Peru Outreach

This Community Empowerment Trip takes place in Lima, Peru - the home city of MEDLIFE HQ. MEDLIFE’s work in Lima focuses on the human settlements, or “pueblos jovenes” in the outskirts of Lima, where almost 1 million people live in impoverished conditions. These communities consist of small shacks built into the precarious rocky hillsides around Lima and they often lack access to basic services like running water and electricity.

 

In 2020, the entire city was badly hit by COVID-19, but these low-income communities suffered the brunt of the pandemic. With most families living hand-to-mouth on wages from informal jobs, months of strict lockdowns brought financial hardship and food insecurity. During this time, MEDLIFE's COVID-19 relief effort helped ensure families didn’t go hungry -- but there is still an ongoing lack of healthcare access.

 

During your trip, you will explore Lima alongside MEDLIFE staff, visit our partner communities, and learn about our Patient Follow-Up Program. We will also have a chance to explore different areas of Lima and see first-hand the inequalities throughout the city. This experience will help you gain a global perspective and learn how you can make a positive impact both at home and abroad.

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ITINERARY

Day 1 | Welcome to Peru

Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), where you will be greeted by a MEDLIFE staff member who will transport all volunteers from the airport to the hotel in the Miraflores district. They will help you check-in and answer any questions you may have about your upcoming week.

 

Day 2 | Journey through history

We will begin the day with a Welcome Meeting to review our itinerary, discuss safety precautions, and get to know the MEDLIFE team. We will then head out for an Orientation Walk in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most upscale districts. You will notice the drastic wealth inequality when compared to the areas visited during the Reality Tour.

 

In the afternoon, we will head to the LUM Museum (Museum of Tolerance and Inclusion) to gain insight into some of Peru’s darkest moments from the recent past.

 

Day 3 | Reality Tour

After breakfast in the hotel, we will depart for the Reality Tour for your first immersive experience in the urban settlements where MEDLIFE works. While in the communities, we will hold our first Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion to talk about the harsh realities of living in these settlements.

 

In the evening, we will have dinner at the hotel before experiencing Lima’s bohemian side with a Walking Tour through the colorful streets of Barranco.

 

Day 4 | Mobile Clinic Volunteering

Wake up bright and early for your first day of volunteering on a Mobile Clinic! Staffed by local practitioners, our clinics offer basic medical treatment and preventative screenings to low income patients.

 

After returning to the hotel in the afternoon, we will hold our second Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion, focusing on the relationship between poverty and healthcare.

 

After dinner, we will head to Lima’s Magic Water Circuit, where music, water, and laser lights are combined to create an impressive show.

 

Day 5 | Mobile Clinic Volunteering

Help MEDLIFE bring free healthcare to low-income communities with another day of volunteering on a Mobile Clinic. Upon arrival, we will work together to set up each station. Volunteers will spend the morning shadowing medical professionals as they provide treatment and identify patients in need of follow-up care.

 

After two busy days in the field, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a documentary movie night later in the day.

 

Day 6 | Building Bridges Across Cultures

This morning we will head to the community of Union Santa Fe for our third Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion. We will learn about MEDLIFE’s work in bringing safe housing and infrastructure to families. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to connect with community members through a much beloved local activity: Soccer!

 

Continue to connect with local culture in the evening with an Afro-Peruvian Music and Dance Workshop. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie!

 

Day 7 | Development Project

Today, you will help bring a safe home to communities by working hand-in-hand with locals to build a staircase. This project will allow families to safely access their homes for years to come!  Before saying goodbye to the community, we will all come together to inaugurate a very special MEDLIFE project.

 

Day 8 | End Trip