure environment to practice their skating skills.

We also offer support from our volunteers with the children’s homework and provide the help they may not be able to access otherwise. 

 

We are so proud of our long term collaborations with partner projects as well. An important one is with Global G.L.O.W. This organisation stresses female empowerment from a young age, teaching girls the importance and strength in womanhood. These classes are run for over 150 girls in four different communities. During the summer months we also have partnerships with the organization SwimTayka to teach the young people of Huanchaco vital swimming and drowning prevention skills. As well as the Municipality of Huanchaco, which we work with to provide English lessons to local kids from native English speakers.

 

What we need

We would not be able to do any of this without a constant stream of volunteers, so if you are interested in getting involved, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our positions include:

  • Marketing Volunteer
  • Fundraising Volunteer
  • Multi-Project Volunteer
  • Coordinator of Educational Center
  • HELP English Volunteer
  • HELP Environment Volunteer
  • HELP Youth Volunteer
  • HELP Literacy Volunteer
  • Recruitment Volunteer/Volunteer Coordinator
  • Photography Volunteer
  • Translation Volunteer

 

For students, all volunteer positions are available as internships, which is ideal for students looking to complete a year in industry/placement abroad. In this case, you will receive an extra level of mentorship and all appropriate communication with your academic institution to ensure compliance with internship placement requirements. 

 

Contact: 

If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@otracosa.org. For more information about Otra Cosa or to make an application, please visit our website https://www.otracosa.org/volunteer-apply)

Visa:

You do not need a work visa to intern/volunteer with us in Peru. Instead, you can request a tourist visa upon entry for either 90 or 183 days. If you plan to stay longer, we can apply for a special 'cooperating visa' on your behalf.