Global Health and Nutrition Volunteering in the Andes

What is the Global Health and Nutrition Volunteering in the Andes project all about?

Come to Peru and volunteer on a global health and nutrition project in the Andes.  Work with a project that reaches out to the rural communities around Cusco to provide health support.  In high altitude rural communities the reliance on potato crops results in high levels of malnutrition, and lack of general health education leads to many easily avoidable problems. Work alongside a rural nurse visiting villages to provide workshops, education sessions and help to run a feeding program within the schools.  Global health and nutrition volunteering in the Andes is a great way to support local efforts to improve the quality of lives in the extended Cusco area.

Why choose this Global Health & Nutrition Volunteering project?

For local communities, the ability to learn about health issues and ways to live healthier lifestyles within a local context gives people the ability to take control of their well-being. The feeding program not only provides a nutritious meal for children, but teaches communities what they need to cook for themselves, as well as help them set up greenhouses in which to grow more diverse produce. Workshops in areas from dental hygiene to sexual health provide additional knowledge. For volunteers with any background in health, the sharing of their knowledge can provide great long-term benefits for the communities, while providing an immersive experience and insight into the health challenges of Andean families.

Role of the Healthcare Volunteer

Volunteers on this projects will work alongside the community nurse preparing and delivering health workshops to the communities. Those with a nutrition background will focus on the feeding program, and help is needed to develop new recipes from cheap and available local ingredients. Those with nursing or medical backgrounds can help with clinics and home visits, especially to those families with disabled or elderly members. Those with other health skills will work to shape their placement. A medical clinic runs twice a year in June and October and volunteers can get involved with these if working during this period.

What skills do I need to be a Healthcare Volunteer in the Andes?

This project requires a few specific skills for participation.  An intermediate level of Spanish (level B1 Independent User on the CEFR) is required to communicate with patients and community members.  A background in any field of health or nutrition is also requested.  Your level and area of knowledge will shape your placement, so please discuss this with our advisors. The placement is especially looking for nurses, nutritionists, dental practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists and health educators as you can pass on their knowledge in an educational capacity.  Qualified professionals and students in the fields stated are welcome to apply as this is a non-hands on or treatment placement.  Professional registration with the Peruvian Medical Council is not required.

Volunteers will need to be happy working in a small team or independently where needed, but will always be accompanied by a nurse on community visits. Communities are found 1-3 hours outside the city and will require travel on public and private transport to carry out the work.  You will be asked to attend a telephone interview before being accepted onto this project and to provide a full CV/Resume.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. In the case of Cusco projects, you will remain in a hotel for the first 3 nights of your placement before joining your host family. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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