Cusco, Peru – Volunteer Construction of an Orphanage.

Project Background:

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) has recently presented an opportunity for me to take part in the construction of an orphanage in Cusco, Peru. A city just on the fringe of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cusco, a city of nearly 300,000 people is located approximately 3,500m (11,500 ft) above sea level. The program offers accomodations to live in a homestay-type situation in a Peruvian home right in the heart of the city.

The construction projects will vary between construction and/or renovation of a local childcare project. Some of the day to day tasks will include various concrete construction methods, production of adobe bricks by using the dirt excavated from the site, the re-use of nearby metal building materials for the roof and siding and various interior construction improvements to the bones of the building, as well as the finished interior surfaces.

I beleive that by stepping back from my professional career to extend a helping hand to a community desparately in need of improved childcare buildings, will not only be a very rewarding personal experience, but also see the many different interconnections between culture, construction and architecture.

My Goal:

The trip will be commencing on February 1st, 2013, and I am hoping to reaching my goal of raising $1500.00 CAD by the end of January 2013.

The money raising in this process will contribute to the cost to volunteer with an gloabally recognized organization. The costs associated to volunteer includes a donation to construction project itself, the Global Network Organization and to the generous family willing to accomodate me with a place to stay and even prepare three meals a day.

About Me:

I am currently an Intern Architect and working out of Ottawa, Ontario. During my previous travels, I usually tend to take the path (or region) often less tavelled. Whether it is walking for miles in a major city such as Los Angeles, riding a scooter into the depths of the Las Vegas' suburbs, or even travelling 400km by Canoe down the Yukon river to Dawson City, I live for the spontaneous cultural and architectural happenings that arise during the adventure of the trip. I believe that this opportunity to submerge myself into a rich foreign culture while taking part in the local construction methods will be beneficial to my professional and personal experiences.

I greatly appreciate any help that you can provide and I look forward to following up with you on my experiences.

Should you any questions relating to this about this program please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.

Thank-you,
Eric