FIMRC - Project Le Merced
South AmericaAbout
Working on the edge of the Amazon rainforest with indigenous communities, this is a unique opportunity to get to know the culture and traditions of Amazonian life whilst witnessing vastly different medical systems to those used to western healthcare. During your stay you will help with providing essential medical assistance to the critically understaffed public hospital, treating preventable diseases and delivering health and hygiene education to the community.
A typical day
You will arrive at the public hospital for 9am to help with clinical observations and provide medical assistance where needed. After a busy morning you will return to your homestay or guesthouse for lunch before spending the afternoon helping to deliver health, hygiene and environmental workshops or visiting the native community in the surrounding areas. The type of work you will be given will depend on the immediate needs of the project, your skills, qualifications and length of placement.
Quick Facts
Experience or requirements – Open to all ages, education or professional backgrounds all that is required is an open mind and flexible attitude. Volunteering placements are subject to completion of application form, background checks and pre-volunteering interview if required.
Minimum Commitment – 1 Day
Working day – 8AM – 5PM Monday - Friday
Price – $1034-$1234 (approx £765-£900) per week
What’s Included? – Homestay or Guesthouse accommodation with telephone access and within walking distance to internet cafes, transportation, all meals, donation to project sites, in country support
Features
- Airport Transfers Included
- Rain Forest Location
- Eco Excursions and Tours
- Meals Included
- Accommodation Included
- Placement Transfers Included
Pricing
$1034-$1234 (approx £765-£900) per week
Includes accommodation, all meals and daily transportation
Your Accommodation
During your placement you will be provided with a room in a local guesthouse or homestay accommodation giving you a chance to live within the community and make lasting friendships with your host family. Evening meals and telephone access will be provided through by your hosts during your stay. Each accommodation is located within walking distance to local internet cafes
Accommodation nearby
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About The Area
La Merced is a culturally diverse city surrounded by mountains and populated by the indigenous communities of Ashaninka, Yanesha & Amuesha peoples. The mix of indigenous Amazonian communities gives the area an eclectic mix of culture, beliefs and traditions.
Many of the health issues within the area are related to the Amazonian location and are entirely preventable through basic hygiene and healthy living. Hospitals and clinics in the area are critically understaffed and as a result struggle to deliver basic medical care.
La Merced is often referred to as the gateway to the Amazon and there are plenty of opportunities to experience the rich diversity of the rainforest as well as getting to know the traditional practices of indigenous communities. During your days off you will have the chance to take excursions out to waterfalls, white water rafting and jungle trekking to witness the abundant wildlife that inhabit the forests.
FIMRC can provide a wide range of cultural immersion experiences and excursions and will provide detailed information on activities upon completion of your application.
Map
Activities and Nearby Adventures
- Cultural Activities
- Guided Jungle Treks
- Hiking
- Volunteering
- Language Lessons
- Eco Excursions & Tours
Meet the hosts
FIMRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of families through education and outreach programmes, providing much needed medical support and disease prevention to some of the poorest communities worldwide.
How To Get There
La Merced is located in Junin region 220km northeast of Lima. Due to the remote location pick up and drop offs will be arranged and provided by FIMRC.
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