Study Abroad and Volunteer in Lima, Peru

Hello! My name is Aubrey, and I am so excited to share about this opportunity to study and volunteer for a week in Lima, Peru in August 2022. In early 2020, I was accepted into a study abroad program through Adler University to spend three weeks in Nairobi, Kenya. However, due to COVID-19, that trip had to be canceled. Two years later, I have been invited to join another study abroad program through Adler, this time as an alum, to Lima.

While in Peru, my team and I will partner with Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope). "Peace and Hope is an organization that works in Latin America alongside individuals, families and communities in poverty, so that they can live with dignity, free from violence and injustice" (https://peaceandhopeinternational.org/about/).

Lima has been a destination for many Venezuelan refugees who have been displaced from their homes. Many of the people seeking refuge have found support through Peace and Hope. However, amid the trauma of displacement and the COVID-19 pandemic, joy has been challenging to access for many of the people who come to Peace and Hope for support. For this reason, my team and I will partner with the Peace and Hope staff to facilitate a family retreat. I will receive training about best practices for working with families experiencing various traumas and have opportunities to implement that training during my week in Lima. Our hope is for families to encounter joy through play, despite the immense difficulties they may face.

As thrilled as I am about this service-learning experience, I am hopeful to receive some financial support to cover the cost of this trip. If you are able to give in any way, please know that I am incredibly honored by and grateful for your support. I look forward to updating you on the impact of your contribution during and following my trip!