Chocco Project

The Chocco project is concentrated on the youth group, Qoriwaynacuna who are now a recognized organization in Peru. With our help this group hes been introducing supplementary projects for the community such as:

Specific Chocco projects:

1. with children:

1.1. Health:

1.1.1. Washing hands & Taking care of teeth program:

In the past, we have had volunteers work with children in this area. We are positive that the children have understood our message. However, we would like to reach the parents as well. Volunteers are needed in this area to create consciousness about washing hands and take care of teeth to not only the children but also the adult population.

1.2. Education: Only teaching English.

1.2.1. Teaching English:

Volunteers have been teaching English to the children of the kindergarten and to the children from the primary school. We would like to continue this work, however it is very important that we have a clear objective and goal while doing so. For example, if the children within the community are able to learn English, they will have the opportunity to interact at a greater level with the tourists who enter the community. Additionally, this knowledge of English could lead to other opportunities in regards to their future education or employment.

1.3. Generation of micro business: No activities with this group.

1.4. Environmental management of resources:

1.4.1. Generating environmental conscience

Volunteers in the past have planned community clean-ups as well as specific days or campaigns to clean the local river. Additionally, some have worked on raising awareness in regards to the three ¨R´s¨ (reduce, reuse, recycle). We have even had children plant trees within the community.

2. with teenagers and young adults:

2.1. Health:

2.1.1. Water purification with the SODIS method and the slow sand water purification system.

The SODIS method and the slow sand water purification system are alternative ways to purify the water which is accessible to the community. The water is chlorinated. However, we are aware that this has not been sufficient due to the way in which the water is distributed throughout the area. We would like to provide new and easy ways for the community to obtain clean drinking water. We have observed children drinking directly from the tap. This can cause a variety of health related issues such as diarrhea.

2.1.2. The rocket stoves:

We are implementing, house by house, the well known rocket stoves. These stoves are an alternative to the ones already used in the community. This project is especially interesting because we are attacking two different issues. Firstly, these new stoves will improve the family´s health by reducing their exposure to smoke created by the traditional stoves. Additionally, the implementation of this project will also reduce the cutting down of trees within the community.

2.2. Education: Related to health issues but not to the educational system.

2.3. Generation of micro business:

2.3.1. The Cuy (Guinea Pig) farm:

The cuy (guinea pig) is a widely consumed animal in Peru. We have succeeded in building a house of cuyes. The next step is the implementation of this business within the community. Currently, we have 31 cuyes and are working hard to increase this number for the local, national and international markets. We would like to train the local teenagers in marketing and other technical aspects in regards to raising the cuyes in order to sell them to surrounding markets.

2.3.2. The Re-using project:

We have made wallets out of juice and milk cartons as well as market bags and ladies hand bags out of recycled plastic bags. We would like to find a market in which we can sell these items.

2. 3. 4. Hikes and camping in the Chocco Community:

This project was started in 2007 with local teenagers. Since then, tourists have been brought into the community in order to learn more about living in a rural part of Cusco. This has proved to be a great alternative to the frequented treks and tourist activities. Currently, one of the local teenagers serves as a guide for these tourist groups. Recently, we have had tourist groups come into the community and hike through the beautiful landscape. Additionally, they were able to visit many of the micro businesses such as the joyeria (where local jewelry is made), the cuy house and finally the production of leather handicrafts. Tourists were even able to make their own leather bracelet when visiting this project.

At the moment we need in this project:

-An expert in graphic design.

-An expert in small business development. 

2.4. Environmental management of resources:

Volunteers in the past have planned community clean-ups as well as specific days or campaigns to clean the local river. Future volunteers would be able to create similar projects to generate awareness with regards to the environment.

This project is available all and every year. 

Basic requeriment for volnteers: training program