Cusco is a region in southeastern Peru that lies in the middle of the Andes. The AMIGOS Staff headquarters is in the city of Cusco which is the capital of the region and the historical Inca capital of the country. Host communities are throughout the Urubamba Valley (or Sacred Valley of the Incas) and the surrounding mountains. In schools children learn Spanish and Quechua, the indigenous language of the Andean region.

Our Work in Cusco: 

I. Community-Service: Collaborate with community members  (e.g. building a community library, repainting a school, or organizing a cultural festival

II. Extra-curricular activities: Facilitate a variety of games and lessons for children and organize community fairs focused on community health topics.

III. College Division Discussion Sessions: Participate in regular discussion sessions led by the College Division supervisor, focusing on topics related to community development and the local organizations working within this field.

IV. Regional Excursions: Meet leaders of local organizations, governmental and non-governmental, and see their work first-hand.

V. Shadow-Day with the University of Cusco: Spend a day on campus with students from the University of Cusco with the opportunity to sit in on health related and other courses. 

About our partners in Peru

Ministry of Health (MINSA) – Peru:  AMIGOS works with the Department of Promoción de la Salud, a branch of MINSA, which encourages community participation and skills development in the delivery health services. 

CECADE: The Training Center for Development, provides vocational training for community members in the region of Yaurisque in the Department of Cusco, Peru. Areas of vocational training include carpentry, sustainable agriculture, crafts and small enterprise development. CECADE also provides training and support for teachers in elementary and high schools throughout the region.

University of Cusco, Peru - Hatun Ñan: The Hatun Ñan Program provides academic support for students of indigenous origin (Quechua, Aymara, and Amazónico) studying in the San Antonio Abad National University of Cusco. Students in this program are prepared to support AMIGOS volunteers in leading extracurricular activities and welcome volunteers to their campus for a shadow day.

FURTHER ACTIONS

Read more about Latin American youth in AMIGOS here.

Read more about our college divisions.