Colegio de Niños Especiales

About the place

A state special-education school with over 40 years serving children with intellectual, hearing and multiple disabilities. 90% of its 210 students (aged 3 to 22) come from low-income families. In 2015 they opened a modern 37-room building with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to the Regional Government. They have 24 teachers, 3 coordinators, a psychologist, a social worker and a physical therapist, all highly trained.

Why they need volunteers

The budget does not cover the staff these students need. With severe and multiple disabilities, every extra pair of hands in the classroom, workshops or therapies changes a child’s day. Teachers and students welcome volunteers with enormous gratitude.

What you will help with

• Day to day in the classroom (preschool and primary)
• Occupational workshops: carpentry, bakery, music
• Support in physical therapy
• Speech therapy sessions
• Sensory stimulation
• Psychomotor modules
• Bring new ideas for the kids

A typical day

In the mornings you are assigned a classroom, where you help with the daily program and extracurricular activities, always with a staff member. You can also support the workshops, physical therapy or speech therapy until pickup at 13:00. Mid-morning there is snack and recess; students have lunch at home.

What we ask of you

All we ask is goodwill and readiness to work with the children and teachers. Language is not a problem. Bring comfortable clothes and an apron if you have one.

Getting there from the volunteer house

The school is in an easy-to-reach neighborhood: 5 minutes by bus (S/ 1.20) or a 20-minute walk. Taxi between S/ 7 and S/ 8.