Red Uniendo Manos Peru (the ¨Peru Joining Hands Network¨) is an ecumenical network formed by eight Peruvian non-government organizations (NGO) and churches located throughout Peru. Its mission is to accompany vulnerable and marginalized populations, identify common root causes of oppression, and organize for systemic change. In this work the network seeks to ensure the full participation of women, indigenous and African-Peruvian populations, impoverished rural and urban communities, and youth and young adults.
Program Description
Young Adult Volunteers in Peru serve with one of the eight NGO´s and churches that form the Red Uniendo Manos Peru. Each YAV is placed based by the Site Coordinator based on interests, needs and skill sets. To facilitate immersion into the local culture and to strengthen community ties, each YAV lives with a host family.
Site Coordinator
Jenny Valles is originally from Moyobamba in the high jungles of Peru. Upon finishing her studies, she settled in Lima where she lives now with her husband, Jed, and their son Thiago. Jenny has been the YAV Site Coordinator in Peru since 2013. Listen below as Jenny describes the Peru YAV program in just two words!
LEARN MORE by selecting an option from the green bar above! Details on Intentional Community Living, YAV Blogs, Placement Opportunities & Requirements can be found.
Intentional Community Living
Learning to build relationships in intentional community is a hallmark of the YAV year in Peru. One of the primary communities that sustains each YAV in Peru is the host family. Each YAV will live with a Peruvian family in the town or city where they are serving. Listen to Peru YAV alum, Kristen, speak about her experience of living with a host family. Watch
A second community that is instrumental to the daily life of each YAV is the community formed through the work site placement. Listen to Peru YAV alum, Juliana, speak about the impact of building relationships with co-workers and others in the town where she served. Watch
A third community that provides emotional and spiritual support is the Peru YAV community. Even though the YAVs in Peru live apart from one another in different regions of the country, developing intentional community among themselves is an integral part of the year of service. This community is formed and fostered during an initial 10-day orientation upon arrival to Peru, led by the site coordinator. Also, the YAVs gather three times throughout the year for week-long retreats led by the site coordinator. When the YAVs are not together in one place, they maintain regular communication with each other and the site coordinator through group chats, email and other accessible technologies.
Blogs
Young Adult Volunteers (YAV) is a service and leadership development program through the World Mission division of the PC(USA). Young adults serve for one year in the U.S. or internationally, in areas such as fair trade or environmental issues, and have the opportunity to experience Christianity in a new culture. YAVs are between ages 19 and 30. Check out the YAV program blog here.
The following work placements in Peru are available for the 2021-22 YAV year. Scroll to the bottom to hear from a Peru YAV alum talk about fitting in to the workplace.
Iglesia Presbiteriana Casa de Dios
House of God Presbyterian Church
This position is based in Lima. Through the organizing and supporting of soup kitchens and food distribution, the House of God Presbyterian Church is addressing food insecurity exacerbated by the global pandemic. Learn more about their work in this video: Watch
Centro de Desarrollo de la Mujer Negra Peruana (CEDEMUNEP)
Center for the Development of the Black Peruvian Woman
This position is based in Lima. The economic, health and social impacts of the global pandemic have been felt acutely by the African-Peruvian community. CEDEMUNEP works to organize and empower Black Women while also addressing structural and systemic racism in Peru. Learn more about their work at the following links: FacebookBlog
Nuevo Amanecer Juntos
New Dawn Together
This position is based in Tomay Kichwa, Huanuco. During the global pandemic, Peru has seen a significant increase in violence against women and children. Nuevo Amanecer provides safe shelter and rehabilitation for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse and advocates for gender equality in society. Learn more about their work at the following links: Learn more
Escuela de Sordos en San Martin
School for Deaf in San Martin
This position is based in Moyobamba, San Martin. Access to education has been greatly limited for vulnerable populations due to the global pandemic. Among the most vulnerable are impoverished and disabled communities. The School for the Deaf in the high jungle region of San Martin teaches sign language while also organizing families to address the inequities of the public education system. Learn more about their work in this video: Watch
NOTE: Other work placements in Peru may open as needs arise.
Fitting in to the Workplace
Peru YAV alum, Daniel, shares his experiencing of integrating into his work placement by learning to depend on the grace of his co-workers and always saying, ¨Yes!¨ Watch
Requirements
Age: 21-29
Education: College degree required
Other: A basic level of Spanish speaking skills is expected, but special consideration will be given to a motivated volunteer with little or no Spanish language skills. A volunteer’s Spanish abilities will be assessed during an interview with the Site Coordinator.
