Sinsicap Service Learning Program in Peru, 2010

Sinsicap Service Learning Program in Peru

JUNE 22 – JULY 23, 2010

Program participants and local community members

Program Description: The Sinsicap Service Learning Program is a month-long volunteer project on the North Coast of Peru with the non-profit organization, MOCHE, Inc. Project members will work with community members of Collambay, a small rural community in the Sinsicap Valley. Community projects include improving community buildings, (such as the elementary school and Plaza de Armas), developing eco-friendly latrines, organizing a public health fair and conducting an informal public health survey. In addition, project members will build a sustainable trail to Cerro Huancha, an archaeological site adjacent to Collambay. MOCHE is working with the community to protect and develop Cerro Huancha, a prehistoric hilltop town occupied from 200 BC to AD 1470. The North Coast of Peru in an area well known for its Pre-Columbian cultures. With a sustainable trail, this site will be a tourist draw to the region. Students work 5 days a week, with tours of archaeological sites and cultural activities on Saturdays; Sundays are free. Group meals are provided 6 days a week. The program begins and ends in Huanchaco, Peru, a coastal town located just outside of the city of Trujillo. Weekends will be spent in Huanchaco. Simbal and Huanchaco offer renowned archaeological sites, hiking in the Andes Mountains, world-class surfing, and beaches.

Location: The program is based in Simbal, a quaint colonial town, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Students live at a hostel in town, just off the Plaza de Armas and will commute daily to the pueblo of Collambay.

MOCHE, Inc: MOCHE is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving archaeological sites and helping poor communities in Peru. It was founded in 2007 by Brian Billman and Jesus Briceño. Combined they have over 50 years of archaeological experience in Peru. Their goal is to create 10 community-based archaeological reserves in the Moche Valley in the next 10 years. MOCHE partners with local communities and assists them in development projects and the creation of archaeological reserves.

Costs: $2,340* covers all lodging, 3 meals a day, 6 days a week, orientation and educational workshops, guided tours, supplies for development projects, transportation Huanchaco-Simbal-Collambay, and all site and museum entrance fees.

Application: Enrollment is open to anyone over the age of 18. There are no prerequisites; Spanish is not required. Space is limited to 12 students.

Deadline: April 19, 2010; if not filled by this date we will continue to take applications.

For Applications and Information:

* The quoted cost is based on prices and exchange rates as of January 2010. The costs and details of the program itinerary are subject to change.

Student volunteers speak with a woman A day in the Sinsicap Valley: Students with the Sinsicap Service Learning Program speak with a community member to collect public health data MOCHE logo