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Volunteers' Corner ( under construction, thanks for you patience!)
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Being a volunteer at Los Gorriones
Los Gorriones gets its volunteers primarily by word-of-mouth. Each years volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come here with an open heart and a yearning to make a difference. They have become a precious presence for la Casa and the children. Without volunteers our work would be much more difficult. Not only do they bring their physical help, they also add colour, new ideas and a wonderful energy from around the world, thank you all!! |
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Notice
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Length of Stay
To minimize the frequency of staff changes, we ask that volunteers stay for a period of one month. Although the children love to company of volunteers, their presence requires a period of adjustment with the newcomers. Stability is equally as important for the children of Los Gorriones.
Cost
Our philosophy is that anyone who desires to help make a difference does not have to pay to come here to volunteer. Since our activities and programs rely solely on private donations, we don’t have extra funds at our disposal. For those who are able, we ask that they make a contribution to the cost of food for the volunteers’ house. Volunteers come from around the world and from other Latin American countries where resources remain scarce. Some of these volunteers, while they cannot contribute monetarily, they have lots to share and we encourage them to contribute to making the world a better place.
Lodging
We have a small house near la Casa especially for our volunteers. It consists of bedrooms, kitchenettes, television and video are available as are free cold showers…ha, ha…ha…
For those who prefer more privacy or who are travelling in groups, there are also local motels that can cater for the length of your stay. We would be happy to help you find a place if you wish.
Meals
Los Gorriones provides meals for volunteers during their shiftsat the la casa. Depending on the number of volunteers, weekly schedules are sometimes established. Also, volunteers have access to a kitchen in the “volunteers house” and are welcome to shop the local market and prepare great meals at little cost. |
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Volonteers's Blogs (with pictures)
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| Health and immunization |
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We ask the travelers, travelling here and elsewhere, to ensure they are in good health before venturing in the foreign countries, particularly in distant areas and the small villages. The viruses and bacteria, the diseases differ largely from one country to another and from a climate to another. Our immune systems develop according to our respective environments. A simple Canadian cold for instance, can then involve the development of very serious diseases in Peru and even result in the death of an entire Andean village. PLEASE, be careful in your adventures and respect the natural law!
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever
Recommended for areas east of the Andes mountains. Not needed for Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
Hepatitis B
For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Rabies
For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Malaria
Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas except Lima and its vicinity, the coastal areas south of Lima, the highland tourist areas (Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca), and the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna.
Altitude sickness
may occur in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2500 meters, including Cusco (3000 meters) and Lake Titicaca (4000 meters). Acetazolamide is the drug of choice to prevent altitude sickness. The usual dosage is 125 or 250 mg two or three times daily starting 24 hours before ascent and continuing for 48 hours after arrival at altitude. Possible side-effects include increased urinary volume, numbness, tingling, nausea, drowsiness, myopia and temporary impotence. Acetazolamide should not be given to pregnant women or those with a history of sulfa allergy. For those who cannot tolerate acetazolamide, the preferred alternative is dexamethasone 4 mg taken four times daily. Unlike acetazolamide, dexamethasone must be tapered gradually upon arrival at altitude; since there is a risk that altitude sickness will occur as the dosage is reduced. Travel to high altitudes is generally not recommended for those with a history of heart disease, lung disease, or sickle cell disease.
We however recommend that you visit your physician and/or a medical travel clinic.*** | |
| Ayacucho |
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Founded in 1540 with the name San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga.The city was re-baptized by Simon Bolivar in 1825 as Ayacucho, in homage to the battle that put an end to the Spanish domination. The province is located in the South-Central sierra of the Andes.
The city of Ayacucho, capital of the province, is one of the most remarkable colonial urban settlements. Known as "Sevilla Peruana" for its religious festivities of Semana Santa (Holly Week) and "Ciudad de las Iglesias" (city of the churches) for its several temples and beautiful houses of European style. Beautiful houses with ample patios and valious museums constitute interesting tourist centers.
It is interesting to visit its 33 colonial churches of renaissance baroque and mestizo styles, with stone fronts and insides carved in wood and covered with layers of precious metals.
The handicrafts of Ayacucho, some of the best of Peru, are admired all over the world. Its reredoses with every-day-life scenes are popular (made of alabaster with lime figures), the wooden crosses with the symbols of the passion of the Christ, the fine weaving of alpaca and vicuña wool, the stone sculptures of Huamanga and the jewelry in silver filigree.
Located at 450 km South -East of Lima
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| How to get there |
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Lima-Ayacuhco
Bus
Cruz del Sur insure daily transport to Ayacucho. The bus normaly leaves at 9:30 pm for a long 10 hrs trip. Buses are great and basic drinks and food is generally provided. This route is busy, so we recommend that you book your ticket at least one day in advance. You can also book online at: http://www.go2peru.comPrice: Arount $ 35 US
Please note that you will be asked to present your passeport or a copy at the station to buy your ticket. To avoid showing your original passport, you can make copies of it before leaving your country.
Buses and services are positively surprising comparaly to other latin America's country. A bus attendant is on to serve you matte de coca and sometimes some snacks! Most of the buses have tv and will play movies.
Flights
National companies offers flights betweenmajor cities like Lima, Ariquipa, Cusco, Puno, Ayacocho, etc. In each city, you will easily find sales offices. Aero Condor offers flights from Lima to Ayacucho but also from most of the cities mentionned above. Flight duration is about 1hr between all cities and cost is between $ 100 and $150 US one way. A great option to consider to save time on short vacations. | | |
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