Name: CASA, Centers of Assistance

Category: Social Assistance

Who We Help: Children between the ages of six and twelve and their families living in extreme poverty.

Objective:

• Improve the quality of life of children in the rural areas of the Mantaro Valley

• Offer protection, education, and attention to the children of working parents in a safe environment so that the children can develop skills through education, art, sports, science, spirituality, and computers, among others.

Program Description: The center of assistance of Expand Peru, CASA, is concerned for children living in extreme poverty in the rural areas of the Mantaro Valley. It is an important resource that helps families balance work with family life. To the children, this program offers games, company, cultural activities, sports, and, foremost, education that responds to the most immediate needs of each one.

CASA, Centers of Assistance, are social institutions with great benefits for society, family, and children at an individual level. They can be understood as centers of assistance, education, recreation, formation, and protection.

What it Offers:

• The opportunity to learn how to protect the children from physical and social risks that can leave them lonely.

• Promotes a social world and relationships giving the opportunity to relate with adults that are not teachers or parents.

• A safe place to play and make friends during the time they would spend alone while their parents worked.

• Instills personal and academic development that creates a strong self esteem and confirmation as capable, free, and independent people.

What Happens in CASA?

• Offers an informal education while doing a variety of activities including education, art, and culture, among others.

• Raises awareness about society and taking care of the environment.

• Gives the children the tools they need to do their school work (assistance, materials, books, etc.)

Children’s Activities:

• Educational, recreational, and productive activities

• Reading and writing

• Languages (English)

• Art- Painting, drawing, etc.

• Science, geography, mathematics, etc.

• Group games

• Sports

• Music and dance

• Help with school work

• Develop physical and mental health

• Learn social skills and friendship

• Learn good hygiene habits

Work with the parents

• Productive activities

• Work ideas

• How to start and administrate a business

• Training

• Nutrition and diet

• Sexual education

• Literacy

Finances: CASA, Centers of Assistance, of Expand Peru is financed through the unselfish collaboration of people and institutions.

Characteristics of a Volunteer:

• Volunteers are people with a spirit of service, are creative, have sensitivity for human pain, high moral values, good interpersonal relationships, a social conscience, and practice solidarity, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, discipline, strong communication skills, and concern for the development of self and others.

• The volunteers can serve as coordinator or instructor. It depends on their capabilities.

• Volunteer Work:  Through your work as a volunteer you can develop the program in several ways. There are many options. We only require your interest in helping and a lot of creativity:

• Offer attention to the children.

• Education is an important part of this project. The children need help with their schoolwork.

• The children need to know their rights. They need to learn their moral values and ethics like respect, tolerance, and honesty, among others.

• Teach the children personal hygiene and cleanliness.

 Important: All volunteers receive assistance, work materials, accreditation, and certification from our organization.

Requirements:

• Passport

• Minimum age of 18 years old

• Application

• Digital Photograph

Dates: All months

Minimum Length of Volunteer Work: One month

Work Schedule:  At least 4 hours per day

Free Time: Volunteers work Monday through Friday and have weekends free to rest, read, visit different tourist attractions in the area, go on excursions, or take one of the courses organized by Expand Peru.

If you would like to donate to this program, please see our donations page under “Help from Home”.