Volunteer abroad!

We are currently searching for volunteers to serve abroad, however if you are unable to serve the full year term we are requesting then we highly recommend Expand Peru as a volunteer option in Peru. Below is a description of the position.

Volunteer Position Description

Founded on the idea that health creates opportunities, MEJOR Communities is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote health awareness in rural areas of Peru. We believe that empowered youth have the great capacity to advance their futures and inspire others to do the same. Because of their unique position, we work to engage high school students with the implementation of our health education programs and projects, inspiring them to make a difference and better the world around them.

We are currently searching for individuals interested in serving as volunteers in a remote community in Peru for one year. Our in-country partner organization, Expand Peru will provide technical/project support. Training will be provided prior to travel in the city of Portland, OR. Couples are encouraged to apply.

Position Responsibilities:

You will be working for one year with a rural community in the Andes Mountains, managing a team of high-school aged Youth Health Advocates. Our education model begins with a series of classes and workshops to educate and get to know this group of students. During these classes, you will teach basic health topics such as first aid and nutrition, peer counseling techniques, and also project management skills like leadership, planning, and evaluation. The second stage of the project reinforces their newly acquired skills when the students put together a project of their own, addressing the specific health needs of their community. Projects in the past have included improved stovetops in households, a waste-management mural, and educational videos to be played at the health posts!

We are a constantly evolving organization and this position requires that you be flexible, patient, and determined. Also it is important that you be culturally aware and friendly. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be involved in the action of an international non-profit, making decisions and changing lives!

Volunteer will pay for airfare (at a discount rate through flyforgood.com) and appropriate international health insurance, while all other costs will be covered by MEJORC (food, lodging, materials, in-country travel, etc).

Position Qualifications:

Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish.

1-2 years experience working in rural/remote communities.

OR

1-2 years prior living experience in another country.

OR

1-2 years experience in community relations and/or teaching and/or community-building.

Applicant should be flexible, patient, and culturally aware, as well as determined, friendly, and responsible.

Please send resume and letter of interest to monica@mejorc.org by December 1st, 2011 (or ASAP) if you are interested.

Letter of interest should clearly answer the following questions:

1) Why are you interested in this volunteer position?

2) What is your experience with working in a grassroots environment, either abroad or locally?

3) What uniquely qualifies you as an advocate for youth leadership and health opportunities in a remote village of Peru?

Position to begin March, 2012. Training start date will be February 1st, 2012.

Previous Volunteer Testimony:

"It's been both challenging and amazingly rewarding and definitely one of the richest experiences of my life. It was one of those things that stretched you in so many ways, in some exciting, wonderful ways and in some really tough, uncomfortable ways, but all that made it so meaningful and important in my life. I hope that you know how much it means to have given us a chance to become part of a family like I did with Zoila and Isaac and Meli and to become so close with a community that is striving towards a better future for their young people. On our last night I really felt as if I was genuinely part of a very loving community. Some people cried at our despedida that we never expected to really mind too much one way or the other! And we all cried with our families. MEJORC and San Francisco are very close to my heart and I really hope to continue to be involved in MEJORC's work."
Valerie Scott

For more volunteer stories of the experience please see our blog at www.mejorc.wordpress.com.

If you have any questions, or for more information please contact monica@mejorc.org