Embark on a life-changing journey as a teaching assistant in a rural kindergarten in Peru! This is more than just volunteering—it’s your chance to empower communities, inspire young minds, and dive into the rich Peruvian culture.
About the Program
As a volunteer, you’ll join PRONOEI (a government-sponsored preschool initiative) providing early childhood education in Peru’s most underserved areas. These kindergartens are run by local community mothers, known as “promotoras,” who receive basic teacher training to educate 20 children aged 3 to 5. Despite minimal resources and little state support, these dedicated women work tirelessly to give these children the education they deserve. That’s where YOU come in! Your presence brings extra support, creativity, and care to the classroom, making a huge difference.
What Will You Be Doing? 🎨📚
✅ Assisting teachers with daily classroom activities
✅ Helping children with reading, writing, and basic math
✅ Leading games, arts & crafts, storytelling, and music sessions
✅ Providing one-on-one attention to children who need extra support
✅ Creating a fun, safe, and nurturing learning environment
Overcoming Challenges, Creating Magic 🌟
Many PRONOEI centers lack proper facilities like adequate restrooms, large classrooms, playgrounds, and educational materials. But with your creativity, energy, and resourcefulness, you can turn these limitations into opportunities! The best part? The children are incredibly eager to learn and grateful for the education they receive—making this experience deeply humbling and rewarding.
The Children are very loving and affectionate to volunteers
Adriana de las Cuevas with the children in Peru
The children live very difficult family circunstances and you have to be ready to see and hear some heartbreaking experiences. Nonetheless they are very loving and affectionate to volunteers so you instantaneously feel welcomed. Then is up to you how you want to make an impact. – Adriana de las Cuevas, Spain
Beyond Volunteering – Explore Peru! 🌄
Nestled in the breathtaking Andes Mountains, Cusco is a perfect base for exploring the wonders of Peru. This vibrant city, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a living museum of history and culture. Wander through its cobblestone streets and marvel at the stunning blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. From Cusco, the adventure unfolds with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, a short train ride away, or a trek along the famous Inca Trail. Discover the Sacred Valley’s picturesque villages, bustling markets, and ancient ruins. Don’t miss out on the local cuisine—savor dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado that tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re delving into history, hiking through majestic landscapes, or immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the region, Cusco offers an unforgettable gateway to the heart of Peru. 🌄🇵🇪
Who Can Apply?
✔ Passionate about child development and education
✔ Open-minded, patient, and eager to make a difference
✔ Basic Spanish skills (or a willingness to learn!)
✔ Creative and adaptable to working with limited resources
✨ Be part of something bigger. Volunteer in Peru, change lives, and create unforgettable memories! ✨
Projects in Peru start on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Participants on our volunteer programs should arrive on Sundays. You may choose to volunteer from 1 to 12 weeks.
Airport Pickup at the volunteer location
Fees – What is included with the program
The program fee is paid directly to the host organization.
All of the projects incur a registration fee of US$ 149.00 on top of the program fee*
What is included in the program fee?
Airport Pickup in the volunteer location
Orientation
Accommodation for all projects (shared rooms in home-stays or volunteer residence)
2 meals per day from Monday to Saturday (breakfast & dinner)
Support from local staff & Program supervision
In-country 24/7 support throughout your stay
In-country administration costs
Donation to support the local project
There are no hidden costs. These programs are the most affordable to volunteer in Peru.
Iko Poran is an NGO based in a developing country. We are dedicated to helping you help others, at the lowest possible price. We are interested in making volunteering abroad more accessible so that more people can help do really important work.
Participants in our Peru programs normally find US$ 70 to be sufficient for weekly expenses in the country.
*Refundable up to 60 days before the program start date according to our Terms & Conditions
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers working with us in Peru are placed either into host families or at a volunteer residence depending on the project. Two meals a day are provided from Mondays through Saturdays (breakfast & dinner).
Requirements for volunteers in Peru
You must be at least 18 years old at the start of your placement. Exceptions can be made for under 18’s accompanied by a guardian or with a parental consent.
All volunteers must have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Language skills required
To enroll in our volunteer in Peru programs it is important that you have a grasp of the basics of the Spanish language; in order to be able to communicate with the local people, the other staff/ patients/ children. We offer a week of Spanish lessons on arrival, it is highly recommended that you take at least these 20 hours before you start with the volunteering. Once you speak enough Spanish to communicate with the people, you will start work in your program for at least one more week. If you already know Spanish, or would like to take more than one week of classes, that can be easily arranged with your program coordinator.
Loving and Affectionate Children at the Rural Kindergarten
I spent two weeks as a teaching assistant at a rural kindergarden. The experience was way different than I expected.
Adriana with the children
The children live very difficult family circunstances and you have to be ready to see and hear some heartbreaking experiences. Nonetheless they are very loving and affectionate to volunteers so you instantaneously feel welcomed. Then is up to you how you want to make an impact.
In my experience I came to the realisation that you cannot educate them in two weeks, and what these children really needed was love and support.
Iko Poran offer support at all times
I recommend Iko Poran for this type of program because they offer support at all times if any doubts or concerns arise.
I was able to contact the Peruvian based advisor by whatsapp at al times regrding my situation and even touristic doubts and the host family was always there for a chat if you are having trouble adjusting.
Adriana de las Cuevas, 20 years old, Santander, Spain, University of Leeds
