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Volunteer FAQ
What does AYNI mean?In Peru there are several native languages, one of which is Aymara. Ayni is an Aymaran word and means "today for you, tomorrow for me". These words represent that we are not about just giving and teaching, but also about receiving and learning from the people that we work with. It's an exchange of knowledge and customs, of dreams and hopes. What teaching experience, education and skills do I need to have?You need to have a can-do attitude as well as be fluent in both spoken and written English. Other than that, we don't look at experience, level of Spanish or education as much as we do on personality, interest and intention. Age and education have nothing to do with your ability to make an effort and contribution to Ayni. It is, however, very important that volunteers are stable enough themselves to be able to give and generate energy to the projects and the people around them, rather than absorbing it themselves. The environment that we work in is not the place for volunteers to deal with their own traumatic experiences; we have to put all our energy into the projects and maintain a positive spirit within the team. Having said that, of course we care about the well being of our volunteers: if it weren't for them the projects couldn't keep running, and we help each other out within the team. Do I need to know Spanish?Although Spanish makes life easier for everyone and will help you in communicating with the kids and families, it is not a prerequisite. However, you will need to learn Spanish while you are here. Usually classes cost 10 Soles per hour (US$3.50). How long should I stay?The school semesters in Peru run from April to July and from August to December. We prefer volunteers to stay for at least a full semester to sustain continuity and build a strong relationship with the children and community. This is not always realistic though, so even if you cannot come exactly at these times but can volunteer for at least three months, we are still interested in your application. Do I need to fundraise before I come?Ayni does not receive funds from any government, church, company or other organization. All money thus far has been raised by Margie Orsi, the founder, and the volunteers themselves. So, anything you can do to help raise funds is essential to our survival. However, it isn't a requirement. What is the currency in Peru?Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol. As of May 2006 the exchange rate is 3.30 Nuevo Soles to US$ 1, but check online for the current rate. There are automatic telling machines (ATMs) in Piura that accept VISA and MasterCard and Interact bank cards on the Cirrus/Maestro network. If you bring traveler's checks, stick to American Express in US dollars. You can only pay with US dollars in bigger department stores, hotels and some travel agencies so you will need to change money into Soles as soon as you arrive in Peru. What will my living expenses be like?We require a US$ 200 deposit, which you will get back when you have completed your volunteer time with us. Unlike many other organizations, we do not charge anything from you as a volunteer, but you pay for your own expenses. You will need to find your own accommodation but we will help you do so. It could be renting a room in a family house, sharing an apartment with other volunteers or independent living. Rent costs anything from 100-300 Soles (about $US 30-90) per month depending on quality, size and location of the residence. With rent, food and local travel expenses you will not spend more than (if even) $US 200-250 per month. It isn't difficult to live cheap in Piura with for example, two-course lunch specials for only 4-6 Soles (US$1-2), tickets to the cinema at 6 Soles ($2) and a nice cold beer at 2-4 Soles ($1-$1.50). Do I need to get shots or take medicine?See your family doctor or a travel doctor and they will tell you what you need to live in Peru. Some doctors recommend that apart from all the shots you need, you also have to take malaria pills while in all areas of Peru. Piura is generally not an affected area: few of our volunteers have taken malaria pills and none have had malaria - but this is a decision only you can make. Of course if you intend to travel to the jungle (Amazon) this is something you will need. What do I need to bring?FOR YOURSELF When packing clothes remember that Piura is in the desert, so it is hot all year round. During the winter months (June-August) the nights can get a little chilly, so bring some warmer clothes too. As for toiletries, food, electrics, bug spray, medicine, sun block... you can buy all of that here, so don't waste suitcase space by packing such things to last for your whole stay.
DONATIONS If you can bring an extra suitcase or bag apart from your own luggage, stuff it full of things for the kids, such as stickers, school supplies, trinkets, clothing, children's videos, candy, sports equipment (deflated balls, skipping ropes, frisbees and son on), books, whatever you can bring. The kids need absolutely everything! In terms of teaching resources we are always in need of more children's ready-to-use 'photocopiable' worksheets, flashcards and games to use in the classroom. With regards to school supplies, don't buy them, but bring the money and we can purchase them here. It is a lot cheaper and that way we'll support the local economy at the same time. What to bring Items that are useful to bring include...
Volunteers who are coming, if you already have material you want to bring, great! However, don't go out and buy school supplies, rather bring the money and we can purchase them here: we'll get a lot more for the money and we'll simultaneously support the local economy. How do I get to Piura from Lima?If your flight arrives at night, you will need to spend the night in Lima. We recommend a hostel called "Friends House" in Miraflores, (located at 368 Manco Capac, MIraflores, just off Larco. Tel:01-446-6248). It is safe and the owners are great. If you contact them in advance they can arrange to meet you at the airport for a small fee. You can either fly or take a bus to Piura. The flight takes about an hour and costs US$ 60-90. There is only one airline that flies from Lima to Piura: Lan Peru. The bus takes about 15 hours and costs 70-100 Soles ($US 20-30). There are many different bus companies to choose from but we recommend either Oltursa, Cruz del Sur or Ittsa. They are all modern and comfortable with reclining bed-seats, video, food and drinks included and a toilet onboard. You will need to buy your bus ticket at least a day before you plan to travel to make sure there is room. Where will I live?You will need to find your own accommodation in Piura but we will help you do so. There are always rooms available to rent in Piura. You can live with a family, find an apartment with other volunteers or rent an independent room. What is Piura like?Piura is a bustling city of about 300 000 citizens. It's in the northwest desert area and therefore hot and dry all year around. Some of Peru's most beautiful beaches are only one hour from Piura and easy to get to. In the city there are markets, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a cinema, a theatre, art exhibitions, gyms, museums, parks and much more. Piura is however somewhat off the tourist track and most visitors don't stop there, but pass by it on their way to or from Ecuador. Ayni volunteers are often the only 'gringos' (as they say here) and can attract a lot of attention. Many people relate Peru purely to the Andean colours, music and native culture with kids running around in ponchos and women wearing straw hats. While Piura is bursting with culture, it is not that one. What is the village that we work in like?Altos de los Mores, is a small poverty-stricken community where most families live in straw houses with dirt floors, which they share with not only their many family members but also with their animals. Although the majority of the people only eat one to two meals per day, this is not a starving community. Most families own a piece of land where they plant vegetables like corn and beans, and you can often estimate a family's wealth by how many and what type of animals they have. Many adults in Altos de los Mores, like in most other rural villages in Peru, are illiterate and have never attended school. The new generation, however, is slowly beginning to change that and will be a lot more educated, socially and environmentally aware, as well as more able to make their own decisions when they grow up. Peru is generally a male dominated country and this is especially noticeable in small places like Altos de los Mores. We in Ayni continuously try to teach the community that women and men have equal rights. This is not an easy task and the process is rather slow, but we do see positive changes amongst attitudes. Can I get a part time job to support myself?In most cases you can easily find part time work. There are always teaching jobs available and native English speakers are wanted everywhere. Most private institutes prefer experienced teachers and at least a three month commitment. You can also teach private classes to individual students. Usually teaching English privately pays 10 soles per hour. Please remember though that your volunteer work with us must always come before your paid job. It is also important not to rely on any part time job to fully finance your stay: you should have a reserve of savings to cover your expenses. Who is the founder, Margie Orsi, how was Ayni started?Margie Orsi is a local high school teacher from Markham, Ontario, Canada. Through teaching a course called "World Issues," Margie became more aware of the issues relating to poverty, social injustice and economic disparity between the developed and the developing world. The awareness of this injustice spurred her passion to make a difference in this world. If she was going to be an inspiring social advocate and educator she wanted to gain firsthand experience. This was coupled with the internal persistence to do humanitarian work. Having lived a rather privileged life, Margie felt obliged to contribute something to this world by putting her skills and talents to use. Having already visited Asia, Margie decided to go to South America to a country that was impoverished, interesting and culturally rich. She left work, not knowing any Spanish, with no volunteer organization in mind, traveling on her own with no concrete plans to Peru. Although many people said she was crazy and misdirected Margie believed that with her determination and convictions that she could make it work. She never imagined how difficult it was to find an organization to volunteer with, there were many limitations, stipulations, red tape and exuberant costs involved. In the end, although not intending to initially, Margie started an organization herself. A friend directed Margie to a small shanty village called Alto de los Mores. Upon arriving at the local primary school, she was taken a back by the love, interest and open arms that the children offered to her. Margie began teaching English at the primary school and slowly started creating other projects which responded to more imminent needs in the community. Eventually Ayni evolved into a group of volunteers from around the globe which ran a multitude of projects. Now in it's 6th year of operation with over 100 volunteers having participated in the projects, Ayni continues to be alive and well thanks to the humble donations of friends, family, students and strangers. While living in Piura-Peru and pouring her heart and soul into the community of Alto de los Mores, Margie fell in love with a Peruvian political activist. Ulises and Margie were married in 2002 in Alto de los Mores surrounded by friends, family over a thousand children and community members!! They now live in Canada with their two beautiful girls Maya and Alia, and visit Peru to work on their projects at least once a year. Margie continues to manage Ayni from afar in coordination with the on-site field directors (Raquel and Ruben) as well as advocate and fundraise for Ayni's recipients. |
