hello all fellow travelers!
my name is michelle, im from the US, and in 2005 i volunteered at the Aldea Yanapay which is an after-school haven for poor children from the surrounding areas of cusco. they also have a restaurant, the Cafe Restauran Aldea Yanapay, in Cusco, Ruinas 415 second floor and all the proceeds go to the program. this is a program started by a cusqueño, there is no government middle man, and the philosophy is education based on love. check out the website, and if you're in cusco, stop by the restaurant for info and/or a bite to eat. the food is great, the ambience is very original, and you're supporting a good cause.
there is info on the website about volunteering, and there is a new website under construction, i'll update when its ready.
I know this probably sounds like cheap publicity, but its not.. take the time in Cusco to see something really great that you won't find (yet) in your guidebook!
peace,
michelle
MIchelle... HOw many children do they serve? I am asking cuz i want to make a donation of books... and it would be great for each child to have their own beautiful book.. thank you
C
The website for Aldea Yanapay is
Here's a link to a wonderful description of the school, cafe and volunteer house, followed by an essay I wrote about my amazing experience volunteering for a month at Aldea Yanapay in Cusco, in 2007. If you're in Cusco, have a bite at the cafe, listen to live music at night, and stop by the school, if only for an afternoon, to help out and meet some great kids and international volunteers.
http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?13@168.mFZdcvehvyD^0@.ef2ead1
I heard about Aldea Yanapay on www.volunteersouthamerica.net... in all my research since then I have only heard good things about it.
I have applied to help there for 5 weeks this winter!! I am so exhilirated to think about being a part of it! I probably shouldn't jinx it, since they haven't confirmed with me yet, but I'm applyin quite early sooo, fingers crossed, I will be there January 10th. Michelle, how early did you apply? How long did you stay for? What kind of accomodation did you use? Thanks for the referral, it's nice to hear from returned volunteers!
Peace to all!
Julia
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