Wawa Wasi

Well, there's only a week to go and it's time for me to get myself organised! A week seems like a long time, but I know it's going to go really quickly and that as usual I'll run out of time and will be racing around right up to the last minute! So in case I don't have much more time for blogging - here are a few details about what I'm going to be doing. I've finally received details of my main placement, which will be at Wawa Wasi. There will be opportunities to get involved in other initiatives once I'm there, and I'll try to keep you posted as things evolve, but for the time being, here are the details that I've been sent so far ...

See also link to UNICEF site on the right-hand column, with a bit more info.

Hazel Geatches
October 29, 2006

Work Assignment: Wawa Wasi

Background to the organization
Wawa Wasi (Wawa = Baby and Wasi = House, in Quechua) is a community initiative to provide daycare services for families living in extreme poverty. In most cases the caretaker lends a room in her home to be used for educational and recreational activities for some 9 infants and children aged 9 months - 4 years. The government provides some educational materials and hot meals for the children as well as a small stipend for the caretaker. Wawa Wasi is run entirely by the community.

Volunteer Duties
To facilitate educational and recreational activities, including good practices in sanitation and primary health care, for infants and children aged 6 months-3 ½ years, as well as for their caretakers. Other activities include playing with the kids, teaching educational games, helping to feed the children and putting them to sleep.

Useful Supplies
Pictures of self and significant others for "show and tell" activities;
Children’s books with bright pictures;
Papers, crayons, colouring books and/or any other material for crafts activities; Magazines, brochures, and any piece of regalia (to help introduce your regular environment to the clients and colleagues at your partner organization).
Ideas for games to play with the kids.

Important Volunteer Attributes
Tolerance to uncertainty and a sense of humour;
Willingness to overcome difficulties when working in a different language;
Ability to interact with disadvantaged kids;
A lot of creativity.

Your Volunteer Assignment
As part of the Cross-Cultural Solutions Program your work assignment provides the opportunity for you to work with a local grassroots organization in Ayacucho. During your time as a volunteer we hope you will develop an insight into Peru and the development issues that Peruvian’s face on a daily basis.
You have been assigned according to your background, skills and interests. The placement process is flexible and we encourage two-way feedback between staff and volunteers. Please communicate with the Director in order to maximize your work assignment and your time in Ayacucho.

Nearly there

I'd like you to meet Peru Pig. OK, so I've had a bit of spare time on my hands recently! Peru Pig has been helping me save my pennies and collect sponsorship for the trip, and your sponsorship has been truly amazing! I have been incredibly touched by all your contributions, best wishes, and encouragement. So far I've collected nearly £2,500, enough to fund working 10 weeks in Ayacucho, which is fantastic!

For those interested in the breakdown of costs involved, there's a one-off fee of about £1,000 for the first two weeks going towards project overheads, coordination, volunteer placement, project development, etc., then it costs about £150 per week for board & lodging, transport, coordination, general support, etc. I'll be funding my own flights, vaccinations, insurance and any other expenses.

More soon, once I know exactly what I'll be doing!