Volunteer: Rethinking Energy Access: Empowering Peruvian Coastal Communities through Sustainabl[...]

Overview

Discover a life‑changing opportunity with our surfing‑inspired sustainable development non‑profit organization driving change in impoverished Peruvian coastal communities. Across Peru, rural communities either lack energy access or have an unreliable grid connection that leads to frequent blackouts, impacting their ability to thrive. We are revolutionizing the way people access energy by engaging with communities from day one, truly understanding their energy needs and working with them to arrive at a sustainable solution.

Accomplishments

• Installation of a 13.04 kWp Microgrid in Justo Pastor, Nazca, giving this isolated community access to energy for the first time, establishing an energy committee and empowering them to maintain and grow their system.
• Installation of an 11.28 kWp system for a Medical Center in Talara, Piura. This is the second of a series of Resilient Medical Centers we will be implementing in the coming years. These systems safeguard vaccines, other vital medication and also help power key operation areas of the Medical Centers.
• Design and implementation of several improved cookstoves for clean cooking access and respiratory health with local families using bioconstruction techniques.
• Currently working on the implementation of several clean energy projects in the region, including Resilient Medical Centers, Household PV installations, Free energy consultations and several others.

What You Stand to Gain

• Enhance your CV with hands‑on professional experience managing sustainable projects for an international development NGO, making a tangible impact in vulnerable communities.
• Collaborate with experienced and passionate people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, fostering valuable connections and broadening your horizons.
• Immerse yourself in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, embracing the unique culture and endless summer vibes as you contribute to meaningful change.

Experience & Responsibilities

• Design innovative renewable energy solutions and implement enhancements to existing systems, leveraging your creativity and technical skills.
• Spearhead research efforts and devise relevant mechanical and electrical solutions for the construction of solar distillers, improved cookstoves and other potential renewable energy devices.
• Collaborate directly with our Director of Renewable Energy and Renewable Energy Supervisor to manage project budgets, honing your financial planning and resource management abilities.
• Contribute to the hands‑on installation work and maintenance of projects, ensuring their long‑term success and sustainability.
• Drive crowdfunding campaigns to secure essential funding for new energy projects, sharpening your marketing and outreach expertise.
• Participate in educational seminars led by our experienced directors, exploring diverse topics such as international development, NGO/social enterprise management, marketing, research techniques, and more, expanding your knowledge base.

Logistics

Getting to us is a breeze! With daily flights from Lima to Talara, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and whisked away directly to Lobitos, ensuring a seamless journey to your home‑away‑from‑home. During your stay with us, you’ll be provided with airport transportation and private accommodation at one of Lobitos’ best hotels. All meals will be provided, and once per week you will be treated to a restaurant of your choice (gastronomic tour of the locality). You will also have access to one extracurricular activity per week for free: surfing, yoga, Capullas Caves visit, fishing with local fishermen, jiu‑jitsu class, kayaking out to sea, etc., all included in your financial contribution.

Costs & Inclusions

• Private accommodation, all meals + weekly restaurant experience.
• A weekly extracurricular activity.
• Airport pickup & transfer to project.
• All project‑related activities.
• Premium Support Package with 24/7 support.

Exclusions: Flights, visas (if applicable), vaccinations, travel insurance, personal spending and any extra activities. The cost of the programme is 2150 for the first 2 weeks; enquire with us for longer stays.

Note: all information above is subject to change.